To dye a leather jacket, clean it, strip the factory finish with Angelus Leather Preparer & Deglazer, then brush Angelus Leather Dye on with the bottle’s dauber in even, overlapping strokes. Let it dry, add a second coat if you want it deeper, buff off the excess with a soft cloth, then condition it for a natural feel or seal it with Acrylic Finisher for water resistance. Dye always goes darker, never lighter, so pick a color darker than the jacket you have.
We’ve made leather dye in Los Angeles since 1907. Customers use it to bring faded black jackets back, cover worn elbows and cuffs, and turn a tan or brown jacket into something new. This guide covers smooth leather jackets. Suede jackets take Angelus Suede Dye instead.
Quick answer: how to dye a leather jacket
- Test: try the dye on a hidden spot, like under the collar.
- Prep: clean, then wipe with Deglazer until the shine is gone.
- Dye: even, overlapping strokes with the dauber. Add coats for depth.
- Finish: buff off the excess, then condition it for a natural feel or seal it with Acrylic Finisher.
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Step 1
Preparer & Deglazer
Strips the factory finish so dye can soak in. 4.8 stars from 1,000+ reviews.
ShopThe color
Angelus Leather Dye
Soaks into the leather instead of sitting on top. 4.8 stars from 2,000+ reviews.
Shop colorsKeeps it soft
Leather Conditioner
Cleans, preserves, and softens leather jackets and vintage leather.
ShopSuede jackets
Angelus Suede Dye
For suede and nubuck, which regular leather dye isn’t made for.
Shop colorsReal reviews from Angelus customers
4.8 stars from 2,000+ reviews of Angelus Leather Dye
★★★★★
"My leather jacket was accidentally washed and went from black to tan, Only one coat later and it’s back to its original color!! I’d say a little goes a long way so don’t use so much of it at once."
Kylie H. · Verified buyer · Jet Black Low VOC Dye
★★★★★
"I used Bismark Brown Leather Dye on an orange, vintage leather jacket and the final look was incredible. The dye applies easily and dries quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky residue."
William · Verified buyer · Bismark Brown Dye
★★★★★
"Tried out the black dye to refresh an old leather jacket, a couple of belts and some boots -- I loved it so much, I needed more colors!"
Rachel F. · Verified buyer · 12 Color Leather Dye Kit
How to Dye a Leather Jacket, Step by Step
You’ll need Easy Cleaner or a damp cloth, Leather Preparer & Deglazer, cotton balls or a rag, Angelus Leather Dye, gloves, a soft cloth, and Leather Conditioner. Work in a ventilated room and cover the floor.
Check That the Leather Takes Dye
Put a drop of water on a hidden spot. If it soaks in, dye will too. If it beads up, the jacket has a coating, and Deglazer in the next steps will open it up. Test your dye color on the same hidden spot or on an Angelus Leather Test Swatch.
Clean the Jacket
Wipe off dirt and oils with Easy Cleaner or a damp cloth, and let the jacket dry completely. Take out anything that comes off, and tape zippers and hardware.
Strip the Factory Finish
Wet a cotton ball with Deglazer and rub the leather in 3 to 5 passes until the shine is gone and it looks dull. Work one panel at a time. Dye can’t soak in evenly through the factory finish.
Apply the Dye
Wearing gloves, brush Angelus Leather Dye on with the dauber in even, overlapping strokes, working one panel at a time and keeping a wet edge so you don’t get lap marks. A little goes a long way. Hit seams, cuffs, and the collar edges last.
Let It Dry and Add Coats
Let the jacket dry completely. If you want a deeper color, add another coat the same way. Most jackets need one or two.
Buff, Then Condition or Seal
Once it’s fully dry, buff the whole jacket with a soft cloth to remove excess dye so it doesn’t rub off on clothes. Then pick your finish. For soft, natural-feeling leather, work in Leather Conditioner. For a sealed jacket that sheds water and resists scuffs, brush on thin coats of Acrylic Finisher instead.
What Color Can You Dye a Leather Jacket?
Dye is translucent, so it mixes with the color that’s already there. It can only go the same color or darker.
| Your jacket is | What works |
|---|---|
| Faded black | Jet Black Leather Dye brings it back. |
| Tan or light brown | Any darker shade: brown, oxblood, navy, or black. |
| Dark brown or black, and you want lighter | Dye can’t lighten. Use Angelus Paint, which covers on top. |
| Suede or nubuck | Angelus Suede Dye. |
Shipping to California? Regular Angelus Leather Dye can’t ship there. Low VOC Leather Dye can, and it ships worldwide too.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Deglazer. The factory finish blocks dye and leaves it patchy.
- Trying to go lighter. Dye only darkens. Use paint for a lighter color.
- Heavy, soaking coats. A little goes a long way. Build color in coats.
- Not buffing. Leftover dye can rub off on clothes and seats.
- Using leather dye on suede. Suede takes Suede Dye.
Related guides: Dye belts and wallets · Clean and condition a leather jacket · Customize a leather jacket · How to paint leather
Dyeing Leather Jackets FAQ
Can you dye a leather jacket?
Yes. Clean it, strip the factory finish with Deglazer, apply Angelus Leather Dye in even coats, then buff and condition it.
Can you dye a leather jacket a lighter color?
No. Dye only goes the same color or darker. To go lighter, use Angelus Paint, which covers the old color.
How do you fix a faded black leather jacket?
Clean it, deglaze it, and apply Jet Black Leather Dye. One or two coats usually brings it back. Buff and condition when it’s dry.
Will leather dye rub off on my clothes?
Not once it’s buffed. Let the dye dry completely, then buff the whole jacket with a soft cloth to remove the excess before you wear it.
Can I dye a suede jacket?
Yes, with Angelus Suede Dye. Regular leather dye is made for smooth leather.
Should I seal or condition a dyed leather jacket?
It depends on the feel you want. Leather Conditioner keeps the leather soft and natural. Acrylic Finisher seals the dye so the jacket sheds water and resists scuffs, with a sheen from matte to high gloss. Either way, buff off the excess dye first.
