Best place in USA to dye a leather jacket?

[Bluechel]

I've got a great piece of cowhide that's a terrible color? What's been the best place as for as you pros know?

 

[ton312]

I've got a great piece of cowhide that's a terrible color? What's been the best place as for as you pros know?

I've dyed a couple jackets myself to nice effect with fieblings.

 

[Bluechel]

I've dyed a couple jackets myself to nice effect with fieblings.

I may go for it, any tips? Quite a nice jacket, and making it black could be disaster.

 

[handymike]

In your garage or backyard.....Do it yourself! Use gloves and cover the table. Do it in the shade to avoid "flashing" like when you stain wood. I would also mix some brown into the black so it doesn't go purple.

 

[Fifty150]

What's been the best place as for as you pros know?

It depends on what part of the country you are in. In some parts of the country, there are local craftspeople, who could do the best work possible, and they are just not known nationally, or globally. Are you willing to ship your piece of leather all over the country, or all over the world, to have it dyed?

As a motorcycle rider, I may be more invested in leather than a lot of the general population. In my area, there is a shop which is internationally known, with a great reputation. And more than 1, leather specialist.

Here is a small list of leather workers that I would use in my area. Although you probably don't live near me. You would not fly or drive across the country to have leather dyed. A better idea would be to find a shop near you. Take your piece of leather, go to the shop, talk to the craftsperson, and ask their advice.

 

[Fifty150]

If you plan on dyeing your own jacket, check you local resources. There may be a supply shop in your area.

Just in case you can't source leather supplies locally......

 

[ton312]

I may go for it, any tips? Quite a nice jacket, and making it black could be disaster.

Be patient and don’t try to apply in one coat. If you are going black, mix in brown! Black has a purple base tint. Dilute Fieblings with rubbing alcohol.
For prep strip of the topcoat entirely. You will need to use acetone. It’s not pleasant. Here are some examples of how it can turn out. In both cases I was going from a turd brown to something that actually looks like leather. When you are done consider the topcoat. I like clear Urad over any silicone. Looks more rich.
Second group of pics are all three stages. From new, striped to final phase.

Two different jackets. Both used Fieblings cordovan. I learned how to temper the dye after the first one. If you go too heavy in one coat you get a metallic tint. You can remove that with rubbing alcohol. It’s a pain in the ass. Commit and be patient. You can’t really screw it up but you can make it a nightmare of work.
My last thought would be, if you have any fear in ruining it…DON’T DO IT.

 

[Bluechel]

This is fantastically helpful, I'm grateful. I am very committed to becoming great at restoration and transformation, so...this is superb. Thank you!!

 

[handymike]

Just treat it like stain instead of paint and you’ll be fine. Please post up pics to show us your progress. We love pictures.

 

[Bluechel]

I'll do it!

 

[Peacoat]

As Tony said, "If you have a fear of ruining it . . . DON'T DO IT."

I have had success in dyeing leather jackets, but then I have been doing it for years.

If you think this may be above your pay grade, get in touch with Dena @iknowleather

Good luck with whichever route you take.

 

[Bluechel]

Thanks, choices are GOOD.