How to dye leather furniture

You will need

• Leather deglazer

• Leather dye

• Clean cotton cloths

• Sponges

• Spray bottle with water

• Leather finish spray

You will have to do

• Move your furniture piece so you can easily access all sides. Remove cushions, if possible.

• Spread the deglazer with a clean cloth, making sure to apply it to all of the areas that you plan to dye -- including any removed cushions. The deglazer will remove the shiny finish on the leather and prepare it to accept the dye. The deglazer will also remove any oily stains or spots that are on the leather. The original color of the leather may lighten or change a bit, but this is to be expected.

• Mix the dye well before applying it to the leather; stirring or shaking will do the job. Pour some onto a sponge.

• Squirt the furniture piece lightly with water from a spray bottle. This wets the leather enough to ensure that the dye will spread evenly. Stroke the moistened area with the dye-filled sponge. Add more dye to the sponge as needed and continue applying it until you've completely covered the area that you want to dye.

• Allow the dye to dry for about two hours. If the color is not strong enough after the drying time is complete, apply more. Continue to do so until you get the result you are looking for.

• Apply a leather finishing spray to protect the piece after the desired color is achieved and the leather is dry. Your finished product will look as if it just came from the showroom.

tips and warnings

Small spots on leather furniture can be touched up with waxless leather shoe polish.

Before you begin, test the dye on a small area of the furniture that isn't noticeable, such as behind it or on the underside of a cushion. If you don't like the result, you won't have ruined the whole piece.