Changing shoe color - Page 2

shoerepairer · 3rd October 2008, 10:21

as a rule of thumb, (although there are exceptions, which is why I advice asking a repairer who sells dyes for advice as to which dye to buy) if the leather reflects light you need water based dye & if they have a matt finish then the spirit based dye will give the best results.

two leather to avoid with dying are metallic finishes like dance shoes or Patent leathers.

Lee

spiker · 3rd October 2008, 19:29

Oh well, I guess I've got myself a new pair of white shoes then.

Thanks for your response...did you say before that there are dyes that work on patent? (I also have a pair of patent white so I could dye those instead)

Thanks very much for your help.

Spiker.

P.S. Devab is back up now so the link is here

shoerepairer · 4th October 2008, 09:16

Ignore my "your out of luck" reply. Its difficult to tell 100% from the link you just posted but it looks like these are normal leather & should dye OK

HOWEVER NOT WITH THE DYE YOU HAVE! because these reflect light so well you will need a water based paint on dye & not the spirit based soak in dye you have purchased.

Lee

spiker · 5th October 2008, 20:05

Thanks again for your help.

I can't find any dyes that say they're water based, do you have any brands you can recommend? Is it worth me trying the dye I've got, or will that damage the shoes?

Regards,

Spiker.

shoerepairer · 6th October 2008, 17:15

the dye you've got will be C**p on these, DON'T even go there!

I see from your profile your in England, but your purchases are in dollars "IF" you're from the UK (the only brands I am familiar with) theres two main brands available, Punch Lady Esquire (my preferred) & Dylon shoe colour.

I think woolworths might stock these or your local independent repairer will for sure!

good luck, be sure to let us know how you get on!

Lee

spiker · 6th October 2008, 20:18

Once again, thank you for your response.

I am in the UK (near Birmingham), so I'll pop down to Timpsons and see what they've got.

I haven't received the shoes yet, I'll let you know how I get on for sure.

Thanks again, without your help I wouldn't have even considered tackling this.

Spiker.

at9 · 7th October 2008, 11:42

I saw this Punch dye in a local shop. (Ebay URL given only for reference - I have no connection with them - just needed a picture)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/PUNCH-BLACK-LE...d=p3286.c0.m14

Does anyone know if it's water or spirit based? Says it's for leather only so I'm guessing spirit based which is what I want. Just looking for confirmation before I make a mess of the job.

shoerepairer · 7th October 2008, 11:56

Punch make 3 dyes

Water based dye (Lady Esquire) which will colour, leather, plastic & canvas & can be mixed to produce any shade or colour.
Spirit based (shown) Leather dye. the leather dye is also suitable for Nubuck.
Suede dye, which does exactly what it says on the box! Suede!

however the spirit based leather dye is only really good, if the shoes do not reflect light as this leather will allow it to soak in.

Lee

shoerepairer · 7th October 2008, 12:01

Also! I retail Punch leather dye at £2.95 so make sure you don't buy it from Ebay! as from this supplier (I know the image was for reference, but this is for anyone reading this considering dying) it would cost £5.35 inc postage.

Make sure you buy it locally, it will save you a couple of pounds at least!

Lee

at9 · 7th October 2008, 12:34

Lee, thanks for the info. Woolworths have the dye locally for £3.45 so that's not too bad. The ankle boots I want to dye are ordinary leather, they only shine if they are well polished

.

Am I right to clean them carefully with meths (or isopropyl alchohol) before dyeing? Or is it better to use detergent and water and then allow them to dry thoroughly.