Learn how to protect and enhance your leather items in this article on sealing leather. From keeping out spills and rain to making your dye leather last longer, discover easy steps on how to seal leather and give your favorite pieces a stylish and durable upgrade.
In this article, besides guidance to the identification of sealing dye leather, you can also discover what leather sealer is right for you and find out answers to some questions related to the sealing process.
Contents
- 1 Supplies for sealing leather
- 2 Guide to how to seal leather in 6 steps
- 3 F.A.Q.
- 3.1 What is the purpose of sealing dye leather?
- 3.2 What are the distinctions between leather sealers and leather conditioner?
- 3.3 How do you seal newly dyed leather?
- 3.4 How do you apply leather sealer?
- 3.5 How long does it take for the leather sealer to dry?
- 3.6 What is the best thing to seal leather with?
- 3.7 What do you put on leather after dying it?
- 4 Conclusion: sealing leather
Supplies for sealing leather
Uncover must-have tools for sealing leather that are:
- Leather cleaner
- Leather sealer
- Clean cloth
- Soft brush or sponge
- Applicator
- Protective gloves
Guide to how to seal leather in 6 steps
Elevate your leather project with a simple 6-step guide on how to seal leather dye, ensuring longevity and a polished finish for the leather products after the dye.
First step: initiate the process – dye, dry and clean
After the leather dye to the desired color, you should wait until the leather item is completely dried. The drying time can vary based on the dye type and the leather’s thickness.
Generally, allow at least 24 hours for the dye to air dry thoroughly, ensuring the color sets in.
Then begin by cleaning dye leather thoroughly with suitable leather cleaner to remove dirt and impurities, ensuring adhesion of the sealant, penetration into the leather, and a protective layer.
Second step: choose the right leather seal
Depending on the desired outcome of your dye leather project, you can explore a range of leather sealer types, such as wax-based, acrylic-based, resin-based, and lacquer-based sealers.
Leather sealer types and their characteristics
In the Table below, you can see the types of sealers and their features that can be helpful when choosing the right leather sealer.
| Types of leather sealers | Characteristics | Water resistance | Scratch resistance | UV resistance | Reapplication needed |
| Resin sealer | Thin removable | Slightly resistant | Scratch-resistant | No | Yes (over time) |
| Acrylic sealer | Varies (thicker than resin) | Slightly more | Scratch-resistant | Yes | No |
| Lacquer sealer | Thick | outdoor Comparable to acrylic | Scratch-resistant | Yes | No |
| Wax sealer | Thicker than resin and acrylic | Slightly resistant | Scratch-resistant | No | Yes (as wears off) |
| Oil sealer | Thinner compared to resin and acrylic | Some level of resistance | Not as much | Yes (moderate) | Yes (periodically) |
Wax-based sealers
Wax sealers prove the simplest to put on – just a rub onto the leather – but disappointingly, they feel less effective after drying, leaving black streaks on the towel, making you doubt their suitability for preventing dye bleeding. Yet, on the upside, it is the product that renders the leather noticeably softer.
Acrylic-based sealers
Acrylic felt thicker, and needed careful application of the coats to prevent streaks, but became sticky when dried; despite dilution attempts, some black residue still rubbed off on the leather.
Resin-based sealers
Easy to apply as a liquid brushed on without streaks, but disappointingly, the resin leaves the leather darkening when rubbed with a paper towel after drying.
Lacquer-based sealers and oil-based sealers
Spray-on lacquer sealer, though not the top pick for indoor use, delivers good results after drying with minimal dye rubbing off, yet it makes the leather stiffer compared to other options.
Oil sealers are effective in nourishing and darkening dye leather, but they tend to be lighter in viscosity, so opinions vary on water and scratch resistance.
Third step: testing leather sealers
Before applying sealer coats to the entire project, perform a test in a discreet spot. This crucial step helps avoid surprise reactions or color changes, making sure the leather sealer blends seamlessly with your leather products.
