Are you looking for a way to add color to unfinished wood furniture? Then we would love to dedicate this post to you!
The brief answer to your question is- yes. You can! And it will add a distinctive look or darken a leather item.
Only that? No dear, it may harden your item as well. Else, it contains harsh chemicals that may turn your leather item into brittle stuff.
Can You Use Wood Stain on Leather – Merits and Demerits
There are merits and demerits of using wood stain on leather. We will narrate both.
Merits of Using Wood Stain on Leather
1. Good for Leather Surface
Let us be specific in this regard. If you add a Minmax wood stain to a leather item, it will provide a barrier between the surface and leather moisture. You will benefit from this when living in a humid area. Moreover, it will prevent fading of the leather item. At the same time, it prevents damage from scratches and stains.
Likewise, it increases the lifespan of a leather surface. How? Such a wood stain comprises a sealant. It ensures protection for unfinished wood furniture.
You would be glad to know that this will be pretty affordable. You don’t need to buy a leather dye. This sort of wood stain is enough to color and protect your item.
2. Exceptional Look to Your Leather
This is an extraordinary thing that you secure by using wood stain. Anyone can get a leather product, but only exceptional people get an exceptional look. Unlike other kinds of leather dyes, you can get various colors and shades in wood stains. It leverages you to create unique leather items.
You can treat most of the smooth leathers and ensure far better staining.
Demerits of Using Wood Stain On Leather
1. Needs Additional Effort to Buff Out Wood Stain On Leather
It’s a bit challenging to make wood stain workable for leather items. It takes more time than using regular leather dye. After applying, you need to buff out the wood stain as a must.
Let us show you the contrast. The dyes sink into the leather fibers, and there will be no residue upon the leather surface. That means all dye residues are removable. However, on the contrary, the application of wood stain leaves lots of residues on the leather surface. It makes you use many rags or tissue paper to buff them out!
2. The Risk of More Stiffness
The application of wood stain may stiffen leather items. In this case, it results in a brittle or cracked item. This application seals your stuff from essential oils and moisture. It compels the leather to dry out which leads to brittleness. Therefore, it tends to lose its flexibility and gradually becomes vulnerable.
3. The Drying Process Time-Worthy
Leather stuff with applied wood stain takes more time to dry. Because of poor absorbency, it won’t sink into the leather fibers. Else, most wood stains comprise water which makes the drying process longer.
It has a con!
The delayed drying time allows mold and mildew to grow. Moreover, air-drying is a must that takes several days. However, you can expedite the drying process by using a fan.
4. The Possibility of Harsh Solvents
Your applied wood stain may comprise harsh solvents. It will be detrimental to your skin and the leather skin. The solvent mixed in wood stain may compel your item to dry and crack over time!
Apart from that, even if the wood stain is not harmful to your health, it may leave a dull finish on your leather item.
5. The Chances of Color Change and Dullness
The color outcome may not be satisfactory. Another issue is- it can turn your leather color dull. Instead of employing leather dyes, if you choose wood stain, you will have to clean the wood stain from the surface as well.
6. Devoid of Good Absorbing Quality
Like a leather dye, wood stain lacks proper absorbing quality. As a result, it fails to soak into the leather. That means- it will remain on your leather item and may rub off onto other clothing articles or furniture.
What Household Items Can I Use to Dye Leather?
The good news is- you don’t need to be an expert in dyeing leather. Yes, there are some household things that you can utilize to dye your leather item. It will not only save money but also give you an expert-like feeling.
Anyways, look below to see the items you can use in this operation!
- Powdered mica pigments
- Strong brewed coffee
- Shoe polish
- Rubbing alcohol
- Vinegar
- Leather conditioner
- Fine-grade steel wool
If you want better control over the color, if you want to ensure the safety of your product, you should try making a homemade dye. Some of the materials can be a bit expensive for you. Nonetheless, you can do it affordably overall. And the steps are as follows!
Step One
Get some rubbing alcohol to dissolve powdered mica pigment in it. If you want to intensify the color, increase the pigment amount. Hey, it would help best if you went through some trial and error. Use scraps of the same type of leather you intended to dye.
Such an attempt will be best for making non-earth tone colors like blue, red, etc. For example, you can apply this to paint designs on purses or moneybags.
Step Two
Prepare a mixture of shoe polish and leather conditioner. They need to be equal in amount. Now rub it upon your leather item. Then let it dry. Afterward, clean the stains left over. Repeat this step if you need a darker shade.
Step Three
Prepare a solution of steel wool and water. Let it rust for some days or weeks. However, don’t forget to rewet daily. Afterward, cover the steel wool with boiling vinegar by putting it in a jar. Again, allow it to steep for some days. Maximize the steeping and rusting period to achieve the darkest color.
Now make a mixture of commercial leather conditioner and vinegaroon. It will ease the process.
Step Four
You can use coffee as a leather dye. Get the strongest coffee and brew it. The amount of grounds needs to be doubled. Afterward, have an uncovered cooking pot to simmer. The aim is to lessen one-third volume.
Alternatively, leftover brewed coffee can serve the same purpose. Use a stovetop. Let the coffee cool. Now have some commercial leather conditioner and mix with coffee. Then apply it to the leather product. For instance, you can rely on this technique to revive a faded tan leather sofa.
Leave a Reply