Dyeing shoes - Saphir or Fiebing's pro dye?
Experienced cobblers and leather workers of Reddit, I plead for your guidance in this matter.
I'm looking to dye Solovair Gaucho Crazy Horse Tassel Loafers – black, but I'm stuck on dye choice.
Does anyone have any insight on how these two compare?
- Saphir Teinture Française DEEP BLACK 100 (Saphir link)
- Fiebing's Pro Dye - BLACK (Fiebing's link)
I have found multiple reviews singing high praises of Fiebing's Pro Dye series, and although it is not specifically meant for shoes/boots, it should work without issue. There are no reviews on Saphir Teinture Française, although I have seen it in cobbler workshops on social media, sitting somewhere in the background (mr_bull_and_shine, etc.).
Any input would be much appreciated :)
Additional context:
I know that a lot of people say it’s more important what you do after dyeing, so here is the whole process as I have planned it:
- Strip the original wax with a fan and cotton cloth, then use Fiebing's deglazer and let it dry.
- Apply 2–3 coats of the chosen pigment per instructions, letting it dry between coats.
- Condition the leather with Leather Honey conditioner and allow it to dry.
- Apply Saphir Medaille d’Or Creme Pommadier 1925 – Black.
- Finally, shine the toe and heel with wax – Saphir Medaille d’Or Pate De Luxe – Black – until the desired shine is achieved.
And just for anyone wondering why I didn’t just buy black Solovair Tassel Loafers – there is no black oily leather variant of this style. The only black options are plastic-coated leather, which I hate, as they tend to crack within a year of service in my experience.