Anyone used Dylon Shoe Dye?

[Monadami]

Hi, I bought a pair of Boots in the Office Sale and really wanted black ones, but they only had grey in my size. Anyway, I'd quite like to dye them black and thought of using Dylon Shoe Dye, but wondered if it works properly and gives a natural even finish. Also is it easy to use?

Thanks

I used it once on a handbag and found it quite hard work to apply - in those days (this is probably 8 years ago now, so may be different now...) you had to buff the leather first so that the dye would 'take' and then it was quite hard to get a smooth finish. I chucked the bag in the end . Have you thought about having them professionally done? I imagine there would be a company who would do it - seem to recall DH's mother suggesting she was going to have some leather shoes dyed a while ago and she had found a place in London that do it but in the end she couldn't be faffed sending them off in the post etc.

Debating whether to send them away to be dyed at the total cost of around £45 or doing it myself for half the price. I've found another product, which seems to be what the professional dyers use, called "Fiebings Leather Dye", so might give that a try and hope I don't make a mess of it all.

Years and years ago I tried dying some light grey suede shoes black but they turned out more of a charcoal grey.

IME its difficult to get things true black. I've had similar experiences in the past when trying to dye clothes black -they never seemed to go a proper black.

This was a long time ago though

Fiebings is great stuff. Dylon is absolutely rubbish (more like paint than dye and always cracks). I used to work in theatre wardrobe and I'd never use Dylon leather dye. It's pants.

Thanks everyone. Horton I've ordered my Fiebings Dye, it comes in three stages a kind of primer which removes any waxy finishes etc, then the oil dye, followed by a fixer. I've already masked the outer rims of the soles and the heels in readiness for my dyeing attempt.

What was the finish like when you used the Fiebings Dye Horton?

It's quite matt usually. The colours do vary a bit but you will probably need a really good thick waxy polish over the top if you want a good shine. I don't think I have used the black one but would suggest a couple of thin coats with plenty of drying time in between will probably give a more even finish than one thicker coat.

Searching for Fiebings leather dye - Amazon only seems to have the dye and not the prep - any advice on suppliers please?