Stealther

A friend of mine has given me a set of GS headrests that are already cutout for 6.5" screens, the problem is they are black and my interior is ivory. Is it possible to dye black leather to ivory? If so will it last long or does the dye fade quickly?

Any recommendations?

Thanks!

Guitarman

This is an area I have quite a lot of experience in...

Yes, you need to go to an automotive paint supplier and ask for either SEM Colorcoat or DuPont vinyl color. Both are quality leather/vinyl dyes that spray on. They (the supplier) will need the interior color code though, and hopefully will have the Lexus listing to mix it. You will need either a spray gun and compressor, or an airbrush, or a compressed air cylinder with the dye added.


In answer to the durability question-I have redyed entire leather interiors and if you prep correctly, they DO hold up extremely well. Prep is the key though., I have done a few makes with these products, but never Lexus, so I can't say whether or not they will have a listing for your leather code, to make the mixed shade.

You can also buy a leather/vinyl prep product to clean and degrease (the automotive paint supplier will likely have a SEM or DuPont product that works in tandem with the dye to do this) and you actually also need to lightly scuff the headrests with fine sandpaper to get a good bond after cleaning. If you get the color you need and have further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

Stealther

Dan,

Thats great information! I found a company in town that does automotive dye work, they said it would take one day and cost about $40 to do both of them and asked that I bring in a leather sample so they could match the color. Sound reasonable? I forgot to ask what dyes they use, but will write down the two that you listed and ask them.

Thanks!

Guitarman

For that price, by all means have them do it. It would cost you about $15 to $25 a pint for the dye alone.

If they do it for a living they probably use a top brand anyway. Best of luck.