Leather Dye Base: Alcohol Or Oil?

Leather dyes are available in various forms, differentiated by their carriers and pigments. The two main carriers are water and alcohol, while there are two types of pigments: oil and powder. Fiebing's Pro Dye is an alcohol-based and oil pigmented dye, whereas Fiebing's Leather Dye is alcohol-based with a powdered pigment. The Pro Dye is considered the new and improved version of the traditional classic Fiebing's Leather Dye, formulated especially for professional use on vegetable-tanned leathers.

Fiebings Pro Dye is alcohol-based with an oil pigment

Fiebings Pro Dye is a leather dye that is alcohol-based with an oil pigment. It is a professional-grade product that is highly pigmented and designed for use on vegetable-tanned leathers such as straps and bags. It is considered to be the highest quality dye on the market and offers superior colourfastness.

The alcohol base of Fiebings Pro Dye allows for faster drying times compared to oil-based dyes. However, the oil pigment provides a deeper penetration into the leather, resulting in a more flexible material with less rub-off and a more vibrant colour. This combination of an alcohol base and an oil pigment yields a more even consistency, often resulting in a slightly darker and richer finish compared to powdered pigments.

Fiebings Pro Dye is available in a range of colours, including black, and can be mixed to achieve beautiful secondary colours and intermediate tones. It is important to note that Fiebings Pro Dye does not come with an applicator, so separate tools such as sponges, paper towels, or daubers are required for application.

When using Fiebings Pro Dye, it is recommended to clean the leather thoroughly with a deglazer cleaner before application to ensure the best results. After dyeing, the leather may be polished with a soft cloth to enhance the colour and achieve a more natural finish.

Fiebings Pro Dye is a popular choice for those seeking to refinish and restore leather items, such as handbags, shoes, and leather accessories. It is known for its good coverage and ability to cover scratches and discolourations, offering excellent value for money.

It is best used on vegetable-tanned leathers

Fiebing's Pro Dye is an alcohol-based leather dye that is best used on vegetable-tanned leathers. It is a premium leather dye that offers superior colour fastness and more vivid colours that are less likely to fade over time in sunlight. It is deeply penetrating and highly pigmented, and is considered by experts to be the highest-quality dye on the market.

Fiebing's Pro Dye is the perfect choice for dyeing natural strap leather, vegetable-tanned leather, and bag and case leather. It is also suitable for treating high-quality woods, such as guitar or violin fingerboards, or for model making. This makes it a versatile option for a range of projects.

When using Fiebing's Pro Dye on vegetable-tanned leather, it is important to follow the proper steps to ensure the best results. Firstly, strip any old finish or dye from the leather using Fiebing's Deglazer. This is important as any old finish or dye will create a barrier, preventing the new dye from properly penetrating the leather.

Once the leather is stripped and clean, apply the Fiebing's Pro Dye with a wool dauber or soft applicator of your choice. Use circular motions to avoid streaking and ensure an even application. After dyeing, if you wish to varnish the leather, allow it to dry thoroughly for a day or two. Then, polish any excess pigment off with a soft cloth.

To enhance the colour and achieve a more natural finish, you can further treat the leather with products such as 'Antique Leather Stain' or 'Antique Finish'. Additionally, you can seal the leather with a top coat finish, such as Fiebing's Resolene, which also provides a water-resistant finish. By following these steps and using Fiebing's Pro Dye on vegetable-tanned leathers, you can achieve beautifully dyed leather goods with superior colour and longevity.

It is the new and improved version of Fiebings Leather Dye

Fiebings Pro Dye is the new and improved version of Fiebings Leather Dye. It is an alcohol-based dye with an oil pigment. The oil-based pigment gives the Pro Dye a more even consistency, resulting in a slightly darker and richer finish. The Pro Dye appears smoother and has a more consistent surface compared to the powdered pigment of the regular Leather Dye. The oil pigment also makes the leather more flexible with less rub-off and a more vibrant colour.

Fiebings Pro Dye is highly pigmented and is considered the strongest of all leather dyes. It is formulated for professional use on vegetable-tanned leathers, such as straps and bags. It is available in 16 shades and is deeply penetrating, light-fast, and low-cost.

