Color Steps for Leather & Vinyl

Selection

• Manufacturers use a variety of processes to color leather or vinyl goods, depending on the materials and the way the goods are manufactured. Your DIY kit must be compatible with the type of leather or vinyl item that you are attempting to color, or the dye may not be colorfast. DIY leather recoloring kits come in two main types: kits for leather and kits for aniline leather. Aniline leather recoloring kits use a water-soluble dye that soaks into the leather, rather than staying on the surface; these kits can be used on aniline leather, suede or Nubuck. Leather recoloring kits can be used on both leather and vinyl. To figure out what kit to purchase, look for a tag on your item that lists the fabrics and materials used to create the item.

Preparation

• Prior to applying the color in your kit, remove any grime or dirt from the surface of your leather or vinyl item. Your kit should come with a cleaning solution as well as a special cloth, brush or sponge for cleaning the surface. Apply the solution to the surface and work in circular motions to prepare the surface for the application of the color, then allow the surface to dry for at least 15 minutes before moving on to the coloring step.

Application

• Test the dye on an inconspicuous portion of the leather or vinyl item to ensure the color is correct, then apply a thin layer of the dye to the entire surface. Allow this film of color to dry completely, then follow it with at least one additional layer of color. Wear gloves during this step, as the dye can stain your skin.

Finishing Steps

• Let the surface dry overnight to ensure that the color has set, so that it won't come off when you touch it. This helps the finish to look more even. After 24 hours, apply a conditioning cream with a soft cloth, which will help the leather or vinyl retain its sheen. Repeat this process once a year to maintain the look and feel of your leather and vinyl items.