The first time I laid eyes on a pair of Frye "Paige Buckle" boots, I immediately lusted after them, but with too many Frye-related debits already on my recent bank statements, I wasn't ready to take the plunge.
DYE A PAIR OF BLACK LEATHER BOOTS BROWN
STEP I: PREPPING
To avoid the dye seeping on the wooden sole, I taped it off with painter's tape. I ran out of it and substituted masking tape, which worked just as well. |
| Prep: Tape Off Protected Areas |
I applied tape to the inside of the boot opening as well, in order to protect the light tan leather lining the boot. You can also apply tape to any hardware that you need to protect. I left the metal buckles on these boots bare because the paint-like nature of this dye allows it to be easily wiped away with a damp cloth.
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| Prep: Tape Off Protected Areas |
Even though the Tarrago Self-Shine Dye Kit included leather preparer, using an old kitchen rag, I applied a generous coat of nail polish remover to remove any dirt, coatings, or glazes. It is extremely important to insure that these elements are absent from the leather, otherwise the dye will not adhere properly, and unsightly peeling can result.
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To the left of the seam: untreated leather.
To the right of the seam: leather treated with acetone.
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After letting the boots dry overnight, I used a green Scotch Brite scouring sponge to apply the Tarrago Dye Prep from the kit. I was careful not to be too heavy-handed during this process to avoid damaging the leather any more than necessary. The leather turned dry fairly quickly and white streakiness appeared during this phase.
STEP II: DYEING
The moisture from the dye prep actually helps with the adhesion of the dye, so I applied the Tarrago Self-Shine Dye immediately after prepping both boots. I began by using the small brush from the kit to stir the dye, then used it to apply a thin coat of dye to the seams, near the hardware and tabs, and around the soles. |
| Dye: Seams and Nooks & Crannies |
Using the tiny sponge that came with the dye kit, I covered the rest of the boot with a thin layer of dye. I made sure to work somewhat quickly, because I wanted to be able to spread the dye out as much as possible, as thick layers can result in a very plastic appearance.
After stuffing the boots with newspaper to prop them up, I allowed the first layer of dye to dry overnight.
After stuffing the boots with newspaper to prop them up, I allowed the first layer of dye to dry overnight.
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| Dye: One Coat Completed |
The next day, I applied a second coat of dye to the areas requiring more coverage. I then set the boots aside to dry for 48 hours before beginning the conditioning process.
STEP III: CONDITIONING
Using small circular motions, I applied Lexol Leather Conditioner with an old tee shirt. This helps to replenish the moisture that the acetone and dye prep strip from the leather and removes any excess dye. I also chose this time to wipe off the dye that had gotten onto the hardware. Once finished, I set the boots aside to dry overnight.
STEP IV: POLISHING
I began the polishing process using the Tarrago Shoe Cream. I'm not sure if this step was absolutely necessary, but I wanted to dull out the shininess of the self-shine dye and make sure that the color was even. Using circular motions, I applied the shoe cream with a shoe brush and let it set in for 5 minutes. I then took a clean old tee and firmly buffed the boots, using the heat from my breath to help the process along. Once I thought that the shoe cream had been completely buffed clean, I firmly buffed them again to make sure that no excess pigment was left on the boots.
RESULTS
I'm incredibly happy with the way they turned out and three years later, they still look great and the dye never bled!
Retail Price: $389
Used Price: $121 ($100 Boots + $11 Dye + $10 Shoe Cream (I already had all of the other supplies))
Savings: $268 | 69% OFF - Woohoo!
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| Before: Black Frye Paige Buckle Boot |
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| After: Brown Frye Paige Buckle Boot |
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| Closeup Before |
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| Closeup After |
9 comments:
This is an awesome DIY post, thank you! Great job and nice pictures!
Thanks so much!! I hope to post some of my other projects soon!
Ive been wanting to attempt this on my Fryes! You inspired me! This looks so easy..... Where do you get the Dye kit?
One more question - was one kit all that was needed? Thanks!
Hi! Sorry for the delayed response... yes, I used 1 kit (down to the last drop) for these size 8 boots. I bought a second kit in the same color for future touch-ups, but I have not had to use it yet. Hope this helps!
Wow, you really inspired me! I love the brown color you chose, and am looking to do this very project on my own pair of mustard yellow boots. What specific brown color did you use? It's absolutely perfect!
Awesome!! For these boots, I used #122 Chocolate in both the dye kit and the shoe cream. Good luck with your DIY! :)
Hi, I know this is an old post...i am planning to redye my leather saddle, and glad to find your article here. :) my only concern is: since leather saddle contact my pants everyday, does the Tarrango dye could be potentially rub off to my cloth? Thanks again for sharing your experience :)
Hi! In my case, with the Tarrago Self-Shine dye that I used here, I experienced no color transfer, as it is more of a paint that sits on top of the leather than a penetrating dye. I have also used Fiebings penetrating dye on a red purse in the past and that ended rubbing off all over my clothes, even years later. I hope that this helps!
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