Dyeing & Finishing
Leather Dye
Alcohol-based colour that soaks into veg-tan and deepens the natural grain.
Leather Dye · schematic
| Type | Alcohol-based |
|---|---|
| Volume | 120 ml |
| Colour | Dark Walnut |
| Coverage | 1 sq ft per 10 ml |
| Drying time | 30 min |
| VOC | High |
| Base | Alcohol |
|---|---|
| Volume | 120 ml |
| Coverage | About 0.09 sq m per 10 ml |
| Drying time | 30 min |
| VOC | High |
| Compatible processes | Dipping and daubing |
Overview
Leather dye soaks into the fibres and changes their colour, rather than sitting on the surface like a paint. Alcohol-based dye penetrates quickly and dries fast, which makes it the most common choice for veg-tan tooling and edges. Water-based dye is slower and gentler, and oil-based dye gives the deepest, richest colour.
You apply it by daubing, brushing or dipping, building the depth with successive coats. The same dye can look very different on different leathers, so always test on an offcut before committing to a finished piece.
Alcohol dye covers roughly 0.09 square metres per 10 ml and dries in about 30 minutes. It has a high VOC content, so ventilation and a respirator matter.
Safety
Hazard. Alcohol dye is flammable and gives off strong fumes; wear gloves and a respirator and keep it away from open flames.
How to use it well
- Test the colour on an offcut because the same dye looks different on each leather.
- Dampen the leather slightly first so the dye goes on more evenly.
- Build colour with several light coats rather than one heavy one.
- Seal the dyed surface with a finish to stop colour rubbing off.
Compatible leathers and materials
Leather Dye is suited to the following leather types. Anything outside this list is worth testing on an offcut first.
At a glance
| Category | Dyeing & Finishing |
|---|---|
| Stage | Finish |
| Suitable leather | Veg-Tan, Oil-Tan |
| Beginner priority | Rank 14 of 28 |
Educational use only. Hide & Stitch is an independent, non-commercial reference. Nothing here is for sale and nothing here is a substitute for competent in-person instruction. Edged tools, dyes, solvents and adhesives can cause serious injury — read and follow the manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets, and work with ventilation and appropriate protection. Specifications are typical values for this class of tool and vary between makers.
Related
Works well with
Dauber
A wool or foam pad that lays down an even coat of dye without streaks.
Leather Finish
A top coat that seals colour, adds sheen and gives light water resistance.
Polishing Cloth
A soft lint-free cloth for buffing finish to a shine and clearing dye residue.