tired black leather? repair/recolor?

[steveo3002]

not sure this is in the right section


anyway ive just got a used black leather interior for my car, it has the usual creases and wear that any used leather has and some color loss on the bolster

has anyone used any recolor system or dye ?

id like to know how it worked out and how it held up

[nick19]

I've used dye on 10 year old leather seats. Although they weren't tired leather. I think that's a type of leather.

I have some befores now, but let me take some afters when the sun comes up.

The end result was fantastic, and costs less than $30. I have enough to do the whole car, BTW. The seats look BRAND new.

[steveo3002]

i said tired leather ...as in past its best, not brand new anymore but not shot to bits and awfull..its 10 years old or so

what dye did you use ?

[nick19]

Oh, the company I bought the dye from has a special dye for a special leather, and it's close to "tired" or maybe It's too early for me, and IM "tired"


I used this company.

leather repair kit, vinyl repair kit, leather cleaner, leather cleaning, leather dye & paint

All you need is the cleaner and a 8oz bottle of dye. Depending on the color. I have a "neutral" tan, and 8oz should be enough. I haven't done the back seats yet.


8oz Color Prep & Cleaner
8oz Dye
scuff pad
gloves (LOTS of them)
extra applicators (I applied it with a MF applicator, not the spray can)
time (lots of it too)

I bought the kit, and only ended up using the above items. A waste of money for the kit IMO unless you have time to take the seats out and spray them. (and you can only apply two coats, the second after a one hour period, and the third 12 hours later)

If you want, I'll make a copy of the instructions, and mail it to you.

[steveo3002]

yes if you could email over the instructions that would be good thanks

email is steve.mmATtesco.net

[killrwheels@autogeek]

Try Leathrique first ... great for bringing back life into leather. It will not remove creases and cracks, nothing will but new leather. Follow directions exactly and get ready to use your hands. Noticable difference on neglected leather.

[steveo3002]

i already have leatherique , but i will need to cover the wear patch

im kinda in two minds..not sure if i should try to keep the original finish and patch up the bad bits , or chose a re paint system and strip and paint it for a fresh even finish. im just concerned that whatever i choose wont hold up like oem finished leather

[killrwheels@autogeek]

contact a local upholstery shop, you be amazed at how inexpensive it is to formally repair or even replace entire seat covers.

[nick19]

BEFORE: (dirt is came after a football game, it was a little rainy and I guess some picked up on my shorts.)













AFTER:














300x better. Creases and dirt have vanished. Took about 30 minutes to do both seats. Will be doing another application to both seats soon. Followed up by two more a week later.

The key is to apply lots of thin layers, not one thick layer; much like painting.

[steveo3002]

that does look very nice...how long has it been done?

im a bit concerned it might crack or peel