Step By Step Guide Of Dyeing A Leather Sofa
A leather sofa or couch can offer many things like quality, comfort as well as style. Even the best leather fades or becomes discolored with the span of time. In order to avoid leather fade, discoloration, and many such issues, the users need to dye leather sofa regularly. So to perform the dyeing process on a leather sofa, go through all the steps carefully:
- Ventilated Workspace: In this process the user will be working with chemicals that should be avoided to breathing in. The outdoor driveway will be a good place to work to keep all the chemical fumes out of the living space. The user must wear a mask to avoid breathing in fumes. If the user wants to work inside then open all the windows and make the work area well ventilated.
- Drop Cloths And Take Off Any Cushions: To protect the surface or floor from any spills use a drop cloth. The leather dye can stain many surfaces, so it is important to cover the floor. It's the best idea to dye the cushions separately from the sofa itself.
- Clean The Entire Sofa: In this step remove any dust or dirt from the leather sofa with a cloth and soapy water. Use a mild detergent and make sure do not over soak the sofa, this can badly warp the leather. However, the user should lightly rub it with the cloth that is dipped in the water.
- Protect Any Wood Or Hardware: If there is any part of the sofa that has not to be dyed, like wooden or metal hardware, then cover it using the painter's tape. Try to place the tape as close as possible to the edge of the leather.
- Deglaze The Leather: Most of the leather furniture have a protective coating that is used to seal in dye and protects the leather. The user can remove this, with any lingering oils, with a clean rag to rub deglaze or acetone on the surface of the sofa. This will evaporate immediately, leaving the leather clean and ready for next step.
- Purchase Leather Dye: The leather can be found at a specialty leather shop, craft stores, or online as well. The user can easily dye a light leather to look much darker, but trying to make a dark leather sofa to look lighter is very difficult. It is advisable to avoid dying a black or very dark sofa a light color. In case of the medium-dark colors, apply more layers of dye.
- Spray A Small Section: With a water bottle spray a small section about the size of the hand. This will slightly wet the leather which will help it to absorb the dye. It is important to avoid completely soaking the leather because this can cause the sofa to stain or warp.
- Apply The Dye: On a thin coat apply the dye to small sections at a time. Some of the leather dyes come with the wool daubers to apply them. The user can also use a new sponge, which works very well to evenly spread the dye. Pour a drop or two of dye on an applicator and then spread it over the leather sofa in parallel strokes, make sure to get all of the nooks as well as crannies.
- Let The Color Dry: Wait for at least one hour and then apply 2 to 5 additional coats. After the first coat, there is no need to dampen the leather sofa with water again. Most leather sofas will need 3 to 6 coats in total. Let each of the coat to dry completely before going for another.
- Apply A Finisher: Once the last coat of dye is dry apply the finisher. It will seal the dye and protect it from fading. Spray the finisher on the sofa and then rub it in with the help of a damp, clean rag apply in the long strokes for evenly. The finishers will usually dry in about 3 hours.