Fourth step: applying leather sealer
Using a soft brush or sponge, apply the leather sealer with smooth strokes in a circular motion. This ensures an even distribution across dye leather.
Start with a lesser amount of leather sealer and add more if needed. Overapplication can lead to uneven drying and potential streaking.
Pay attention to edges and corners, where leather sealer tends to accumulate.
For consistency, divide leathers into manageable sections applying the sealant to one section at a time, ensuring thorough coverage before moving on.
Watch for any puddling of the sealant. If you notice excess product gathering, use an applicator to spread it evenly, or remove the excess with a clean cloth.
You can apply multiple coats of leather sealer for additional protection against moisture.
Fifth step: Dry fully
In the case of the addition of multiple coats, allow each layer of leather sealer to dry completely before adding another coat.
Before the application of the second coat or other layers, you have to wait a minimum of 3 hours.
Repeat the process all over again in a circular motion until you reach the desired results.
Sixth step: finalizing the process of how to seal leather
After the final coat has dried, lightly buff the leather using a clean cloth, ensuring a refined texture.
F.A.Q.
What is the purpose of sealing dye leather?
Sealing leather acts as a shield, warding off the wear and tear of daily life, ensuring your items not only resist but also maintain the appearance and durability of the leather.
In other words, it can protect against moisture, provide stain resistance, UV ray defense, prevent cracking, and ease of cleaning the leather.
What are the distinctions between leather sealers and leather conditioner?
Leather sealer and leather conditioner serve distinct purposes – the conditioner nourishes and maintains suppleness and replenishes the natural oils that leather can lose over time, preventing it from becoming cracked and stiff.
While sealer creates a coat for dye leather that is a protective barrier, enhancing the durability and longevity of your leather.
Once the last leather dye is thoroughly dry, you can apply a coat of conditioner or olive oil for hydration of the leather.
Moreover, it counters any dryness from the dye and also seals in the dye color.
How do you seal newly dyed leather?
Sealing dye leather is a straightforward process: once the dyeing is complete, let it fully dry, and then carefully apply a suitable leather sealer, like wax acrylic or oil, to the painted surface for added protection against wear and moisture and a polished finish.
Consider multiple coats for increased durability, ensuring the surface is thoroughly dried, then lightly buff for the desired look.
How do you apply leather sealer?
To apply the leather sealer after the dye, use an applicator brush or sponge in a circular motion for even coverage on the dyed surface.
Apply sealer to all edges, but leave the coarse suede side untouched. Then let it air-dry completely to enhance protection, and gently buff the leather for a polished result. Make sure to clean your tools afterward.
How long does it take for the leather sealer to dry?
The drying time of leather sealers, especially the first coat on a dyed or painted surface, varies depending on the product. It typically ranges from a few hours to overnight to allow the sealer to thoroughly dry and protect the leather surface.
What is the best thing to seal leather with?
Choosing the best leather sealer for your leather item after dye is a matter of preference. Wax provides a classic matte finish, acrylic is versatile with various finishes, resin offers robust defense, lacquer delivers a glossy polish coat, and oil nourishes for a rich, darker look on the leather surface.
Moreover, do not be misled by the olive oil myth that will nourish dye leather. Try to experiment and use all the leather sealers to decide the right choice that will appeal to you.
What do you put on leather after dying it?
After dyeing leather, the next step involves choosing the right leather sealers or leather conditioner based on your preferences and needs.
Applying the first coat with precision is crucial to protect and achieve the desired color, and options like olive oil can be considered for a natural finish, making sure your dye paint not only looks vibrant but also receives the care it needs to protect it for long-lasting appeal.
Conclusion: sealing leather
Sealing leather is all about picking the right stuff for your project after dyeing – whether it is safeguarding a favorite jacket, spicing up an accessory, or locking in the color after the dye. By using the right sealers, your leather will keep looking great and lasting longer.