Coloring Leather: Water VS Alcohol

by | Jan 24, 2024 | Leather Dyes, Pro Leather

Water Based VS Alcohol Based

Water vs. Alcohol

Leather dye is a coloring product that deeply absorbs into the leather, bringing out the gorgeous grain and natural beauty of the material. Choosing the right dye can be challenging, as no single product suits all applications. Today, I’ll walk you through the benefits and pitfalls of some of the dyes available.

All dye is pigment in liquid form, and the type of liquid is the basis for the names of the dyes.

Water Based

Water-based dyes, as the name suggests, are water-based. The significant advantage of these dyes is their ability to be thinned down with plain water, allowing for color dilution or creating washes without the need for additional products. Water-based dyes can achieve watercolor-like effects without drying out the leather, and I’ve found they work better than alcohol-based dyes for techniques like the popular shaving cream method of dyeing.

Due to the way water-based dyes settle into the leather, achieving even coverage over large areas is easier, and light areas can be touched up effortlessly. This forgiving nature makes water-based dyes ideal for beginners, yielding fantastic results.

While all dyes will stain anything they touch, water-based dyes are more forgiving to clean up than their alcohol-based counterparts. A spill on a white t-shirt may be irreversible, but quick action can often salvage drips on a tabletop, and the dye washes off skin with a few hand washings. This makes water-based dyes my go-to choice when teaching leatherwork to kids.  When applying water-based dyes, using artificial applicators like sponges or acrylic paintbrushes is recommended. 

Another significant advantage is that water-based dyes are readily available everywhere, though precautions should be taken to avoid freezing during transport.

As for drawbacks, water-based dyes can be somewhat water-soluble on the finished product. Properly top coating and sealing colors in can prevent bleeding during wear. Oil and water famously don’t get along, so water-based dyes may not sink well into oiled leathers, and they are slightly less color-safe in UV light.

Some of the best water based dyes on the market are 

Tandy’s Eco Flo Dye
Fiebing’s LeatherColors ™ 

Tandy's Eco Flo Dye
Fiebing's LeatherColors

ALCOHOL BASED 

The other type of dye is alcohol-based, or solvent based. Alcohol-based dyes offer a more traditional coloring method and are familiar to many seasoned leatherworkers. “Oil dye” may be encountered, but it’s essentially a misnomer, as oil dyes are still solvent based, just formulated differently.

In my personal experience, alcohol-based dyes penetrate the heart of the leather better than water-based dyes. The pigments in alcohol dyes tend to be deeper, and the colors fade less from sunlight compared to water-based dyes.

While there is a learning curve to using solvent-based dyes, mastering them opens up numerous possibilities when combined with other products. I recommend alcohol-based dyes for re-dyeing already colored products, but this comes with its own pitfalls, which I’ll cover in a future blog entry.

Applying alcohol-based dyes works best with natural products. Daubers, applicators, made of real wool or red sable brushes release the dyes well and are not harmed by the product.

Pitfalls of alcohol-based dyes compared to water-based ones include: the need for thinner to dilute dye longer-lasting staining on hands (so wearing gloves and old clothes is advisable),  quicker evaporation, and skin dryness for both the leatherworker and the hide it’s applied to.

The major drawback of alcohol-based dyes is availability. Many places are phasing them out due to flammability and their classification as higher VOC products. They are unavailable in places like California and have shipping restrictions, including international shipping.

Some of the alcohol based dyes available to you are 

Angelus leather dye

Fiebings Leather Dye

Regardless of the dye you choose, a bit of artistic work will result in a gorgeous finished product!

Angelus Leather Dye
Fiebing's Leather Dye
That Reminds me of a Story...
Embracing Leather: A Sustainable Choice Over Plastics

Embracing Leather: A Sustainable Choice Over Plastics

by | Dec 31, 2023 | Pro Leather

Why Leather?
Is leather sustainable?

In today’s fast-paced world, sustainability has become a paramount concern. As consumers, the choices we make in our purchases greatly impact the environment. When it comes to everyday items like bags, shoes, and furniture, opting for materials that stand the test of time and have a positive environmental impact is crucial. Leather, with its inherent qualities, emerges as a sustainable alternative to plastic-based products. Let’s delve into why choosing leather over plastics can significantly contribute to a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

Durable and Long-Lasting

Leather goods are renowned for their durability. When cared for properly, a leather item can last for decades or even generations. Unlike plastic-based products that often degrade quickly and end up in landfills, leather’s longevity significantly reduces waste and consumption. Its resilience and ability to withstand wear and tear make it a reliable choice for those seeking quality and longevity in their possessions.

Recyclable Nature and Reduced Waste

One of the key advantages of leather is its recyclability. Scraps and remnants from leather production can be repurposed into various items, minimizing waste and contributing to a circular economy. This reduces the volume of material sent to landfills and lessens the environmental burden associated with waste disposal.

Eco-Friendly Production Processes

The production of leather tends to have a lower environmental impact compared to plastic manufacturing. Natural tanning processes using eco-friendly materials like vegetable tannins reduce harmful chemical use, making the leather more environmentally friendly. Additionally, leather doesn’t rely on petroleum-based materials, reducing our dependency on fossil fuels and decreasing pollution caused by plastic production.

Supports Local Economies and Craftsmanship

Leather production often involves local craftsmanship and employment, supporting rural communities and preserving traditional artisanal skills. By choosing leather goods, consumers can contribute to sustaining local economies and preserving heritage craftsmanship, creating a positive social impact.

Timeless Design and Reduced Consumerism

Leather items are often timeless in fashion, encouraging consumers to invest in quality pieces rather than frequently replacing trendy, disposable goods. This shift away from a trend-driven consumer culture promotes longer usage periods and reduces overall consumption, ultimately leading to less waste generation.

Carbon Sequestration and Reduced Micro-plastic Pollution

Leather represents a form of carbon storage as it retains carbon absorbed by the animal during its lifetime, contributing to carbon sequestration. Moreover, unlike synthetic materials, leather doesn’t contribute to micro-plastic pollution, reducing its environmental footprint.

Encouraging Responsible Consumption

Choosing leather over plastics encourages responsible consumption habits. Consumers are empowered to make sustainable choices that prioritize durability, quality, and reduced environmental impact, aligning with a more eco-conscious lifestyle.

In conclusion, opting for leather goods over plastic-based products presents a compelling case for sustainability. The durability, recyclable nature, reduced environmental impact, and timeless appeal of leather make it a preferable choice for those seeking to make a positive difference in the world through their everyday consumption choices.

By embracing leather, we contribute to a more sustainable future—one where quality, durability, and environmental responsibility harmoniously coexist.