Is There Some Way to Add Color Back to a Leather Recliner?

Leather Dye

• When you want to dye a leather recliner back to its original color, be sure to buy a dye that specifically states that it is made for dyeing leather. Dyes made for regular fabrics, wood or other materials may fail to dye the leather recliner or may fade quickly or rub off. Leather dyes can often be found and purchased at fabric stores, crafts stores and art stores.

Dye Colors

• Leather dye comes in a number of colors, allowing you to match the dye as closely to the original color of your recliner as possible. Most retailers carry dyes in standard colors, such as black, white, blue, cream and red, and may not sell dyes in custom colors. If you have a non-standard-colored leather recliner, such a purple or orange, you may have trouble finding a dye. Check with the manufacturer of the recliner to see if the company sells dyes for its leather.

Dyeing and After-Dyeing

• When you dye the leather recliner to return it to its original color, be sure to follow all of the directions on the dye packaging. Generally, dye may be applied using a cloth or sponge applicator and can either be spread only over the area that needs dyeing or over the entire recliner to give the whole chair a new, vibrant appearance. After dyeing the recliner, you must allow the dye to dry for the length of time recommended by the dye maker to prevent the dye from bleeding onto clothing and other objects with which it comes into contact.

Oiling Leather

• Though oiling leather can help keep the leather soft and flexible, not all furniture manufacturers recommend the use of oil on their leather recliners. Oil a leather recliner only if the manufacturer suggests it, and do not oil a leather recliner right after applying dye. If you add oil to a recently dyed recliner, you may cause the dye to bleed or run.