Dying Leather

[NathanY]

I went to the wrecking yard this morning, looking for a bumper for my new project truck, and saw this totaled out Suburban, I got to looking at the interior and there where 2 leather bucket seats with my name on them. I could not believe the shape they where in. I went to the guy and asked him how much, and he said $100 so I said load them up. <br /><br />These seats are tan, and my interior is charcoal with dark blue vinyl dash and door panels. I was wondering if it would be possible to dye these seats. Oh they are soooooooo comfy. I really like these as compared to the bench seat that was in it.

 

[SS MAYFLOAT]

Re: Dying Leather

Nate, you could check with a Tack Shop. Someplace that deals with saddles and accessories for horses. I did leather work in high school and we stained our leather to color it. That was (yikes!) 30 years ago! Leather didn't intrest me that much since I had bad experiences with the principals leather butt strap! I didn't like the wood model either!<br /><br />If you can't find something at the tack shop, try a shoe cobbler. They will know what you may need.<br /><br />Good Luck and enjoy those comfy seats...

 

[Barlow]

Re: Dying Leather

another shot to take would be to call a custom interior shop. I had a nieghbor while growing up that did custom interiors (sewing, blah, etcetera) in Semi Tractors and show cars and remember Ray rebuilding a late 60's Firebird convertible that he changed colors on from that chevy grey/blue to fire engine red for his high school daughter(this was in the mid 80's). <br /><br />I happen to remember him using a spray-on product but, after a few years of wear and tear the red wore off in spots exposing that blue color ... I'm thinking there must be better products out today since this was nearly 20yrs ago.<br /><br />...thinking an interiors shop might have the scoup on the new and improved stuff .. but SS MAYFLOAT's Tack shop sounds like a good bet also.<br /><br />for what it's worth ...

 

[Link]

Re: Dying Leather

Nate in a word YES<br />However take them to someone like a leather or tack shop so they can take a look at the thread used and the vamp areas. (some times they use plastic) Then buy the brands they sell.<br /><br />Acetone<br />Plenty of clean rags<br />Leather Dye of choice Lincoln Leather Dye is just one <br />Leather baulm (sp)<br />Plenty of Elbow Grease<br /><br />Tomorrow I will call a friend who taught me how to dye but also is a big time custom car nut. There may extra steps on car seats. But I don't think so<br /><br />I'll post with all the steps tomorrow

 

[Link]

Re: Dying Leather

Called Karen today and this is how they do it.<br /><br />Step:1<br />Use white rags with acetone to remove all of the old color. When wiping with acetone and the rags no longer come away with color on them you can stop.<br /><br />Step:2 They use Lincoln brand<br />Use a liquid dye and color of choice. Small bottles will have a applicator with them. Disposable brushes would work well for car seats.<br /><br />Step:3<br />After the first coat dries, its back to rags and acetone again. Your of course not trying to take it all off again but it will show you where the dye didn't take as well.<br /><br />Repeat steps 2 and 3 until you have a even color with no light spots. Let it dry<br /><br />Step:4 They use NU-LIFE<br />Spray with color spray of same color and let dry.<br /><br />Step:5<br />Use a good liquid leather conditioner on entire surface. Buff lightly with clean rag when done.<br /><br />When needed use a good cleaner such as Tannery leather and vinyl care spray to keep the leather from cracking.<br /><br />There may be better sprays around, but I just happen to have a can of it on the desk. <br /><br />Hope that helps and good luck<br /><br />Forgot: Use good Disposable rubber gloves