How to Dye Leather: Fiebing’s Leather Dye Instructions

Author: Cheryl Kilbourne-Kimpton


You’ve found the perfect pair of shoes. They fit fabulously and are amazing. There’s only one problem – they are the wrong color. Don’t worry; there is a simple solution. All you need is Fiebing’s Leather Dye.

How to Dye Leather: Fiebing’s Leather Dye Instructions | MWS

Not exactly sure what this is or how you can use it to dye your leather shoes?

Check out the Fiebing’s Leather Dye Instructions below.

How to Dye Leather: Fiebing’s Leather Dye Instructions | MWS

How to use Leather Dye?

The most important element to remember when it comes to dyeing your leather shoes is that there is a distinct difference between leather dye and leather paint. The paint sits on top of the leather, whereas dyes sink into the leather pores  offering  a permanent solution that does not wash off.

That being said, dyes do tend to seep into other areas, so if you want to create an intricate design or pattern, you’re better off using leather paint rather than leather oil dye.

What you will need when dyeing leather?

To achieve dyed leather, you’ll need the below supplies:

  • Dye preparer
  • Rubber gloves
  • Fiebing’s leather dye
  • Leather finisher
  • Brushers, daubers, and rags 
  • Newspaper or plastic bags to cover your area and to stuff shoes

Step1: How to prepare leather for Fiebing’s Leather Dye?

You have your supplies. What’s next? Just follow the below step-by-step Fiebing’s Leather Dye Instructions.

  1. Remove your shoes’ existing finish by saturating a rag and rubbing it in a circular motion using either a deglaze or dye prep.
  2. Allow the leather to dry fully.
  3. Assess your leather item. Does it have any scruffs or cracks? If yes, use sandpaper to smooth it out.
  4. Dampen the leather with water from a spray bottle or sponge, but do not over-saturate it.
  5. If your leather item has deep cracks or scuffs, seal them with a neutral-color dye before using your chosen dye color to prevent over-saturation.

Step 2: How Dye Leather Using Fiebing’s Leather Dye?

Now comes the crucial step, actually dyeing your leather. Even with the best dye in the world, if this process is not carried out properly, you may be left with an inferior finish.

  1. Stuff the toes of shoes with either newspaper or plastic bags to create a smooth surface.
  2. Use your rag or dauber to apply the dye lightly. Alternatively, use a spray gun or airbrush, which is particularly effective for large surface areas.
  3. Let the leather dry before you apply a second coat.
  4. Flex the leather several times during the drying process as this ensures the leather’s fibers are kept loose, preventing your item from becoming too stiff.
  5. Remove any excess dye with a soft cloth.

Step 3: How to seal and condition your leather?

Because you’re using alcohol based dyes, Ensure that you seal your leather so that the color doesn’t rub off.

  1. Use a leather sealer, such as Acrylic Resolene which is flexible, water-resistant, and durable.
  2. Apply with a damp sponge and use 1-2 coats for optimal results.
  3. Be aware that Resolene goes on with a slight blue tint, but when dry, it delivers a gorgeous gloss finish.

Leather Dyeing Tips and Tricks

Even following the above Fiebing’s Leather Dye Instructions to the letter, there are still a few more ways that you can ensure you enjoy a stress-free leather dyeing experience.

  • Always wear gloves.
  • Cover your work area.
  • Ensure the space you work in is well-ventilated.
  • Test your chosen dyes on a swatch first.
  • Shake or stir all products thoroughly before using.
  • Apply light coats, gradually building up to your desired color and depth.
  • Allow your dyed item to dry overnight before wearing.
  • Never attempt to dye dark brown or black leather a light color.

How to change the color of leather?

First, choose a great leather dye like  Fiebing’s Leather Dye. Then to completely change the color of your leather item, for example, you have a pair of red shoes that you would like to switch to black – you’ll need to dye them twice. The first coat should be an intermediate color that neutralizes the leather’s original color, and the second should be the final color.

Below is a color guide for choosing the right leather dye:

  • For white to black: Choose green or blue, then black
  • For white to dark blue: Choose weak black (4 to 1), then dark blue
  • For white to brown: Choose light green, then brown
  • For red to black: Choose green, then black
  • For white to bright red: Choose yellow, then red
  • For white to dark red: Choose tan, then dark red

Always allow the first coat of color to fully dry before applying the second to avoid a muddying of the colors.

You can mix various shades of Fiebing’s dye to get the exact color you need.  Just use your basic color mixing rules, and you’ll be set to go.  Here’s the Fiebing’s Color Chart so you can see all of the colors they offer. Enjoy your first or next leather dyeing project, and don’t forget to share with us how it went on our Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. We’d love to see your leather project.

How to Dye Leather: Fiebing’s Leather Dye Instructions | MWS