Dying articles that have already been dyed has problems not encountered when dying new, undyed leather. Our range of dyes, preparers and finishes are top quality but because the circumstance of their use is out of our control, we cannot guarantee success in all cases.
Preparing
The surface of your article may have
a lacquer or a pigment layer that will stop a new dye from penetrating. "Deglazer"
(order code: C19) may help cut through this.
Grease
If the surface has any greasy places, this
might cause a blotchy result. "Dye Prep" (order code: C37) should
help to remove this grease.
Colour Addition
Our spirit based dyes are "ink" dyes so they soak into the leather.
This is very durable and will not flake off but it does mean that you will
get colour addition. For example - if your leather is yellow and you apply
a blue dye, the final result will probably be green.
Upholstery Leather
This type of leather usually
has a vigorous pigment layer that makes it difficult for our dyes to take.
We would
recommend that you contact www.woolies-trim.co.uk
who can mix a dye to match your colour.
Motorcycle Suits
Bright coloured panels often have
a strong dirt resistant layer that resists a new dye application. It might
be possible to cut through this with "Deglazer".
Thread
If your article has been sewn with synthetic
thread, this will not accept the dye. If you attempt a radical change of colour,
you may be left with a contrasting thread.
After Dying
If the surface of your leather has
offered any resistance, the new dye may not be fully absorbed and might leave
a dusty deposit. This should be removed by rubbing with a clean cloth until
no staining of the cloth occurs.
Final Finish
We would recommend using a finishing
product to seal and protect the surface.
To fully seal the surface and to
provide the greatest security against any dye coming off someone's clothing
the best product is "Saddle-Lac" aerosol lacquer (order code: C04).
A less shiny but still water resistant finish is "Resolene" (order
code C54) which is applied with a rag.
A more natural sheen can be achieved
by using "Carnauba Creme" (order code: C12) but care must be
taken to remove any dye dust beforehand, otherwise it can mix with the creme and sit on the surface.
Suede
The surface should be prepared by using "Suede
Cleaner" (order code C92) to remove any grease spots and dirt. It is
not possible to seal the surface without loosing the nap. It will help to
rub the surface with a clean rag when the dye is dry and then apply a spray
of Scotch Guard.