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How To Darken Leather Boots: 4 Easy Methods That Work!

How To Darken Leather Boots: 4 Easy Methods That Work!

How to darken leather boots?” you google, as you’re looking at your new pair, wondering if you’ve been scammed, or you simply didn’t realize how light they really are. Did you just spend that much money on shoes you don’t even like?!

Buying footwear online can be tricky. You check the photos, descriptions, and reviews… and you still end up disappointed. More often than not, you get shoes whose color looks nothing like the pictures! If this happened to you, don’t do anything drastic yet, please.

Let’s be optimistic and try to make them work for you before you decide to pass them on to someone else. You didn’t give all that money for nothing. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways you can darken your leather.

I’m here to help you learn how to darken leather boots the right way. It’s a simple DIY project you’ll most likely enjoy. It doesn’t take much time, so don’t bother calling a day off from work. I love easy and effective methods just as much as you do.

How to prepare your leather for darkening

How To Darken Leather Boots: 4 Easy Methods That Work!

Before I get to the methods of how to darken leather boots, it’s important to learn how to prepare for the process first. Preparing the leather plays a huge role in how your boots turn out in the end. I highly doubt you want to end up with damaged shoes, so take notes!

If you’ve already worn your shoes, make sure you give them a deep clean. But, be gentle! Using any kind of a soft tool, try to take off as much dirt as possible. This step is crucial because dust can get into the leather during the process of darkening, making it a lot harder to clean later on.

After that, it’s time to give them a second round of cleaning using soap. Start by diluting dish soap in lukewarm water. Next, soak a clean cloth in the soapy mixture and gently go over your leather boots. Using circular motions, make sure you go over the whole surface.

As a last step, soak a new cloth in clean water and go over the leather once again. This will ensure that there’s no leftover soap or dirt on your boots. After that, let your shoes air dry completely before you get to darken them. Never use heat to speed up the process of drying as it can damage the leather.

How to darken leather boots: 4 easiest methods

Forget what anyone said to you – changing the color of your boots is easy. You don’t need any superhero skills or talent. Actually, I’m pretty sure you already have everything you need. It’s why I love these methods – they’re fast and easy!

1. Using mink oil

Using oil is one of the most efficient methods of darkening leather boots. Mink oil will give you the best results but you can also use neatsfoot or coconut oil for a similar effect. The whole procedure is pretty easy, too.

All you need is a piece of clean rag or cloth and, of course, mink oil. Don’t worry if you don’t have a fancy microfiber cloth! Any smooth one will work just fine. Start off by pouring about a tablespoon of oil onto it, and begin rubbing it into the leather.

Go gently and in circular motions. Enjoy this part and take your time. If you don’t have places to be, don’t rush! I find it grounding and calming, but that might be just me… Moving in small circles, make sure you cover the entire surface and spread the oil evenly.

You don’t want to create uneven pigmentation and be left with even more issues. The lighter shade of your leather boots would become the least of your worries. Because of that, pay attention to how much oil you use, and make sure you create an even layer. A little goes a long way!

To get the best possible results, make sure you let your boots soak the oil overnight. This will help you darken the leather, but there are also some additional pros. For example, don’t be surprised if the scars and spots on your boots are completely gone!

If your shoes are still lighter than what you’ve hoped for, you can repeat the process. Since mink oil also works as a conditioner, your leather boots might even enjoy a few additional layers.

2. Using coffee

How To Darken Leather Boots: 4 Easy Methods That Work!

I bet you didn’t expect coffee to come up as a possible solution when you searched for methods on how to darken leather boots. But it’s true! Brewed coffee mixed with some distilled water will do wonders for the color of your leather shoes.

It may work best for vegetable-tanned leather. All you need is some brewed coffee, distilled water, and a soft cloth of any kind. Of course, start off by cleaning your leather to ensure your color spreads evenly.

Next, make your boots a cup of coffee – they deserve it! You can use either instant or brewed coffee, just make sure it’s strong. Make sure you have enough to cover your whole shoe, so make a lot! You can always drink the excess.

Next, using a soft cloth, apply the coffee all over your leather in one single layer. If you still think that the shade is a bit too light – don’t worry! Simply repeat the process. No matter how good your boots look, don’t rush to put them on. Leave them to soak up the coffee for at least 12 hours.

After that, use a damp, soft cloth to wipe your boots and remove any excess coffee. To finish it off, use any kind of conditioner you have and cover the leather with it. This will bring back the shine and moisture to your boots. If you’d like some additional color, try using neatsfoot oil for this step.

3. Using dye

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03/17/2024 07:00 pm GMT

The most logical way to darken leather boots is by using dye and my personal fave is Angelus Leather Dye. It’s permanent and pigmented – two things you want from a leather dye. It also comes in many different shades so you can choose the one you like best.

We don’t want your shoes to end up being too dark, do we? Being extra careful about how much dye you use is the key here. Go simple – follow the manual that comes with your kit. That way, you’ll make sure you’re not doing anything wrong that you’ll regret the next morning.

Let’s go over the basics to avoid any mistakes. As an applicator, I recommend using a cloth, a sponge, or a soft paintbrush. Always use a small amount of dye, and build it up later on. Applying evenly is the key!

It’s crucial that there are no clumps in your dye. You want that application to be as smooth as possible. To avoid uneven pigmentation, don’t spend too much time in one place.

If your boots have any stitches, make sure you avoid putting dye on them, as it can make them significantly darker. Work around them! Smooth out the dye with an applicator, and let your shoes sit for at least 24 hours.

In case your boots are still not dark enough for you – don’t worry. When your shoes are dry, you can go over them with another layer! Simply follow the same procedure. In the end, apply some leather conditioner, and your boots will be as good as new!

4. Using polish

How To Darken Leather Boots: 4 Easy Methods That Work!

Using shoe polish is another great method when you’re looking for ways how to darken leather boots. It’s completely safe to use as it won’t damage the material, yet it can add a few shades to your leather.

This is a great and easy method, even when your shoes have faded over time and you want to make them seem less worn out. The most important thing is choosing a polish that’s darker than the current color of your pair.

For this method, choose the polish in the color you like. As always, you’ll need a soft brush and a clean cloth. Start by applying a small amount of polish to the soft brush. In case you want a bit more color, don’t worry. You can always work your way up until you’re happy with your pair.

Work the polish into the leather using a gentle, circular motion until you notice it’s starting to change color. Take your time and cover the whole surface evenly, making sure there are no patches that are different shades from the rest.

After covering the whole surface, leave your boots to dry overnight. In the morning, buff the excess polish using a soft-bristled brush, which will add some additional shine to your leather.

Make sure you never use too much product, but rather take your time to increase the color to your liking. The best part about using polish is that you can always add more. Just be patient, and you’ll get the color you’ve always wanted.

Patience is the key, so don’t try to rush the process, especially when using polish. Start with one layer, and then build up the pigment slowly.

How To Darken Leather Boots 4 Easy Methods That Work!
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