frankgold

I have been visiting local upholstery shops and most indicate that dying (back to the original color) is the least costly method. Has anyone had experience dying leather (armrests, console, etc.) and is it the wise choice? Thanks.

Neil E

Yes it's fairly easy to do. The key to good results is finding a supplier that can match the colour perfectly. The dye can be applied in several light coats by sponge or spray..

Here's a before and after of the driver's seat I did recently.


Before






Use leather cleaner, allow to dry, then apply the dye as several thin layers allowing time for it to dry between coats.


After

Close up, it looks okay. It should be even better if sprayed on.

frankgold

Thanks, Neil for the quick reply. I have heard that the dye is not long-lasting. Have you heard or experienced that? Thanks again.

Neil E

Everything is subject to wear over time of course but a good quality dye is permanent.

Lexus or their supplier has to dye the leather in the first instance. I'm not claiming my work is equivalent but I have seen similar applications last many years without issue on an LS400. If the dye and the process is as good as the manufacturer's, there should be no difference. I dare say harsh cleaning fluids or long exposure to extreme weather conditions might be a factor.

Seattle SCone

Any issues with the dye transferring onto your clothes afterwards?

frankgold

Neil, thanks again. I think with everything having a "code id" , my vendor should be able to match the color. At my age, time is on the side of the seats. Stay safe.

Harold57

That looks great Neil E. What brand dye and leather cleaner did you use? How did you match the color? How long does it take to dry?

Neil E

None whatsoever but I have had denim dye transfer on to the leather in the past. It does clean off okay without removing the dye.
In the UK we get it from these guys. www.liquidleather.co.uk/ Ivory is called Rutland but if you provide the trim code, they should be able to match it

In warm conditions the dye takes about 30 minutes to dry and then you can apply the next coat. I put 3 light coats on in one evening and then did 2 more coats the following evening but it could easily be done in a day. I waited 2 more days before putting the seat back into the car to allow the dye to cure but if it's left in a warm place, I would say it's safe to use in 2-3 hours. When I dyed the leather around the sub boxes they were handled and back in the car within an hour of finishing.

restcon

I had my SC430 seats dyed two years ago and they are holding up very well – some of the cracks in the leather are still visible. The shop that did the job filled the cracks with a filler compound. Make sure you have an expert do it - worth paying a little extra.

Replace instead of Dye? Another Club Lexus thread provided a supplier for genuine leather replacement front seats for SC430. Check it out - only $349 for front seats and arm rest (arm rest shown in pictures, but not listed as an included item). If I had known about the “inexpensive” replacement seats, I would have replaces the seats instead of dying the seats. A DYI project with a moderate skill level.
LSeat.com:https://www.lseat.com/products/2002-...ers-front.html

Thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...ufacturer.html

leexed

I had a problem with the console lid color fading. I resprayed with SEM dye about a year ago, and as you can see it still looks very good.