I don't use an air compressor to apply leather dye, just a brush and lots of patience.
Upholstery Leather Restoration:
a) Surface Preparation:
Leatherique Prepping Agent will remove silicone, wax, dirt, oil, mould, toxins, perspiration and residue from the surfaces to enable proper adherence of the applied product (repairing cuts, cracks or leather surface restoration dye) non-toxic, non-flammable and biodegradable, the formulation safely cleans and prepares all leather surfaces. Ensure a dirt and dust free environment, with adequate ventilation, preferably indoors.
Methodology
·Clean leather surfaces with a 6:1 solution of Water / Woolite®
·Scrub surface with synthetic steel wool #0 and a medium drying lacquer thinner (Recochem's Lacquer Thinner (Recochem Inc) this is a flammable product but with an active ingredient of toluene which is slightly less flammable then other lacquer thinners, ensure the use of adequate ventilation
·Wet-sand surfaces with 240 and 400-grit abrasive papers and a 5:1 lubricant solution (distilled water/Woolite®) to remove existing dye.
·Use a soft horse hair brush (Groit's Leather & Interior Brush) and/or a vacuum to remove any abrasive dust
·Wipe all surfaces with a clean, damp100% cotton Microfiber towel
·Put prepping agent into a fine-mist spray bottle or flask
·Liberally spray a 100% cotton terry towel
·Apply to surfaces with a gentle scrubbing motion to remove any silicone, oils or other contaminants
·Rinse the towel frequently with clean warm water
·When complete wipe all surfaces with a clean, dry 100% cotton Microfiber towel
Surfaces are now ready for leather restoration repairs or the application of a leather dye
(Brush) Application Methodology:
·Clean and prepare the leather surfaces as in 10a above:
·Pour the dye into a suitable container so it can be stirred and mixed properly with a wide paint stirrer. Some pigments are heavier than others and settle (thin dye if necessary to prevent heavy build-up of colour, stir in a small quantity of water to reach workable consistency)
·Start with a small, inconspicuous area to get a feel for the product. It is normal that the colour may appear more vibrant than the faded hue you have become accustomed to.
·Begin with the seams, piping and edges and allow them to dry (usually by the time you are finished, they will be dry)
·Apply several very thin coats, brushing in all directions rather than back and forth.
·Do not stop in the middle of a panel, consistency will be rewarded with an as good as if not better than new finish.
·Allow each piece to dry thoroughly. Apply second coat as necessary (if you are re-dying to change the colour of your leather, further coats will be necessary)
·Clean brushes and all equipment immediately with soap and hot water.
·Allow project to remain untouched for 48 hours, as dye will be fragile.
·Use a very soft, lint free cloth, you may buff the Leather Surface to a natural lustre and remove excess pigment.
·If you have any brush strokes or imperfections, they can be buffed out with fine 600 grit dry sandpaper and a sanding block
JonM
