mbjoer Posted April 7, 2010 Report Share Posted April 7, 2010 Just received a strap which in the internet picture looked redish, but in reality turned out purple. I don't really like the thing I received, but also am not sure if I can or should return it. Is there any way to colour an alligator strap? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
maxman Posted April 8, 2010 Report Share Posted April 8, 2010 There Is some pretty good Information on line, just do a google search on dying leather goods. There are arts and craft stores where you can pick up leather dye. Im sure after a little research you will be good to go, good luck. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbjoer Posted April 8, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 8, 2010 Thanks for this. I don't know why I thought alligator would be so special, and your response gave be an idea: How about plain shoe polish... So I gave it a bit of brown to dampen the blue in the purple and it has come out really nice. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted April 8, 2010 Report Share Posted April 8, 2010 The shoe repair shops have a variety of leather paints.. (not shoe polish).. it is usually a spray canister, but you will also turn the stitching the same colour.. I've used it on golf shoes ..it is "leather" paint.. the advise from the leather specialists is:.. use acetone to remove the dye or paint that is on the hide before you repaint it.. you need not remove it entirely but the acetone removes most of the paint.. if you go to the cosmetics dept of any store and ask for 100% pure acetone.. (nail polish remover) that is the one that works the best. and after the prep.. simply spray the new colour on the hide.. let dry and it's as good as new.. if you want more a matte look the fiberglass scratch brush that is sold on Ofrei .. cousins or here from Watch Bitz.. will turn the shinny finish into a matte one.. hope that helps.. AC/Lani Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mbjoer Posted April 9, 2010 Author Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 Thanks, Lani. That is really useful info. I have no problem with the stitching being tghe same colour as the skin. The stitching also changes colour when using polish. I guess that the big advantage in using your method is the durabiloity of the process. However for the very subtle change in nuance I was looking for I am not totally unhappy with the polish method. I may try leather paint on another strap though. Just to do it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
panera Posted April 9, 2010 Report Share Posted April 9, 2010 You can try sand it and give a vintage sueded look Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.