How to Stain a Leather Desktop

Clean the leather top with soapy water. Remove any soap residue with clear water. Ensure that there is no dirt or small objects in any crevice. Allow to dry. Attach the masking tape around the edge of the leather to protect the desktop wood from leather prep solution and colorant.

Use a cloth or paper towel to apply the leather prep solution. Scrub vigorously. Expect some of the surface color to be removed. Leave to dry.

Sand the leather area lightly with the sandpaper in a circular motion. This creates a base for the colorant to adhere. Avoid over-sanding or sanding over stitches in the leather. Wipe away any dust and sanding debris with a damp cloth. Clean lightly with the leather prep on a paper towel to remove all dirt.

Use the sponge in the leather colorant kit to apply colorant to the leather area. Apply using short, even strokes and avoid leaving bubbles or marks on the leather. Allow to dry after applying one light coat. Repeat the process until the color deepens to the tint desired. Allow to dry or dry gently with a hair dryer on low power. Apply a final color coat with the spray in the colorant kit or with the applicator sponge if desired. Allow to dry.

Leave the desktop undisturbed for at least 48 hours and ensure that no sharp or heavy objects or liquids are placed on the new surface. Apply leather conditioner after 48 hours. Wait for a further 24 hours and remove the masking tape. Wipe away any masking tape remains with a cloth and the desk is ready for use.