Leather colour sprays are a fantastic way to restore, refresh, or customise leather surfaces. Whether you're changing the colour, covering scuffs, or updating a worn finish, following the correct preparation and application techniques will give you a smooth, professional result.

Preparing the Leather Surface

  1. Clean the Leather: Ensure the leather surface is clean, dry, and free from dust, grease, or oils. If necessary, use a mild solvent and a clean cloth to wipe the surface.
  2. Dull Glossy Leather: If the leather is glossy, lightly sand or dull the surface to ensure the dye adheres properly.

Shoe Spray dye


How to Apply Leather Colour Spray

  1. Shake the Can: Shake the aerosol can for at least one minute after the mixing balls inside start to rattle. If they don’t move freely, turn the can upside down and tap the bottom with your hand to free them. Proper shaking ensures the pigments and gloss are mixed thoroughly.
  2. Spray Evenly: Hold the can upright, about 10-12 inches from the leather surface. Apply the spray in light, even coats, moving the can back and forth to avoid streaking. Continue until a smooth, wet-look finish appears. Shake the can occasionally between coats to keep the mixture even.
  3. Drying Time: Allow the dye to dry completely between coats. This ensures you achieve the correct colour and finish.

Storing Leather Colour Spray Cans

  1. Clear the Valve: After use, turn the can upside down and spray for 2-3 seconds until a white gas appears. This clears the valve, preventing dye from clogging the nozzle.
  2. Store Properly: Always store cans upright and away from high temperatures. Avoid storing in places where the temperature exceeds 120°F (49°C). Cold won't harm the aerosol, but allow the can to warm to room temperature before use. Avoid storing the spray at extreme temperatures for long periods.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

  • Colour Doesn't Match: Ensure the can was shaken thoroughly before use, as pigments need to be well mixed. If the leather has faded or changed over time, apply more coats until the colour matches.
  • Flat or Hazy Finish: High humidity or applying the spray on a hot surface can cause this. Use the spray in lower humidity or allow the leather to cool if it has been in direct sunlight.
  • Speckled Finish: The spray tip may be blocked. Rotate the tip ¼ turn and try again, or clean it with acetone to remove any dried dye.
  • Streaky Appearance: This happens when all spray passes are made in the same direction. To avoid streaks, vary the spray direction and overlap each pass slightly.
  • Runs or Sags: If too much dye is applied in one coat, it can run. Apply lighter coats and increase the speed of your hand as you spray. Let each coat dry for 5 minutes before continuing.
  • Dye Isn't Drying or Adhering: The surface may not have been cleaned or prepared properly. Make sure it is free from oils or gloss and roughen it slightly for better adhesion.
  • Metallic Colours Don't Match: Metallic dyes contain tiny metal flakes that reflect light. If applied too heavily, these flakes can get buried, making the colour appear too dark. If applied too lightly, they reflect too much light, creating a dull look. Practise spraying metallic colours on a scrap piece of leather first to perfect your technique.

Final Tips

Always apply the dye in light, even coats, and allow drying time between layers. Ensure cans are cleaned and stored properly for future use.

By following these steps, you’ll achieve a professional finish with your leather colour spray. Practising on a small, hidden area or scrap leather is a good way to perfect your technique before spraying larger surfaces.

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