color change on leather. doable?

[Mr. Burns]

has anyone re-dyed their leather seats, and had it turn out nice?

I'm looking to take some rear leather seats (grey) and dye them black.

I've read shoe polish can work, however don't trust this method.

i've searched up leatherique etc, and from what I understand is simply to refresh the colour that's already in place...not for an entire colour change.

if anyone's done this, please tell me what method you used, and provide before\after pics


regards,
Ryan

[e34john]

You gotta sand off the old color coat first for best results. After you get it down to clean leather, Leatherique will work fine. I've never done it, but I've seen seats that had it done, don't know how they get around the stitching without destroying it though.

[Mr. Burns]

Oh really....

This changes everything.
Thanks

[AndrewBird]

DO NOT SAND YOUR SEATS!!!

All you will do is destroy them. Leather doesn't have a "coating" of dye, the die absorbs into the leather. All these "dye" kits where you basically spray paint your seats are just that, they are PAINT. Actual dye absorbs into the leather and doesn't just cover it in a coating. Stock untouched leather doesn't have a "coating" you need to sand off. All you will do is remove the finish of the leather and make it rough.

Shoe polish does have a little bit of dye in it, but is not intended to change the color of leather. If you had tan seats and wanted to go a little darker tan, polish alone might work, but polish will also wear off over time and get all over your clothes unless you use a sealer over the top of it.

Here is a bit more info I posted in another thread:

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showpost.php?p=2370490&postcount=11

Basically, it is possible to re-dye the leather a darker color, but it's a lot of work. Lots of prep getting the leather clean, then dying, then some kind of polish and sealer.

You can go the Leatherique approach, but that is basically just paint and can wear off over time. Dye will never come off if done properly as it soaks in. Think wood stain as apposed to paint.

[15Michaeljoseph]

#SeatCovers


--sent from my igloo via carrier penguin

[jeffnhiscars]

I prefer not to be contrary so I will just share my experience and as always, you make your own decision.

I redid my interior with Leatherique. It is def not a dye but a coating but then IMO so is the original finish which I did remove with sandpaper and "Leather Prep". With patience and elbow grease it you will get down to bare undamaged leather which is a good time to "Rejuvenate" the hell out of it since the stuff soaks in nicely especially if you bake it in a hot car.

The caution is to not over sand it or you will cause sueding which is irreversible. I used 320 wet/dry. Do not sand the stitching at all if you can avoid it for obvious reasons. I did change colors a couple of ways. Besides the 2 tone I actually changed some indigo pieces to Pearl Beige (pass seat bottom). I also just got a replacement rear upper seat (cabrio) which turned out to be vinyl and yes, I sanded it too. Based on my experience with wear and tear on the door panels and deck lid Id say the finish holds up better on vinyl anyway.

As for the seats, they look great but will not wear like new leather. After a year or so I just did some touch up where I scuffed it or a crease in the hide caused a split in the surface finish. No big deal. Prep is key and you have to insure there is no residue of any kind and that the skin of completely dry. As George from Leatherique says...2 molecules cant occupy the same space at the same time.

Is it as durable as new leather..of course not. Will it survive some years with acceptable wear and tear...I'd say so especially in a rarely used back seat. Does it look like it belongs there...to the untrained eye yes. Was it cheaper than new...by leaps and bounds

Would I do it again...only if budget prevented reupholstering. Would I use it to refinish (note I did not say re-dye) your back seat...100% yes. If you do go with Leatherique, ask for some dulling agent since out of the bottle the stuff tends to be a bit more glossy than stock.

PS every beige or coral (not red:-) surface in the pic is re finished

[Bearmw]

Damn scooby I mean Jeff sir.

[cabin]

Here's a great writeup from M3forum where some E46 M3 seats were changed from Gray to Red.

http://www.m3forum.net/m3forum/showthread.php?t=420333&highlight=leather+dye

Tons of work, but the results speak for themselves. Looks completely OEM.

[IronFreak]

I used to work for a company that did interior repairs and upholstery. I dyed several leather and vinyl interiors. It is possible to go darker, we used several prep methods and a water based dye for the leather. While it works and keeps the leather soft and plush......it's just not the same a re-upholstering the seats. It's a temporary solution and will need attention and touch ups..

Now, being that its a rear seat, if it doesn't get much use then it could be a very good option for you.