One advantage of the regular Fiebings Leather Dye is that it dries faster than the Pro Dye. The Leather Dye is also less expensive, especially when bought in gallon jugs. However, the Pro Dye penetrates the leather better, leaving little to no pigment that needs to be buffed away.

Both Fiebings Dyes achieve their best results when applied to clean, deglazed, vegetable-tanned leather. To enhance the colour or give it a more natural finish, Fiebings recommends further treatment with 'Antique Leather Stain' or 'Antique Finish'.

It dries slower than alcohol-based dyes but penetrates deeper

When choosing a leather dye, it is important to consider the different types available and their advantages and disadvantages. Leather dyes are available in various forms, primarily differentiated by their carriers and pigments. The two main carriers are water and alcohol, while there are two types of pigments: oil and powder.

Fiebing's Pro Dye is an alcohol-based dye with an oil pigment. This means that it will take longer to dry compared to other dyes, especially those that are alcohol-based. However, the oil pigment gives the Pro Dye a more even consistency, often resulting in a slightly darker and richer finish. The oil-based pigment also appears smoother and has a more consistent surface compared to powdered pigments.

The slower drying time of Fiebing's Pro Dye can be advantageous in certain situations. For example, if you are looking for a deeper penetration of the dye into the leather, the slower drying time allows for better absorption and a more consistent finish. This is particularly beneficial when working with vegetable-tanned leathers, such as straps and bags, as the dye can penetrate deeper into the material, resulting in a longer-lasting colour.

Additionally, the slower drying time can be beneficial if you are looking to create a custom shade. With more time before the dye sets, you have the flexibility to mix and match different colours to achieve the perfect shade for your project. This makes Fiebing's Pro Dye a great option for those who want to get creative and explore different colour options.

While the slower drying time of oil-based dyes like Fiebing's Pro Dye offers certain benefits, it is important to consider your specific needs and requirements. If you are short on time or regularly produce a large volume of work, an alcohol-based dye like Fiebing's Leather Dye might be a more suitable option. It dries faster, allowing you to complete projects more quickly. However, it is important to note that alcohol-based dyes may result in a slightly drier, stiffer leather with a slight rub-off issue compared to oil-based dyes.

It is considered the highest quality leather dye on the market

Fiebing's Pro Dye is considered the highest-quality leather dye on the market. It is an alcohol-based dye with an oil pigment, which gives it a more even consistency and a slightly darker and richer finish than its competitors. The oil-based pigment also makes the pro dye appear smoother and more consistent in surface texture compared to powdered pigments.

Fiebing's Pro Dye is a highly pigmented, light-fast leather dye that comes in 16 shades and is suitable for professional use on vegetable-tanned leathers such as straps and bags. It is strongly pigmented and is considered the strongest of all leather dyes. The product is also available in a water-based version, which is less expensive and quicker to dry, but it does leave some powdered pigment that needs to be buffed away.

Fiebing's Pro Dye is easy to use and is suitable for beginners. It can be applied with a sponge, dauber, or paper towel, but remember to wear protective gloves as the dye will stain your skin and nails. The manufacturer recommends cleaning the leather thoroughly with Fiebing's #12 Deglazer Cleaner to remove all old polish and finish before applying the dye. While the leather is still damp from cleaning, apply the dye evenly. A second coat of dye may be applied if required, and for a rich, mellow gloss, the manufacturer suggests spraying with Fiebing's Resolene.

Fiebing's Pro Dye is known for its excellent coverage and superior colourfastness. It soaks well into the leather and does not require a second coat in most cases. The dye has a dull luster when dry and requires additional products to finish the surface to a shine and seal it from the elements. Some customers have noted that the dye did not come with an applicator, so be sure to purchase one separately if needed.

Overall, Fiebing's Pro Dye is a high-quality, affordable, and economical product for re-dyeing, refinishing, and restoring leather goods. It is a popular choice among experts and customers alike, with many praising its good quality and value for money.

Frequently asked questions