How do I strip and re-dye my leather ottoman?

Anna B
by Anna B

Disaster?! I am dyeing my leather ottoman with Fiebing's leather dye. The first coat went on and buffed out perfectly. The second coat went on fine. When I started to buff the second coat, the dye started to peel and pill in places all over the ottoman. In some places where the second coat of dye peeled away, the first coat which was fine, looked "pimpled". Is my ottoman forever ruined? Is there a product that will remove all or almost all of the dye I applied so I can begin the process of dyeing again? I welcome ALL help and suggestions, please and thank you!


  10 answers
  • Oh my goodness! I would be a bit worried too. The dye you are using is a good one, so it's not that. See if any of these help.


    https://youtu.be/P6AopwTuYAo


    https://www.wikihow.com/Dye-a-Leather-Couch

  • 17335038 17335038 on Mar 15, 2020

    Is your ottoman 100% leather, or bonded leather?


    How long did you wait between buffing the first coat, to applying the second coat?

  • Johnavallance82 Johnavallance82 on Mar 15, 2020

    Hello Judy,

    Do you have house Insurance for Contents? Maybe make a claim for Accidental Damage! If your Ottoman was not real leather (Hide) then the dye was probably not right to use! If Real Leather, contact the Dye Company - Customer Service Department. Ask what you can do to make thing well!! If Faux Leather you may not be able to save it, but there are options:- Call in an upholsterer to get it fixed! or

    Call in or buy Stretch Covers or Loose Cover. or If dye will not dry or fabric is falling off, then strip it off yourself and use blanket or sheet throw or Make yourself a new cover or recover it yourself (you can buy or borrow a book or magazine from Craft shop to help or find a friend that has the talent to help.........Best wishes..........

    • See 1 previous
    • Anna B Anna B on Mar 17, 2020

      I assume you're joking here...our homeowner's insurance does not cover damages I did (on purpose or accidentally) to the contents of our home.  I am determined to get my leather ottoman back into shape. The leather is 100% genuine hide leather, which gives me hope that it can, somehow, be restored.

  • Mogie Mogie on Mar 15, 2020

    Have you called the manufacturer of the leather dye? They probably have encountered this before and should be able to help.

    Here is a link to their page: https://fiebing.com/

    • Anna B Anna B on Mar 17, 2020

      Thanks for the link, Mogie! I'm going to call them, first thing in the morning.

  • Vimarhonor Vimarhonor on Mar 15, 2020

    Gosh I would try to call or email they leather dye manufacturer. They would be able to offer the best guidance for your upsetting situation.

  • Cheryl A Cheryl A on Mar 15, 2020

    I would call the mfg of the dye you are using and ask them why this is happening. Did you read and follow the instructions on the container,box,etc.


    • Anna B Anna B on Mar 17, 2020

      Hi Cheryl...yes I read the instructions several times over and followed them exactly.

  • Cynthia H Cynthia H on Mar 15, 2020

    The dye doesn't seem to be absorbing. If you are sure it's really leather then your next call should be to the manufacturer. Most have customer service online. Clear photos to document your problem will help. Good luck!

  • Anna B Anna B on Mar 17, 2020

    Thank you so much, Cynthia! How kind of you! This article gives me hope!

  • 17335038 17335038 on Mar 17, 2020

    Re: Johnavallance's suggestion to make an insurance claim for accidental damage


    First of all, the damage incurred was not accidental. By insurance definition, it was not damage that could have been prevented.

    Secondly, the deductible you will be required to pay if the claim ever were accepted, would most likely exceed the value to the ottoman.

    • See 1 previous
    • 17335038 17335038 on Apr 12, 2020

      Yes, one would assume so. Although some folks without insurance may not be as familiar with the definition of the terms, or their parameters.

  • Sharon Sharon on Feb 25, 2021

    I would contact the company, but one thing that comes to mind is how the leather was prepped before dieing and what might have been on the surface .... they do make a deglazing product.... https://montanaleather.com/product/fiebings-deglazer-2-2/