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The term leather dye is often incorrectly used, most would use the term ‘dye’ as a general rule for a product to colour leather.

The surprising fact is leather dye is NOT suitable for all leather types, and not ideal for certain environments, you don’t want that lovely dye rubbing off all over your clothes!

So what is the difference between leather dye and leather paint?

Leather dyes are transparent, they are not a solid colour, they’re a subtle tint of colour (similar to a wood dye)

Dyes have to soak in to the leather to have an effect on enhancing the colour, therefore your leather has to be very absorbent to use a dye.

If the leather isn’t absorbent enough for the dye to soak in it will sit on the surface and rub off on to your clothing.

It’s important to carry out an absorbency test by wiping over the leather using a very damp cloth, if the leather immediately changes colour to a much darker tone your leather should be suitable for a leather dye.

Absorbent leather normally fades over times (dyes tend to fade when exposed to daylight) at that point a leather dye colour restorer can be rubbed in to the surface to restore the original colour.

Don’t forget a dye can’t just be applied and that’s the end of it, the leather has to be finished using a finishing balm or buffing cream.

Here at buffalo we supply a kit which provides all 3 products you need to re-dye your leather.

Purchase Leather Dye Colour Restorer Kit for Absorbent Leather

The moral of this story is don't apply a dye if the leather isn't fully absorbent

The choice between faux and genuine leather is a familiar problem for many. 

Faux leather and vinyl, is known for being cheaper and being vegan friendly so has had increased recognition lately. But, a recent survey has found that faux leather is prone to more damage compared to leather.

This realisation has led to potential retail customers reconsidering genuine leather as the superior covering for their upholstery, not only for that, it’s also recognised for its strength and elegant style too.

The misunderstanding about faux leather, is that most faux leather is a product of the fossil fuel industry, its made of plastic and currently cannot be re-cycled so normally ends up in land fill. 

THE ACTUAL VALUE OF GENUINE LEATHER:

STRENGTH:

Real leather is well-known for its durability. Unlike its faux substitute, high-quality genuine leather can endure daily wear, often lasting years and years with proper care. This makes leather items more cost-effective in the long run.

AGING GRACIOUSLY:

Over time, genuine leather develops a unique character adding to its appealing nature. With certain leathers the natural aging process tells it own story, making each piece distinctive and beautiful as the years go by.

REPAIRABLE:

Natural scratches on aniline & semi-aniline leathers can normally be polished out, and keep their suppleness and strength through conditioning.

BIODEGRADABILITY:

Genuine leather is biodegradable, when disposed of it decomposes more easily compared to its faux substitute, reducing its environmental footprint.

SUSTAINABLE SOURCING:

Leather is a by-product of the meat trade, using what would otherwise be a leftover product. Research shows that this surplus bi-product which is passed to the leather industry processes millions of tons of hides annually, which would otherwise be cast-off in to landfill.

LESS PLASTIC WASTE:

Opting for genuine leather over faux helps reduce plastic waste. Faux leathers are created from plastics like polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride; these contribute to pollution and are not biodegradable.

REDUCED CHEMICAL USE:

State-of-the-art leather tanning processes are becoming more environmentally friendly. Selecting genuine leather not only offers a product of luxurious quality and durability but also helps environmentally valuable practices. 

When it comes to caring for leather, it's important to avoid certain substances and practices that can damage or degrade the leather.
Here are some things you should not use on leather:

• Saddle Soap: Contains glycerine which is great for traditional old saddles but NOT for upholstery leather, using it on your sofa or car seats will eventually make the leather sticky AND attract dirt.
• Baby Wipes: Can contain lanolin which can break down the colour on your leather surface, or even remove colour on two tone leathers.
• harsh Chemicals: Avoid using bleach, ammonia, alcohol, and other strong chemicals. These can strip the leather of its colour, natural oils and cause it to dry out and crack.
• Abrasive Cleaners: Do not use abrasive cleaners or tools like sponge scourers or magic sponges that can scratch or damage the leather surface.
• Heat Sources: Avoid using heat sources like heat guns, radiators or direct heat , this can cause the leather to burn, crack, fade and dry out too quickly.
• Vinegar: Although sometimes recommended for household cleaning, vinegar can be too harsh and acidic, potentially damaging the leather and causing it to smell.
• Remember most leather is absorbent and can hold on to that vinegar smell.
• Household Detergents: Regular soaps, laundry detergents, and dishwashing liquids are not formulated for leather and can remove its natural oils as they’re very harsh.
• Silicone Products: These can leave a residue that builds up over time and attracts dirt, the residue also prevents future restoration of the leather preventing dyes or repair products to adhere to the surface.
• Nail Polish Remover: This contains acetone, which can severely damage and discolour leather.
• Coloured Cloths or Sponges: These can transfer dye onto the leather, leading to staining.

To properly care for leather, use products specifically designed for leather cleaning and restoring. Always test any new product on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not cause any adverse effects.