Leather Dye Instructions

LEATHERIQUE® LEATHER DYE #5

"Simply The Best Since 1968"

Leatherique® Leather Dye #5: Recolouring and Protection Guide for Leather/Faux/Vinyl

Prior to Use:

  1. The leather/Faux/Vinyl should have been prepared as per the Prepping Agent #3 method
  2. Test a small, inconspicuous area to confirm colour match
  3. Ideal Conditions: Temperature between 20 to 30°C with low humidity.

Required Materials:

  1. Leather Dye #5
  2. Clean container
  3. Paper Towel
  4. Nitrile / Latex Gloves

When dyeing leather, remember you're not painting it. Optimal results come from applying very thin coats of dye. During recolouring, a significant colour change shouldn't be evident until the third coat. If you notice a noticeable change earlier, it likely means you're applying the dye too thickly, resulting in a subpar outcome that might stay tacky and obscure the leather's grain.

Re-dye/Restoration/Recolouring with Blotting Technique: (Preferred Process)

Step 1:

Shake bottle well to ensure the pigments are well dispersed. Pour the Leather Dye #5 into a suitable container for thorough stirring, ensuring even pigment distribution due to settling. The pigment will require regular stirring. Alternatively you can work from the bottle shaking well.

Step 2:

  • Application Technique: Dampen a ball of paper towel with bottled water, then wring it dry. Shape the towel into a "powder puff" without any edges. Dip the "puff" lightly into the dye bowl to avoid excess. Using moderate pressure, wipe the surface in a circular motion or dab with the dye-soaked towel. Avoid back-and-forth motions to prevent streaking.
  • Start Small: Begin with a small, inconspicuous area to familiarise yourself with the product.
  • Drying and Additional Coats: Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying subsequent coats as needed.
  • Apply 2-3 extremely thin coats in all directions for optimal coverage.
  • Assess the need for additional dye application; if done correctly initially, repeat as necessary until satisfied. Several thin coats provide a more natural look than a single thick coat.

Step 3:

Though not particularly challenging, proceed slowly and carefully.

  • Allow the dye to cure overnight before applying Clear Coat #6 to protect it from oils from your hands.
  • Let the project sit untouched for 48 hours, as the dye will be fragile. After this period, you can reinstall your seats or interior.

Step 4: Final Touches

Allow the project to remain untouched for 48 hours.

  • Buff the leather surface with a soft cloth.
  • Remove imperfections with fine sandpaper.
  • Optionally, apply a thin film of Leatherique® Wax for lustre.

Regular Maintenance: Every twelve months, use Leatherique® Rejuvenator Leather Conditioner #1 and Leatherique® Pristine Clean #2 to preserve the leather's beauty.

Brush or Spray Application: (Alternate Process)

  1. Once the leather surface is clean and prepared, apply Leather Dye #5 using either a brush or spray method.
  2. Required Materials: Leather Dye #5, top-quality synthetic brushes (small for piping, wider for larger areas)
  3. Thin dye if necessary (max 20% with water). Adjust the dye consistency to prevent heavy colour buildup.
  4. Ideal Conditions: Maintain a temperature between 20 to 30°C with low humidity.
  5. Mixing Instructions: Pour the Leather Dye #5 into a suitable container for thorough stirring, ensuring even pigment distribution due to settling.
  6. Start Small: Begin with a small, inconspicuous area to familiarise yourself with the product.
  7. Application Technique: Start with seams, piping, and edges, allowing them to dry before proceeding to broader areas. Apply several thin coats in all directions for optimal coverage.
  8. Drying and Additional Coats: Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying subsequent coats as needed. For colour changes, additional coats may be necessary.
  9. Cleanup: Clean brushes and equipment promptly with soap and hot water.

Leather Care/Restoration/Re-dye with Airbrush: (Airbrush Process)

  • Follow the same mixing and thinning instructions as mentioned above.
  • Thinning Ratio: Thin Leather Dye #5 with hot bottled water, maintaining a fine mist consistency for spraying. (no more than 20%)
  • Apply 2-3 fine, dry mist coats, checking for build-up in seams and edges.
  • Clean equipment immediately after use with soap and hot water.

Additional Tips:

  • Consider applying Leatherique® Clear Coat for extra protection of steering wheels and gear knobs only.
  • Colour changes on leather are common and can be done effectively with proper prep work.
  • Prepping is crucial for achieving a natural and new-looking finish during the re-dye process.
  • Follow specific instructions for re-dyeing steering wheels, including prepping and application of Clear Coat #6 for protection.
  • Technical assistance is available by phone or email for any queries during your project.

These revised instructions aim to provide clear guidance for effectively recolouring and protecting leather surfaces using Leatherique® products.