Take the time to thoroughly clean your boots. The more dirt you remove, the better the final outcome will be. Use circular motions as you scrub your boots.
The finish and some of the color will come off when you apply the deglazer. You may want to do this outside because the fumes can be very strong. Use a white cloth or rag because you do not want the color from the rag to bleed onto your boots. [2] X Research source Use a toothbrush to get the areas between the sole and upper.
Removing the protective finish is critical to a successful dye job. The dye will not penetrate your boots if the protective finish is still there. If you have to apply the deglazer multiple times, you may want to let your shoes dry overnight.
Always read the instructions that come with the dye. If you are creating an intermediate color, go ahead and mix the dyes at this time. The basic rules of color mixing apply to leather dyes as well. For example, yellow and blue can be mixed to make green. You can dilute the dye with water to adjust the color. Play around with the water-to-dye ratio and test the color on swatches before you apply the dye to your boots.
Some dyes will come with an application brush. However, use whatever tool is most comfortable for you. If you are not satisfied with the color after the second coat, you can apply a third coat. Always allow the coat to dry for 30 minutes each time. If you apply your first coat using horizontal brushes, apply the second coat using vertical brushes. This will ensure an even application of the dye. Consider using a small paintbrush for fine details and hard to reach areas, such as the spot where the sole and the heel meet the leather. Test a small area before you apply the dye to your entire boot.
If you are going from white to black, dye the shoes green or blue first and finish with black. If you are going from white to brown, dye the shoes light green first and finish with brown. If you are going from red to black, dye the shoes green first and finish with black. If you are going from white to a bright red, dye your shoes yellow first and then red. If you are going from white to dark red, dye your shoes tan and then dark red. If you dye your shoes yellow, dye your shoes white before you apply the yellow dye. [7] X Research source Always allow the dye to dry completely before you apply the next color.
Lightly rub off any dye that may still be wet with a cotton rag. Be careful not to scrub the leather; just wipe gently. The color of your boots will intensify and even out as your boots dry. [9] X Research source
Apply a thin, even layer of polish to your boots. Find a polish that matches the color of your boots and always read the directions before you apply to your boots. Let your boots sit for twenty minutes after you apply the polish.
Look for brushes that have horse-hair bristles. They will not scratch your boots, but will still get the job done. [10] X Research source When you are done brushing, use a cloth or old t-shirt to finish buffing your boots and make them shiny. [11] X Research source
