Dye for handbags/shoes?

christieanne

I know Claire and Rae have both done the DIY dye on bags. I am wondering if either of you or other YLF ladies have any tips or comments on the process (brands, colors, etc.)?
I am thinking of dyeing a tan leather bag that has a good shape but seems to have discolored somewhat over the years. The picture below is the same style bag (and I noticed the ebay sellers bag has similar discoloration).

Do you think this is a good candidate for dye? Chocolate brown or a fun color?

This post has 1 photo. Photos uploaded by this member are only visible to other logged in members.

If you aren't a member, but would like to participate, please consider signing up. It only takes a minute and we'd love to have you.

13 years ago

General

6 replies

Latest reply was from christieanne

rae

(website)

Veteran

The color depends on what you need in your wardrobe, but the tan should take any color well. Here are my write-ups from the two dye colors I've tried. I've only used Tarrago self-shine kits so far (as they come with preparer fluid and don't make you strip the previous color off). I believe Julie used a different dye on boots and also had good results, but she did have to strip the leather first.

http://onedollarwonders.blogsp.....right.html

http://onedollarwonders.blogsp.....ather.html

13 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

I found this article from Lucky magazine a few months back.

http://www.luckymag.com/style/.....ye#slide=1

I think chocolate would be a good color.

13 years ago

christieanne

Veteran

Thanks for links - I will study up. I like the kit idea.

I was thinking a dark shade would cover best and this is one of those things that if it works, great, and if not, I was getting ready to donate bag so not a loss.

13 years ago

Traci

Veteran

This review and step by step how to has really piqued my interest in dying leather.

http://www.thefriendlyfox.com/.....r-diy.html

She uses the same dye that Rae has used. I was most excited to read that you don't have to dye darker. I love the chocolate to salmon purse she did. I'll be looking at taupe booties and oxfords with a different eye from now on!

13 years ago

Anonymous

Since this bag is a very conservative, traditional shape, I would dye it a bright color to make it stand out (if you're comfortable with that). Since the bag has fallen out of favor with you, and could wind up in the donate bin, it's a great time to take a risk!

I was just looking at Tarrago's colors and I noticed that they didn't have a really bright coral or emerald, but they have some other fun colors. If you stay relatively close to the hue of your bag (maybe go a little darker, but stay in the warm family), you should be able to cover it well with one kit. Dark brown might require more, IDK.

13 years ago

christieanne

Veteran

I could use a new yellow bag (or pink!) Claire so that's a good suggestion - still holding out for a great cobalt but I don't think that would look good with the brass hardware.
This bag is a little fussy for my current taste but I think it's a good candidate for trial and error .

13 years ago

Category