Leather University™
The Most Popular Leather Working Dyes
by Dan Concord
Author, speaker, teacher, and educator on leather working tools and techniques.
Leather University™
Author, speaker, teacher, and educator on leather working tools and techniques.
Leather dye is a pigment suspended in a liquid or oil carrier used to apply and permanently alter the color of leather material. It is commonly available in alcohol or water-based carriers and a variety of colors. Leather dyes generally range from around $3-$15 per bottle, and they can be used on most leathers and most project types. Unlike paints, which comprise a layer of color added to the top, leather dyes actually seep into the fibers and change the color throughout the material.
Different types of carrier agents and pigments can lead to very different results. So, we’re going to examine four of the most popular types of leather dyes and explain what they are, their results, and which may help you on your next project.
The first we’re going to look at is Fiebing’s tried-and-true black leather dye. This is a really popular type. It’s been around for a long time, and if you’re looking for a leather dye, chances are you’re going to come across or have used this. This is an alcohol-based dye with a powdered pigment.
In leather dye, there’s the carrier and there’s the pigment. Essentially, the carrier’s function is to help bring the dye into the leather. The pigment is going to help color that leather and keep it that color as long as possible over time. So, depending on what type of carrier and pigment is used, you will get different results. For example, Fiebing’s Leather Dye is alcohol-based with a powdered pigment. We’re also going to look at alcohol-based with an oil pigment and water-based.
There are two main carriers: water and alcohol. Then, there are two types of pigments: oil and powder. When you mix those two, you’ll get variations of leather dyes. For example, Fiebing’s Leather Dye is alcohol-based with a powdered pigment. Its composition includes around:
This formula generally yields a slightly drier, stiffer leather with a slight rub-off compared to some oil pigments, and it may have a slightly more muted color.
Next is another type of Fiebing’s dye, the pro dye. A key differentiator is that this is alcohol-based and has an oil pigment, whereas the regular dye, which we had just seen previously, has a powder pigment.
This one has oil, and you guessed it, oil will be a little stickier than powder, especially when the carrier’s dring. It’s not chemically as simple as that, but practically speaking, it’s an easy way to put it. Fiebing’s Pro Dye has an alcohol base and an oil pigment and is comprised of about:
Oleic acid is a large component of olive oil and is also found in neatsfoot oil. This formula generally yields a more flexible leather with less rub-off and a more vibrant color.
Let’s compare the Fiebing’s dyes. Fiebing’s Black Leather Dye uses powdered pigment, while Fiebing’s Black Pro Dye contains oil-based pigment. The oil-based pigment gives the Pro Dye a more even consistency, often resulting in a slightly darker and richer finish.
Upon closer inspection, the differences between the two become more apparent. The Pro Dye, with its oil pigment, appears smoother and has a more consistent surface compared to the powdered pigment of the regular Leather Dye. This difference not only affects the look but also the overall feel of the dyed leather.
Tandy Eco-Flo Dye has an alcohol base and an oil pigment, so it will be closest in performance to the Pro Dye by Fiebing’s, although it may have a slightly different mixture.
When comparing the Tandy and Feibing’s oil-based dyes, there is a difference in richness of color and evenness of application.
Last is a Tandy Eco Flo water-based leather dye with powder pigment in a water base. It contains approximately:
Now, let’s compare all four leather dyes. Here are the four dyes we tested:
Despite all being black dyes, the results varied. The water-based Eco-Flo and Fiebing’s Pro Dye produced particularly dark results, showcasing the influence of their respective pigments and bases.
Focusing on the two Fiebing’s dyes, which are among the most popular, there are distinct differences. The regular Fiebing’s Leather Dye with powdered pigment yields a different finish compared to Fiebing’s Pro Dye with oil pigment. The Pro Dye tends to offer a richer and more even appearance due to its oil content.
When comparing the Eco-Flo dyes, we see that the water-based dye with powdered pigment and the oil-based dye also produce different results, demonstrating that the choice of base and pigment can significantly affect the final appearance. Your choice will ultimately depend on the specific look and feel you desire for your leather projects.
When using leather dyes, it’s crucial to prioritize safety due to the ingredients involved. Most leather dyes should be applied in a well-ventilated area, preferably outdoors, to avoid inhaling potentially harmful fumes.
However, there’s an exception to this rule: the water-based dye from Tandy. Unlike the other dyes, this water-based option can be used more safely indoors, as it doesn’t emit strong fumes.
Applying leather dye can transform your projects, but it’s essential to understand the process and the differences in results from application to drying. By following these simple steps and using the right materials, you can achieve professional-looking dyed leather at home.
Materials Needed
Step-by-Step Process
The water-based dye from Tandy impressed me with its vibrant color and ease of use. Contrary to my expectations, it delivered a rich and consistent hue without the harsh ingredients found in some other dyes.
So, if you’re considering dyeing leather yourself rather than purchasing pre-dyed leather from a tannery, water-based dyes like the one from Tandy are excellent options. They provide a safer, user-friendly experience while still yielding high-quality results.
We hope this information gives you a better understanding of the components and benefits of different leather dyes, helping you make an informed choice. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Additionally, if you’ve used these dyes or have other suggestions and experiences to share, we’d love to hear from you.
And there you have it. Until next time.
Dan Concord is a professional leather crafter with 15 years of design experience and expertise. He is founder of the successful Liberty Leather Goods studio, and also a published author, speaker, teacher, and educator on leather working tools and techniques. He lives in the USA.
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