Dyeing Leather (Saddle)

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Hi Horsey Countrysiders, I have a brown leather aussie saddle and wish it was black. Can I dye it? The leather is new. Any ideas?

-- Susan in Northern Michigan (cobwoman@yahoo.com), January 20, 2002

Answers

I've had good luck dying other pieces of tack with leather dye, however, I've never done a saddle. I've only used Fiebing's dye, and you have to follow the instructions, including stripping the finish off the leather before you dye it. I checked the surface on the inside of a Dale Chavaz headstall and breastcollar I bought (I got the greatest deal on this set, the silver is sterling! but the color didn't match the saddle) and I did have to take the finish off. I think I had to do 2 or 3 coats too, but it did turn out very nice.

Good luck.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), January 21, 2002.


I've done leatherwork for many years and if you can find Kelly's blcak dye it is far better than Fiebings. One coat usually works and it doesn't come of easily, although when you buff some always comes off. E-mail if you have other questions. Definitely use a deglazer to take off the finish.

-- Rod Perrino (redjouster@aol.com), January 21, 2002.

www.tandyleather.com

They definitely carry Fieblings -- I was just in there looking at something else last night and noticed the Fieblings dye. Not sure about Kelly dye. I think they could give you advice on dyeing the saddle. However, I wonder if there is any 'finish' or 'dressing' on it that would prevent the dye from penetrating or from penetrating evenly. Can you find out from the manufacturer? I suppose you could also try some of the dye in an inconspicuous spot.

-- Joy F {So.Central Wisc.} (CatFlunky@excite.com), January 21, 2002.


Hey Rod,

Where can I find Kelly's leather dye? I've never seen or heard of it before.

Stacy in NY

-- Stacy (KincoraFarm@aol.com), January 22, 2002.


I have dyed some of our older saddles that were looking a little rough, it brought alot back to them. Just make sure that you dye that saddle before you oil it other wise the dye has a hard time going threw the oil. I just go to Fleet Farm and buy leather dye its usualy in a little, yellow, rectagular box and has a outline of a saddle, a boot, etc... on it, usualy costs about $4-5, one bottle should cover the whole saddle. Be careful though because it is really messy and whatever it gets on it stays there (I keep on forgeting to wear gloves and end up with dyed hands for a couple of weeks). Also make sure where you are dyeing the saddle is above 50F degrees other wise the dye dosen't sink in as well, oil the saddle a day or two after you dye it then it won't rub off on you the first time you go ridding but just to be carefull wear black pants the first time. :-)

-- Montana Storm (mtstorm@usa.net), January 25, 2002.


Hi, I have the same problem with my saddle- except it's more of an orange color. Does NOT look good on my black horse. If you like ebay- you can buy many leather colors at this store. You do not have to bid on them. He always has Fieldings colors available for about $4. Copy and Paste this web address: http://www.stores.ebay.com/primitiveoriginals/plistings/list/all/dept4 /index.html Hope that helps you and everyone else.

-- Cathy (HappyJCat@aol.com), March 19, 2002.

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