Re-Dying leather seats tan-black

[Hambag]

Hi guys, had a look around the forums and couldnt find much info on redying leather seats, if theres something i missed please remove this thread.

So my old fabric seats in my 90 NA were well past their used by date and needed a change. I got my self a pair of leather tan seats which i belive are from a NB8B model (correct me if im wrong)



Now i would like to re die the seats to a matt black. I have seen other videos on this topic but haven't seen any mx5 related info. Has anyone had their leather seats re-dyed? Since i'm going from tan to black i thought it should be straight foreword. Also i have read up about people using the duplicolour vinyl spray, some with good results and others not so good.

If anyone has some experience on this topic please share.

Cheers

[MrRevhead]

Have a look into SEM Colorcoat dyes that are available in an aerosol. Really popular in the US and many have said that they are much better (application, finish and durability) than the Dulux vinyl sprays.

Google the distributor for Aus. Last I enquired they sold them for about $25 a can.

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[Mr Morlock]

I don't think it would be too successful - you cannot prejudge how it will go until you try and then you might make a mess. If you spraying it with another brown of similar colour you might be successful. If any of the black peels off or does not cover it properly its going to show and it might also need maintenance. My inclination would be to stay with the brown.

[MrRevhead]

Color Coat is designed to be a durable and permanent coating that won't flake, peel or crack.

http://www.semproducts.com/training/frequently-asked-questions/

[meanmx]

Have a look through this site. Apparently they are the best and used by owners of classic Jags, BMW's, Mercedes, Porsche's etc. No personal experience just what I have heard on BMW and Porsche forums. http://www.leatherique.com

[Mr Morlock]

If you believe all the claims made by sellers you are going to be disappointed. There are colour change products for shoes etc. Talk to a trimmer or shoe shop and get some advice not just reading the sales puff. Its a punt- a reasonable pair of tan seats may be rendered stuffed. Also as a matter of interest there is info on so called basic things like even how to clean leather and its far from straightforward but sellers are prepared to tell you that the answer is in one aerosol can.

[MrRevhead]

If you believe all the claims made by sellers you are going to be disappointed. There are colour change products for shoes etc. Talk to a trimmer or shoe shop and get some advice not just reading the sales puff. Its a punt- a reasonable pair of tan seats may be rendered stuffed. Also as a matter of interest there is info on so called basic things like even how to clean leather and its far from straightforward but sellers are prepared to tell you that the answer is in one aerosol can.

The crash pads I sprayed about 2 years ago with SEM color coat has been fine to date, and they are regularly exposed to the elements.

The link was just reinforcing my personal experience and counter acting a claim you provided without any first hand experience with the product.

[bruce]

I'd be afraid of the black transferring onto your clothes over time.
Also, the leather will eventually crease/crack and maybe expose the original tan.
I would leave them the tan colour.

[Red Dragon]

Morlock is his normal pessimistic self.
Go to a bootmaker and ask their advice, years ago we used to use bootmakers dye to change the colour or redo the colour of saddles,bridles and riding boots with no problems of it coming off as it is a dye that sinks into the leather not a covering that sits on top of the surface.
How does morlock think coloured leather gets it colour? From a coloured animal.

[lizard]

Have a look here http://birdsall-leather.com.au/ have used there products many times over many years we did a 3 piece leather lounge 8 years ago and it still looks great same with leather seats in my 1952 203 . Birdsall tan there own hides and paint them the produce you will purchase from them is the real stuff

[Hambag]

Thanks for all the feedback.

I don't think it would be too successful - you cannot prejudge how it will go until you try and then you might make a mess. If you spraying it with another brown of similar colour you might be successful. If any of the black peels off or does not cover it properly its going to show and it might also need maintenance. My inclination would be to stay with the brown.

I am after a dye system that would essentially soak into the leather, so it shouldn't be a layer per se. I know that if you clean any dyed leather with warm soapy water and a soft bristle brush you will start to remove the dye.

If you believe all the claims made by sellers you are going to be disappointed. There are colour change products for shoes etc. Talk to a trimmer or shoe shop and get some advice not just reading the sales puff. Its a punt- a reasonable pair of tan seats may be rendered stuffed. Also as a matter of interest there is info on so called basic things like even how to clean leather and its far from straightforward but sellers are prepared to tell you that the answer is in one aerosol can.

Hopefully it is in an aerosol can lol. I saw a couple of YouTube videos where they tan the seats from black to red. It took a good amount of layers before you got a nice and even colour.

I'd be afraid of the black transferring onto your clothes over time.
Also, the leather will eventually crease/crack and maybe expose the original tan.
I would leave them the tan colour.

I would leave them tan and just clean them up but I'm not so sure on the red car with Black and Tan interior combo..

Morlock is his normal pessimistic self.
Go to a bootmaker and ask their advice, years ago we used to use bootmakers dye to change the colour or redo the colour of saddles,bridles and riding boots with no problems of it coming off as it is a dye that sinks into the leather not a covering that sits on top of the surface.
How does morlock think coloured leather gets it colour? From a coloured animal.

Exactly my point, the dye shouldn't rub or peel off as it should absorb into the leather.

Have a look here http://birdsall-leather.com.au/ have used there products many times over many years we did a 3 piece leather lounge 8 years ago and it still looks great same with leather seats in my 1952 203 . Birdsall tan there own hides and paint them the produce you will purchase from them is the real stuff

Will have a look and a chat to a bootmaker and see where I should go with this. As I still can't find a carpet, it might give me plenty of time to sort out the seats.

[Old Dude]

Just an idea but shoot "Benny" a PM and ask him he has been in the industry forever, and is great at helping with the correct information
Cheers
Dale

[Drek]

I can understand Mr Morlocks caution - a lot of leather products that are claimed to be 'dyed' are actually lacquered. This lacquer prevents anything (including the leather conditioning products they also sell you) from soaking in. The products to change the colour are called dyes but often are also lacquers. Years ago the manufacturers could slice a hide horizontally to make 3 hides out of 1 - I imagine they can do better these days... A lot of big dollar couches and car seats have leather fronts with (although hard to spot the difference) matching vinyl sides and backs.

If you paint/dye them and they look worn in a few years - paint them again !

[davekmoore]

There will be buyers for your tan leather seats. And sellers of black leather seats. Or sellers of black leather covers for your existing seats. You may have a local trimmer who can cover your existing seats or your tan leather ones. One or more of these options might include a really good quality leather.

Any and all of the above might ulimately prove less costly in money and hassle than re-colouring.

Just my 2c worth after a lifetime of trying to save a few cents here and there and usually failing dismally.

[dove grey 64]

Not sure what state you are in but b&m leather creations specialises in this. He does many exotic and classic cars. Im a upholsterer by trade and recommend his work.
While re coloring door trims and dashs etc with can stuff can hold up ok areas of high wear like seats are best left to professionals if you want good/lasting results