Saphir Teinture Française Penetrating Leather and Suede Dye – Bordeaux 50ml

Description

Saphir Teinture Française Penetrating Leather and Suede Dye – Bordeaux 50ml — a permanent alcohol-based dye to darken and recolour leather

When a colour change needs to be permanent, the Saphir Teinture Française leather dye is what I turn to. This is a professional, alcohol-based dye from France that penetrates into the leather rather than sitting on the surface, so the new colour becomes part of the material itself.

This 50ml bottle in Bordeaux gives you a deep, wine-red shade that is perfect for reviving faded burgundy shoes and boots, or for taking a lighter leather in a bolder direction. Because it penetrates, it works on smooth leather and, with a little patience, on suede and nubuck too.

A quick word of care from me: this dye is genuinely permanent and highly colouring, so it cannot be removed once applied. Always wear the glove, protect your work surface, and only ever darken a colour — you cannot go lighter with a dye.

The colours in the range are fully mixable, so you can blend your own custom shade if you want something truly bespoke.

Why choose the Saphir Teinture Française leather dye?

• Permanent, penetrating colour. The alcohol base carries the pigment into the leather, so the new Bordeaux shade lasts and does not simply rub off.
• Deep, rich Bordeaux. Ideal for restoring tired burgundy leather or for a striking recolour of a lighter shoe.
• Works on leather and suede. Formulated for smooth leather and, with an extra coat, for velvety materials such as suede and nubuck.
• Fully mixable. Blend it with other Teinture Française shades to create your own bespoke colour.
• Professional French quality. The same dye used by cobblers and leather craftsmen for reliable, even results.

How to use Saphir Teinture Française

Take your time with a dye — preparation is everything. Here is my method:

1. Prepare smooth leather first by stripping off old polish and finishes (Saphir Décapant is ideal) so the dye can penetrate evenly.
2. Put on the protective glove and cover your work surface, as this dye stains permanently.
3. Apply the dye evenly with the applicator, a brush or a cotton wick, working from lighter to darker.
4. Allow the leather to dry for around one hour, then apply a second coat if you need a deeper or more even colour (velvety leathers usually need two).
5. On smooth leather, finish with a matching cream or wax to intensify the shade, add shine and seal the colour in.

Specifications

• Volume: 50ml bottle
• Type: Permanent alcohol-based penetrating dye
• Colour: Bordeaux (008)
• Suitable for: Smooth leather, suede and nubuck (darkening only)
• Brand: Saphir
• Made in: France

A tip from me

Only ever go darker with a dye, never lighter, and always test on a hidden area first. If you are recolouring pale leather, build up in thin coats rather than flooding it — you will get a far more even, natural-looking Bordeaux that way.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make my leather a lighter colour with this dye?

No. A dye can only darken or match a colour, never lighten it. To go lighter you would need to strip and refinish the leather professionally.

Do I need to seal the colour afterwards?

On smooth leather, yes — a matching cream or wax intensifies the shade, adds shine and helps prevent any colour rubbing off. On suede, brush it up once fully dry.

Is it really permanent?

Yes, completely. That is its strength, but it also means you should protect your hands and surfaces and test in a hidden spot before committing.

Where can I buy Saphir Teinture Française dye in the UK?

You can order Saphir Teinture Française dye directly from Shoespecialist.co.uk. We offer free delivery on orders over £50, same-day dispatch when you order before 5pm, and a 60-day return policy.