In this article, we continue the fascinating explanation of how leather is dyed in a wide range of colors, where creativity in the dyeing processes plays a crucial role in achieving the desired color tone. Visit this link (PART I) if you haven't read the first part yet. Next, we will explore the different types of finishes in the leather dyeing process. Finishes are equally important, like the dyeing itself, as they help enhance the appearance of both color and the leather product in which they are used.

Aniline (or Full Grain), Nubuck, and Suede Leathers

These types are obtained using semi-transparent aniline dyes. As a result, natural marks or scars on the leather are still visible through the finish. Known for having the most expensive finish, full grain or aniline leathers have an astonishing softness.

The distinctive and elegant appearance of aniline leather

While Nubuck finish, and often suede or brushed finish, are achieved by brushing the leather surface until it reaches a smooth feel resembling velvet's appearance.

The soft appearance of Nubuck and Suede

Two-Tone or Dual Tone

Referring to the spraying of a second color or lightly rubbing by hand over the original color is what dual-tone finishing is all about. There's no right or wrong with this finish, although it gives a distinct appearance to the leather.

Metallic or Pearl

The use of metal flakes to reflect light and alter the leather's shine is the peculiarity of metallic or pearl finish. This finish can be applied to any pigmented leather to give it a special effect and appearance.

Transparent

Often found in Nubuck and aniline leather, this finish allows for a more natural look where grain textures or any type of natural scars and marks are visible. This finish is best applied by hand onto the leather.

Hybrid or Semi-Aniline

When a light protective layer (top coat) is applied along with a hand-applied pigment dye to any aniline leather, the surface has some distinct qualities that give it a pigmented leather appearance. This is usually done to cover imperfections or provide more durability to the leather.

Wax and Oil Finishes

A leather treatment that uses a wax or oil finish to give the leather a unique look and feel often found in a small percentage of leather items. These types of finishes are not repairable, unlike any other kind. The wax and oil are the components that prevent dyes from absorbing or adhering to the leather.

Types of Final Leather Applications

Hand Wipes or Sponge

Used to change the look and appearance of the leather, this type of application involves wiping a sponge or applying a leather dye over an existing color. Whether you choose to use a cloth, a sponge, or any other applicator to achieve a distinct effect. This is also a good way to achieve a two-tone effect, as mentioned earlier.

Brush Finishes

This type of finish is often used when repairs are needed, as it helps blend the color and create designs. However, it's challenging to hide brush strokes. Foam brushes work best for applying leather dye on small surfaces.

Sprayers

Considered the best way to apply leather dye, especially when multiple light layers are needed to blend the repair area seamlessly. An airbrush or a touch-up spray gun gives you better control over the area you're working on and the pattern you're working with.

Black Leather with Vinegar and Rust

An old-fashioned but cost-effective technique for dyeing leather a jet black color is the way vinegar gained its recognition in this application. The answer is a mixture of vinegar and rust, where the color does not rub off on fingers, clothing, or anything it may come into contact with. Moreover, this homemade leather dye can be saved for later use, serving as another notable advantage.

This method works particularly well when dealing with vegetable-tanned leather or old leather. If the leather is already dyed, it's likely chrome-tanned and sealed, so vinegar won't yield positive results.

As for rust, anything from untreated iron nails, iron shavings, to any other material that will rust or is already rusted, serves this purpose.

Steel wool is one of the quickest options to date, as it can be broken into smaller fragments. Get rid of the oil layer preventing oxidation by soaking it in acetone, squeezing it, and then letting it dry completely.

These locks secure the keys to the ideal homemade leather dye

After heating around half a gallon (two liters) of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar until it's warm but not too hot to touch, pour it back into the container it came in or any available container.

When the metal is poured into the vinegar, after some time; it will react with the vinegar (acetic acid), forming a substance called ferric acetate, which in turn reacts with the leather to dye it. The amount of iron to add depends on the concentration of the vinegar.

The simplest way would be to start with a large quantity (around thirty nails approx.) and then continue adding metal until it stops dissolving. Next, keep it in a warm, ventilated container for at least a week. Make a hole in the lid to let out the gases, or the container might explode.

With the lid closed and placed in the location for at least one or two weeks, the vinegar will be ready when all the iron has dissolved, and there is no smell of vinegar. If there are still traces of a vinegar smell, add more iron. Heat it on the stove afterward to speed up the process. Once the acetic acid is gone, any remaining iron will oxidize normally, changing the liquid to a deep reddish color.

At this point, it's okay to leave the lid open for a few days to help evaporate the last traces of acetic acid. Filtration is crucial at this stage, so filter the liquid by passing the vinegar through paper towels or coffee filters repeatedly until the liquid is free of solids.

Looking for First-Class Leather Apparel and Accessories in Various Colors and Finishes?

Qiwa is a family-owned company dedicated to the manufacture of leather goods, accessories, automotive upholstery, and jackets with high standards of quality and design for 30 years. At Qiwa, we develop premium leather products of the highest quality, both with our brand and with brands from various designers, supporting various entrepreneurship projects..

We offer a wide variety of items in different models, either finished to your liking from our catalog or tailored to your preferences, with a wide range of colors and personalized finishes.

Learn more about our history here and our product catalog here. We also invite you to contact us directly here.