How to Adjust the Color of Leather Dyes

Here at Luxury Leather Repair, we do everything we can to provide you with the closest match possible for your leather and vinyl dyes! However, as we know leather does naturally change over time, due to several factors, which can sometimes cause the dyes to be a slightly different shade than the item you are applying it to. However, now we have your perfect solution! We are now carrying our Luxury Leather Repair Leather Dye Color Adjusting Kit! The kit includes high-quality pigment bottles in five essential colors: blue, black, white, yellow, and red. These primary colors are the building blocks for creating a variety of shades, enabling you to perfectly match and adjust to the color of your leather items.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Adjusting Leather Dyes

 

1. Understanding Color Theory Basics

Before diving into dyeing, it's crucial to have a basic understanding of color theory. Remember, colors can be mixed to create new shades:

• Red, yellow, and blue are primary colors.
• Black is used to darken colors.
• White is used to lighten colors.

 

2. Preparing Your Workspace

Set up a clean, well-ventilated workspace. Lay down newspapers or a drop cloth to protect surfaces. Wear gloves to protect your hands and ensure that you have all the necessary tools at hand, including your dye kit, clean rags, and a mixing palette.

 

3. Starting with a Base Color

Begin with the color that closely resembles the leather item you wish to dye. If you're unsure, it's always safer to start with a lighter base since you can gradually darken the color with additional pigment.

 

4. Making Adjustments

• To lighten the dye, add small amounts of white. Mix thoroughly and test the color on a small, inconspicuous area of the leather.
• To darken the color, use a bit of black. Remember, a little goes a long way.
• If the color needs a warmth boost (more of a red or yellow hue), add red or yellow pigment respectively.
• For a cooler tone (like adjusting brown towards a burgundy or purple), add blue.
• When adjusting the hue of a color, you will want to reference the color wheel. You will want to ask yourself if the color is too red, too blue, too orange, etc. and use the opposite color on the color wheel. This can include mixing colors as well, to create what you need. For example mix yellow and red to create orange. 
• If a color is too blue, add yellow and red
• If a color is too green, add red
• If a color is too yellow, add blue and red
• If a color is too orange, add blue

 

5. Testing and Tweaking

Apply a small amount of the adjusted dye to a hidden part of the leather. Let it dry completely to see the true color. The dye often darkens slightly as it dries, so this step is crucial. Adjust the color if needed, and retest until you're satisfied.

 

6. Applying the Dye

Once you're happy with the color, apply the dye to the leather item following the instructions provided. Work in thin, even layers and allow sufficient drying time between coats.

 

Tips for Success

• Go Slow: It's easier to add more pigment than to remove it. Work in small increments. Use extreme caution when tinting light colors. Just a few drops will usually be sufficient. Adjust lightness and darkness of the color first, then adjust for hue and saturation.
• Mix Well: Ensure thorough mixing to avoid a streaky finish.
• Keep Notes: Jot down your color adjustments. This is especially helpful if you need to mix more dye later.
• Patience is Key: Allow the dye to dry completely between coats for the best results.

 

Color Mixing Guide

Grey: 

Base Colors: White, Black, Yellow,

To Darken: Add Black. This might dilute the tone of the dye some

To Lighten: Add White

To Tone: Add Yellow, Red, or Blue. 

• If color is too orange, add a small amount of Blue. Add small amount of white to compensate darkening effect. 
• If color is too blue, add a small amount of Yellow and Red.

 

Tan: 

Base Colors: White, Black, Yellow, Red

To Darken: Add Black. This might dilute the brightness of yellow/orange tone and will need to be added back in. 

To Lighten: Add White

To Tone: Add Yellow and Red

• If color is too Orange: Add small amount of Blue. Add small amount of White to compensate darkening effect

 

Beige:

Base Colors: White, Yellow, Red

To Darken: Add Black.This might dilute the brightness of yellow/orange tone and will need to be added back in.

To Lighten: Add White

To Tone: Add Yellow and Red 

• If color is too Orange: Add a small amount of Blue. Add a small amount of White to compensate darkening effect.

 

Blue

Base Colors: Blue, Black, White

To Darken: Add Black. Black will also dilute the brightness of the Blue Tone. 

To Lighten: Add small amounts of white (Will create a milky effect in large amounts). Add blue to reenhance the brightness. 

To Tone: Yellow, Red, and Blue

• If color is too Blue: Add a small amount of Yellow and Red. Green (Blue and Yellow) may also be added to make a Green/Blue effect
• If color is too Green: Add a small amount of Red. Add a small amount of Black to compensate lightening effect.
• If color is too Red: Add small amount of Yellow and Blue. Add small amount of White to compensate darkening effect.

 

Red

Base Colors: Red, Yellow, White, and Black

To Darken: Blue Darkens while retaining red tone, will create a purple/burgundy effect if too much is added. Black will darken the color but will dilute the brightness of the red and may need to be toned. 

To Lighten: Red will lighten if very dark and will intensify the Red Tone. Yellow lightens and will create and Orangey Red Tone. White will lighten but can create a milky or pink effect if too much is added. 

To Tone: Red, Yellow, and Blue

• If color is too Blue: Add small amounts of Orange. Add small amounts of White to compensate darkening effect. Red may also be added to compensate for the loss of tone.
• If color is too Orange/Brown: Add small amount of Yellow. Blue may be added if the color is way off, but you can compensate the darkening effect with small amount of White.
• Red is predominantly Red with Yellow/Orange tones. Shading will most often be done using Blue.

 

Green:

Base Colors: Blue, Yellow, White

To Darken: Black Darkens, but dilutes the brightness of the green tone. Blue Darkens and intensifies the Blue/Green Tone. 

To Lighten: White will lighten, but create a milky appearance when large amounts are added. Yellow will lighten and create an Orange/Green Tone

To Tone: Add Blue and Yellow 

• If color is too Green: Add small amount of Red. Add small am all amount of Black to compensate lightening effect. Yellow may also be added to intensify Green/Yellow tone

• If color is too Yellow: Add small a amount of Blue. Add small amount of White to compensate darkening effect. 

• If color is too Blue: Add small all amount of Orange. Green may be added but color will become Brighter.

• Green is predominantly Green with Yellow/Blue tones. Shading will most often be done using Black.

Conclusion

Adjusting your leather dyes doesn't have to be intimidating! Just remember to go slow and take your time, you can always add more pigment!

Visit autoleatherdye.com for more information, tips, and to get your hands on our exclusive Leather Repair Dye Color Adjusting Kit. Happy dyeing!