Boot dye/polish?

[lizzwithay]

EDIT: update on Red Boots

Hello!

Just wondering if anyone has any recommendations for a boot dye and also a boot polish?

I need to polish up some dark red boots for Romana I, and then dye some tan boots light blue for Zoe from the Five Doctors (Wooooo bubble wrap!). Both pairs are leather, although the red ones are a stiff leather and the tan ones

Comments

[droxy]

I've dyed light grey boots black. I've dyed a brown leather coat to black.

First your boots must be leather. if not, you would use automotive vynil paint (can be found at auto parts stores), which I've used successfully on a purse.

One thing that is true on dying leather, you have to go from lighter to darker. I don't know how to "bleach" leather or if it is possible.

You can go from dark to light with automotive paint, you will just need to do a few coats of it. Do not use automotive paint on leather.

It's not a difficult process. Just spread lots of newspaper on teh floor. If doing on carpet use plasttic sheeting. Wear latex or rubber gloves. wear "paint clothing" or anything you wont care about if it gets dyed. Work in an area where pets and people will not spill your dye or touch youe work when it's wet.

Leather dye gives off fumes, best to be in a garage.

If your boots are "marginal" or really old, meaning these are in Ok shape for costuming but will only be used for costuming and not street wear, you can always use the paint method.

WORD OF ADVICE: You want to do this at least 2 months before a con. Why? You want this process done, aired out, and dry prior to packing in luggage. Wrap your freshly dyed boots in plastic grocery sacks for packing in case the dye rubs off. Same applies for automotive paint. It needs time to cure and get hard.

One of the benefits to dying old leather is it gives then a new look and makes them look new. I was very pleased with my black boots because the grey ones were scuffed beyond redemption. The black made them look new.