Leather & Vinyl Dyes for Upholstery

Yes it is possible to change the color of vinyl upholstery on furniture, in automobiles, and for other similar applications. Vinyl dye is a product often marketed for use in recoloring vinyl upholstery. It is also useful in recoloring soft plastics. Unlike conventional paint, vinyl dye seeps into the surface it is applied to, resulting in a color that will not peel or chip. Only bare plastic and vinyl surfaces may be dyed. Dyed surfaces may even be re-dyed another color.

It is possible to change color of vinyl or leather upholstery. It is usually not advisable to make drastic color changes because of the possibility of scratches or wear through. Best results are obtained when colors are freshened. Great care in cleaning is essential for good adhesion.

Furniture in your home, automotive upholstery, seats, aircraft seats and upholstery, vinyl tops, motorcycle seats and so on...

Instructions

Clean surface thoroughly with soap and rinse with water. Allow to dry and clean with appropriate cleaner: SEM Vinyl Prep or SEM Plastic Prep. Apply paint using light "mist" coats, allowing 5 - 10 minutes dry time between coats.

To change to a lighter of different color first dye the vinyl to white, then dye to desired color.

Products

• Leatherworld Technologies
• SEM products
• VHT Vinyl Dye
• DupliColor Vinyl & Fabric Paint
• Color-Bond

Other Tips

How to distinguish vinyl from plastic

In some cases it may be difficult to tell if you have vinyl or leather upholstery because many vinyl upholstery is designed to resemble leather. Manufacturers intentionally make vinyls to look like leather. By turning the material over however the difference is obvious. Vinyl will have a knitted back with a regular pattern, while leather will appear to be suede.

How to Repair a Rip in Vinyl Seat

It is possible to repair many types of small rips and tears on a vinyl seat. You will need the following:

• Vinyl patch piece
• Vinyl color (in case the patch piece does not match the color of the original vinyl)
• Vinyl adhesive

Analyze the hole or tear and take note of the size. Use scissors to modify the hole making it symmetrical for better fit with a patch. Cut down a piece of vinyl material to the exact size of the hole. Ensure no gap exists, it must be an exact fit. Place patch piece over the hole. Align the patch with the hole and ensure it is even with the surface and on all sides. Now that you have a good fit you will apply vinyl adhesive. Lift the vinyl on the chair slightly to work adhesive underneath just a bit. Tuck vinyl and align the patch again. Apply adhesive tracing around the dimensions of the patch so the adhesive contacts both the patch and the parameter of the whole. Make sure the piece stays put and do not disturb the patch for 24 hours. Ensure you don't get the adhesive on the foam behind the vinyl. You really only want the adhesive on the vinyl itself.