How To Darken Leather Boots

Darkening your leather boots can give them an entirely new look, but only when you use the correct methods. 

I know that you love those boots, but sometimes you might wish that they were a tad bit darker. And I’m on the same boat as you. So, whenever I get overwhelmed with this feeling, I make them a shade darker. Trust me- this process is actually a lot easier than you think. 

I started out by experimenting with my children’s shoes. Darkening their boots gave a new spin to their old boots, and they absolutely loved it. And over time, I tried out a few different methods to see what works best on leather boots. 

Hi! I am Stacy Smith, and today, I will take you through all that you need to know about how to darken leather boots. You will find some of the best methods that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

So, without further delay, let’s dive right in!

1. Using Dye

One of the most effective ways to darken leather boots is to use a dye. It’s one of my go-to methods, and let me tell you why. 

The main advantage of using a dye is that you can choose any color that you desire. But I have a pro tip: always ensure that the dye is a shade darker than the original color of the leather. 

Before you dye your leather boots, prepping them is an absolute must. Similarly, you will need to take proper care of the boots after you are done dying them. I would suggest that you read the user manual to better understand how exactly to take care of the boots post dying. 

Keep in mind that most of the dyes that you find on the market may have toxic chemicals. But with a little research, you will find some variants that do not contain any harmful components. You can even go for water-based colors that help make the leather more supple by retaining the moisture. And if you have enough time, then the best thing to do is to make some DIY dyes. 

From my experience, I can tell that most brands don’t include the application sponge in the package, so you might have to buy it separately. 

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Steps For Application

As I have mentioned before, prepping the leather is essential and for that purpose, apply the solution that comes with the pack on the boots. You need to ensure that the leather is slightly moist and not completely wet. 

Once this is done, apply the dye and let them dry for at least 20 minutes before applying the second coat. The final step is to take a dry cloth and wipe the boots to take off any extra color. 

2. Synthetic Blends

The other option that you can go for is a slightly less DIY variant- yes, I am talking about synthetic dye blends. The benefits of going for this option are plenty. Not only are they good for darkening the boots but they also help in adding a healthy amount of shine and nutrition to the leather.

Moreover, I love how synthetic dyes have a relatively pleasant aroma, and with proper research, you can even find some with natural floral scents. Unlike oil-based dyes, they won’t give you a hard time with their bad smell. 

It is true that they are slightly more expensive than the other alternatives, but with all the advantages on offer, you will have nothing to complain about. 

The only thing that you need to remember is that applying synthetic dyes is a little more time-consuming than applying other such products. Although the drying time is fairly less, you may need multiple applications to get the desired color.

Steps For Application

When applying a synthetic dye, you need to use your fingers instead of a spray bottle to ensure a uniform application. Take your time to apply it near the edges of grooves so that the color gets soaked better. 

Once you are done, give the dye around 10 minutes to dry before applying another coat. And when you’re done, let the boots dry for at least 10 hours before wearing them.

3. Vegetable Oil

Vegetable oils come to my rescue when I don’t plan on dying my boots in advance. Since I have them in my kitchen all the time, I do not have to go hunting for a dye. Be it coconut oil or olive oil; you can use them all.

Using vegetable oils to darken leather also helps fix the leather patches that have faded with use. You can apply them very quickly and avail the dual advantage (of dareking and fixing leather) without breaking the bank. They also coat the leather with various essential nutrients, thereby enhancing its lifespan considerably. 

But I should mention that vegetable oils have a significant downside, which is staining. So, I would advise that you start with a small amount and apply light coats to prevent your boots from reaching the saturation point and getting any unwanted stains. 

Steps For Application

Start by dipping a rag in vegetable oil and squeeze out the extra oil. Make sure that you squeeze the excess oil before massaging the boots with the rag. Once you are done, wait for at least a day before applying the second coat.

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