Description
Slitesterk Red Penetrating Leather Dye 112 – 100ml permanent dye for smooth leather
There is a real difference between painting leather and dyeing it. Paint sits on the surface and can crack or flake along the flex lines; a dye soaks into the hide and becomes part of it. This red penetrating leather dye is the second kind, which is why the finish stays flexible and does not peel off the toe box.
We had this line put together specially for dyeing smooth leather shoes and boots, and there is one detail I am rather proud of: the bottle holds 100ml. Most alternatives come in roughly 50ml, so you get about twice the dye for a job where running out halfway is the worst thing that can happen.
How much you need depends on the thickness of the leather, how saturated it already is and how deep you want the red to go. A pair of shoes rarely takes the whole bottle; a pair of tall boots might. There is a ball brush included, so you can start straight away.
Red 112 is a proper, confident red – ideal for reviving a pair that has gone patchy, or for taking light leather somewhere altogether more interesting. Dye goes darker over lighter, never the other way round.
Why choose this penetrating dye?
If you want a colour change that survives being worn, a penetrating dye is the honest answer.
- It soaks in, so it stays put. Because the pigment penetrates the leather instead of sitting on top, it does not crack or flake where the shoe bends.
- 100ml instead of the usual 50ml. Roughly double the content of the standard bottles, which means enough dye for boots and enough left over for a second coat.
- Ball brush included. The applicator comes with the bottle, so there is no extra kit to buy before you can get going.
- Build the depth you want. Thin coats let you stop at a soft red or keep going to a deep, saturated finish – you stay in control the whole way.
- Made for smooth leather. Shoes, ankle boots, tall boots and bags in smooth leather all take the dye well once they have been properly cleaned.
- Part of a full colour range. The same line covers black, dark blue, bordeaux, cognac and three browns, so you can match a pair rather than settle.
How to dye smooth leather with penetrating dye
The preparation matters more than the dyeing. Strip the surface properly and the colour will go on evenly.
- Brush the shoes down with a stiff brush so all the dirt and dust is gone.
- Work over the leather with a leather cleaner on a cloth to strip off old polish, cream and grease. Do this thoroughly – anything left behind will block the dye.
- Mask the sole and heel with tape if you want to keep drips off them.
- Apply the dye with the ball brush in small quantities, working calmly across the whole panel so you do not leave overlaps.
- Let the shoes dry properly, then judge the colour. Not deep enough? Repeat until you are happy.
- When the finish is right, give it plenty of drying time and then polish with a caring shoe cream in the same shade. Always check for colour fastness on a hidden spot first.
Specifications
- Volume: 100ml bottle with ball brush
- Colour: 112 Red
- Type: Penetrating dye for smooth leather
- Suitable for: Smooth leather shoes, ankle boots, boots and bags
- Not suitable for: Suede, nubuck and coated patent leather
- Brand: Slitesterk
Frequently asked questions
Can I dye dark shoes a lighter colour?
No – a penetrating dye works darker over lighter, never the reverse. Red over a tan or light brown shoe is fine; red over black is not. For light over dark you need an opaque leather paint instead.
Do I really need a leather cleaner first?
Yes, and it is the step people skip. Old polish, wax and grease act like a barrier, and the dye will come out blotchy wherever they remain. Ten extra minutes with a cleaner saves the whole job.
Where can I buy Slitesterk Red Penetrating Leather Dye 112 in the UK?
You can order Slitesterk Red Penetrating Leather Dye 112 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.















Melangelo Prince –
Good enough for use
(Translated from Dutch)
Miranda Koldemeule-Oosterbroek (verified owner) –
It worked out really well. The shoes are red again. The bleached bits are well covered
(Translated from Dutch)
Kaycee (verified owner) –
Good dye and easy to apply
(Translated from Dutch)