can burnished leather be dyed?

[anon]

If so, do you have to do anything special or use any different products?

 

[Nexus6]

yes it can be dyed.
Clean
Apply dye
Apply leather lotion after dye has dried (1hr)
you're done.

But why would you want to dye it?
just curious

 

[anon]

for one, I just don't like the color of the shoe - it's too red. second, there are several scuffs.

so I wouldn't need deglazer or any of that?

 

[antirabbit]

That is some bad ass patina, I would leave it. It looks awesome.

 

[anon]

I don't wear the shoes because of the color and wear. No point in having a nice patina on shoes you won't wear.

 

[Nexus6]

Originally Posted by anon

for one, I just don't like the color of the shoe - it's too red.

second, there are several scuffs.

so I wouldn't need deglazer or any of that?

What colour are you intending on dyeing them?

 

[fcuknu]

i would deglaze.

 

[anon]

Originally Posted by Nexus6

What colour are you intending on dyeing them?
going to shoot for a medium/dark brown. in the light, these shoes are currently very red, kind of maroon. I don't like the red shade at all. plus you see those tan spots where they got scuffed.

 

[Nexus6]

Originally Posted by anon

going to shoot for a medium/dark brown.

in the light, these shoes are currently very red, kind of maroon. I don't like the red shade at all. plus you see those tan spots where they got scuffed.

ok last question...
Have you done this before? (dyeing shoes)

 

[anon]

Originally Posted by Nexus6

ok last question...
Have you done this before? (dyeing shoes)
no. but I didn't pay much for these shoes and the fit isn't that great, so I'm OK with ruining them if that's what happens. I do have a pair of nicer AEs that I would also like to dye medium brown, but they're not burnished.

 

[Nexus6]

ok
from my understanding, this is an experiment then.

Then I will tell you the way I would do it.
There are certainly people here with more experience,
but this is a pretty straight-forward procedure.

Spread some plastic sheet or trash bag to protect the work area

Get some plastic gloves or rubber. the type for washing dishes, or surgical style is fine


remove the laces.
brush the shoes free of dust/dirt.


There are different ways to apply the dye.

With the dye you purchased there should be an applicator.
Using this will cause streaks no matter how good you are.
If you want a 'wood-grain' streaking, then its perfect,
if not,
get an old terry cloth sock...turn inside out.

PRE-wet the sock with water.
Squeeze as much of that water out as possible.

Take some dye on the terrycloth
and ...you are going to have to work quickly,
start rubbing the shoe with the terrycloth.

Terrycloth will get into all the seams / broguing etc better.
Terrycloth will also (when its pre-wet_ allow you to apply less dye per pass.

This is very important and it gives you a point to stop, based on your likings.

Start with the light brown dye.
It's sort of like working with watercolour paints..
Its easy to go from light to dark..but not the other way around.

You may be suprised that only 1 pass will already give you an instantly improved look.

How many passes of the dyeyou apply will depend on you.

You may want to leave the shoe after 1 pass, for half an hour, to dry.
Then see if its what you want, or you can now continue with second , third passes.

Once you reach the color you want,
let dry,
then apply leather lotion...and apply it with your bare hand,
working it into the leather...rubbing and working to re-envigorate the leather.
Then get the shoes into Cedar Shoe Trees,
and leave overnight.
tomorrow, brush, then buff with a clean rag.

then put the laces back or new ones.
You may not even need any polish.


I hope this helps you,
and dont forget to take pictures as you go!

We would love to see your work!

Best of luck.

 

[fcuknu]

im pretty sure you make a nickel every time you hit the carriage return button.

 

[anon]

thanks for the info, nexus.

so you don't think this needs preparation with a deglazer or some rubbing alcohol first?

 

[Nexus6]

You can use a deglazer or acetone.
It is recommended to deglaze first, yes.

Just remember to re-lotion after all is dyed & done, to restore moisture back into the leather.

 

[fcuknu]

dont use acetone, its not very good for the leather, deglazer will be more gentle.