Comparison of Alcohol-Based Leather Dyes

Comparison of Alcohol-Based Leather Dyes

Fiebing’s Leather Dye

Manufacturer Information:

• Alcohol-based leather dye that penetrates deeply into the leather, providing an even and lasting color. The dye uses powdered pigment. It dries quickly and allows colors to be mixed to create various shades.

Link to Manufacturer’s Website: Fiebing’s Leather Dye

Features and Applications:

• Penetrates deeply into the leather, providing an even and lasting color.

• Quick drying time, enabling fast progress on projects.

• May cause the leather to dry out, so it is recommended to condition the leather after dyeing.

• Suitable for use on various types of leather, providing bright and lasting results.

Fiebing’s Pro Dye

Manufacturer Information:

• Alcohol- and oil-based dye that delivers richer and more vibrant colors with greater color retention. It is particularly suitable for vegetable-tanned leather, belt leather, and soft leather goods.

Link to Manufacturer’s Website: Fiebing’s Pro Dye

Features and Applications:

• Provides better color retention and is less prone to fading.

• Oil-based composition reduces leather dryness.

• Drying time: up to 24 hours.

• Penetrates deeper into the leather, reducing the need for polishing.

• Suitable for projects that require high quality and long-lasting results.

ROC Narvsværte

Manufacturer Information:

• Universal alcohol-based dye for dyeing or recoloring leather and leather goods, such as leather furniture, bags, jackets, and shoes.

• The product is particularly suitable for soft and fine leather to preserve the “authentic leather look.”

• Narvsværte provides a very beautiful, vibrant, and deep color to the leather.

Link to Manufacturer’s Information: ROC Narvsværte Leather Dye

Features and Applications:

• Provides strong coverage and is suitable for detailed work.

• ROC Narvsværte drying time is at least 12 hours. After drying, it is recommended to use Satin Gloss Spray 02 to prevent color transfer (smearing) and enhance lightfastness. About a week later, it is recommended to apply a thin layer of Gold Quality Leather Grease.

• The type of pigment is less intense compared to Fiebing’s dyes.

• Requires polishing after drying to remove excess pigments.

• Suitable for quick and easy repairs of minor damage, such as scratches and color loss on leather shoes and bags, as well as for crafts and various materials, including leather, wood, dried flowers, ceramics, candles, and eggs.

• The price is more affordable, but the color selection is narrower.

Comparison

Composition and Pigment:

• Leather Dye: Alcohol-based, uses powdered pigment. Dries quickly but may dry out the leather.

• Pro Dye: Alcohol- and oil-based, contains richer and deeper pigment. The oil-based composition helps reduce leather dryness.

• ROC Narvsværte: Alcohol-based. Compared to Fiebing’s dyes, it offers less vibrant tones.

Drying Time:

• Leather Dye: Quick drying (about 10–15 minutes).

• Pro Dye: Requires 24 hours for complete drying, but this ensures deep and durable coloring.

• ROC Narvsværte: Recommended drying time is at least 12 hours, but the quality of pigment adhesion may depend on the leather used.

Color Retention and Fading:

• Leather Dye: May fade under sunlight, so protection (e.g., finishing products) is required.

• Pro Dye: Very good resistance to fading and retains intense tones even under UV exposure.

• ROC Narvsværte: Limited information on color retention; it is advisable to avoid constant UV exposure.

Leather Dryness and Maintenance:

• Leather Dye: Dries leather quickly and requires conditioning after dyeing.

• Pro Dye: Oil content keeps leather softer, but conditioning is still recommended.

• ROC Narvsværte: Conditioning after drying helps prevent leather from drying out.

Color Transfer (Smearing):

• Leather Dye: Leaves excess pigment on the surface, requiring thorough polishing.

• Pro Dye: Penetrates deeper into the leather, reducing the risk of smearing and transfer.

• ROC Narvsværte: Polishing after drying is recommended to remove excess pigments.

Color Selection and Price:

• Leather Dye: Wide color selection and affordable price.

• Pro Dye: Narrower color selection but richer and more durable tones. The price is higher compared to Leather Dye.

• ROC Narvsværte: Limited color selection, but affordable and suitable for projects with smaller budgets.

Color options:

Fiebing’s Leather Dye

Fiebing’s PRO Dye

ROC Narvsværte

For additional information, I recommend watching the following video, which compares different Fiebing’s leather dyes:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hfE4gek9Sys

 

Recommendations:

• Fiebing’s Leather Dye is the best choice for quick drying and an affordable solution, such as for large surfaces or projects where fading is not a significant concern. If you are looking for fast drying and a wider color selection, Fiebing’s Leather Dye might be the better choice.

• Fiebing’s Pro Dye is best for professional projects where color depth, fade resistance, and reduced leather dryness are important. If you prefer richer tones, better color retention, and reduced leather drying, Fiebing’s Pro Dye is likely the best choice.

• ROC Narvsværte leather dye is a good choice for smaller projects. If you are looking for an affordable and universal solution, ROC Narvsværte is a reasonable option.

It is always wise to test a small area to evaluate how the dye reacts to the specific material.