One common activity amongst leather enthusiasts and lovers of leather artifacts is color change, and it’s an excellent maintenance technique. Modification in leather color is cost-effective and may prove pretty handy in making an existing leather piece look much better. So, whether you are a leather enthusiast or simply you have several leather products learning how to change leather color might prove highly beneficial.
You can achieve a complete refinish or color change of leather with the right products applied in a specific sequence. It may seem tricky, but a guide on the steps involved would help you attain tremendous results, making the leather item look new.
This article will reveal the process of changing leather color in simple and effective steps. You can follow these tips to ensure your project yields great results.
Changing Leather Color: Step by Step
People using leather goods feel concerned about the color of their leather items, as the new color loses its luster over time. But there are ways you can make color on your items last longer. If you are interested in learning how to change the leather color of shoes, you can get this done with ease.
Below you have expert methods of completing this type of project.
Recoloring Top-Coated Leather
Wiping the Leather Surface
It is common for leather surfaces to accumulate dirt and grime over time. Thus, it is imperative to clean the leather with a suitable cleaning solution and a soft brush or microfiber cloth. Such action ensures a long-lasting finish.
Sand the Top-Coated Leather
It is great to sand the protected coat using special automotive-grade sandpaper (with 220 grit). This action would leave light scuffing on the leather surface without severe physical damage to the artifact.
The rationale behind this “sanding” is to remove decayed or loose existing finishing. Hence, you would have a smooth surface and allow the new color coat to absorb into the leather once applied.
Applying an Etching Material or Prep Agent
Additional prepping on the leather piece continues, as it would help to apply a prepping agent or etching material. Although this may seem controversial, an alcohol-based prepping material rubbed over the leather after sanding would leave a clean surface.
Gently wash the leather with isopropyl alcohol and wipe