VG Penetrating Leather Dye Dark Blue 55ml – Permanent Dye for Smooth Leather

Description

VG Penetrating Leather Dye Dark Blue 55ml – Permanent Dye for Smooth Leather – change the colour of your shoes properly, not just on the surface

There are two ways to change the colour of a pair of leather shoes. You can paint them, which leaves a layer sitting on top that can crack along the flex lines, or you can dye them, which lets the colour soak into the leather itself. This dark blue leather dye takes the second route, and the difference in the finished job is night and day.

Because the dye penetrates, the leather still behaves like leather afterwards. It creases naturally, the grain still shows through and there is no plastic-looking skin waiting to split at the toe. Run your hand over a properly dyed shoe and you would never know it had been recoloured.

It is worth being clear about what it will and will not do. This is for smooth leather only, so keep it away from suede, nubuck and patent. It also cannot lighten leather, only change it to a darker or equally strong shade, which is why dark blue is such a popular choice for rescuing tired black and brown shoes and giving them a second life.

Preparation is where the whole job is won or lost. Take the time to strip the old wax and polish first and you will get an even, lasting colour. Skip it and the dye will simply sit on top of the polish in patches. There is more on that below.

Why choose a penetrating leather dye?

• The colour goes in, not on. The dye soaks into the leather fibres, so there is no surface film to crack, peel or wear away at the flex points.
• The leather still looks like leather. Grain and texture stay visible and the shoe creases naturally instead of showing a painted skin.
• Genuinely permanent. Once the leather is dry and polished the colour stays put through rain, brushing and everyday wear.
• A rich, deep dark blue. Dark blue is one of the most useful shades for a recolour, giving tired black or brown leather a smart, modern second life.
• Goes a long way. A 55ml bottle is enough for several pairs when applied in the thin coats this product is designed for.
• Perfect with a dauber brush. The thin liquid works beautifully with a round dauber or ball brush, which is what gives you an even coat with no visible strokes.

How to use dark blue leather dye

1. Brush the shoes hard with a stiff dirt brush to remove all surface dust, then take the laces out so you can reach the whole upper.
2. Strip the leather with a leather cleaner or preparer to remove every trace of old wax, polish and finish. The dye can only penetrate bare leather, so this is the most important step of the whole job.
3. Mask anything you do not want dyed. Tape and cling film over the soles, heels and any stitching you want to keep takes a few minutes and saves hours of regret.
4. Apply thin, even coats with a dauber or ball brush, taking a little dye at a time. Several thin layers always beat one heavy one, and let each coat dry before adding the next.
5. Let the shoes dry fully, then finish with a matching shoe polish or wax to seal the colour, feed the leather and bring up the shine.

Specifications

• Volume: 55ml bottle
• Colour: Dark Blue
• Type: Penetrating leather dye
• Suitable for: Smooth leather shoes, boots and accessories
• Not suitable for: Suede, nubuck, patent and heavily coated leather
• Also available in: Black and dark brown
• Brand: VG

Frequently asked questions

Can I dye light shoes a dark blue?

Yes, going darker is exactly what this is for. What you cannot do is go lighter, because the dye adds colour to the leather rather than covering what is already there. Black shoes will not become blue, but tan or grey ones will.

Why do I have to strip the leather first?

Old wax, polish and silicone form a barrier. Dye applied over that sits in patches and rubs off, which is the single most common reason a home dye job disappoints. A leather cleaner or preparer takes it back to bare leather.

Will it rub off on my socks or trousers?

Not once it has dried and been sealed with a polish. Any surplus dye left on the surface can transfer, so buff the shoes well before the first wear and give them a proper polish first.

How many coats will I need?

Usually two or three thin coats. Judge it by eye when each layer is dry rather than by counting, and stop as soon as the colour is even. Thin and patient always beats thick and quick.

Where can I buy dark blue leather dye in the UK?

You can order VG Penetrating Leather Dye in dark blue 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. Everything is kept in stock here, so there is no waiting on a supplier, and if you are not sure which option suits your item best you are always welcome to drop me a line before you order.