Also referred to as 'aniline'

Liquid consistency, penetrating into leather

Cannot be removed or lightened, and makes the colour darker. Colour stains the base/existing colour.

Not self-sealing, they can (but don't always) transfer onto skin and clothing unless sealed with a topcoat

Can be used alone although thorough cleaning with Spot & Prep (No.4) and sealing with Topcoat (No.7) is usually recommended. Can also be used as part of a more complete restoration system; see Aniline Restoration Kit

Dyes are transparent and this allows the natural characteristics of leather to show. It also means that they cannot cover or conceal stains and repairs (leather filler)

No surface coatings means that the luxurious warm feel remains unchanged. It also means that the leather is 'unprotected' and can stain easily and permanently

Somewhat less light fast (although Leather Hero dyes last for years)

Used to colour aniline, semi-aniline, nubuck, suede, waxed and oil-pull-up leathers. Semi-aniline leathers also have some light coatings of leather paint and topcoat

Colour goes throughout the leather and is the same on the front and rear side

A limited range of colours. Shades of brown and tan are most commonly used on furnishings. Dyes don't come in shades of white or pastels

Dyes are concentrated whilst stains are ready to use

Not highly suitable for use on painted leathers. Pale coloured leathers can be stained but this is not a conventional approach

Can be applied by sponge or spray gun

With age, dyed leathers typically fade, display stains from spills and oils from hair and skin. The leather can become dry and cracked.

No coatings means they can't wear, crack and delaminate (with the exception of semi-anilines leathers which have light coatings).

Can be re-stained and finished with clear topcoat. The Aniline Restoration Kit is a hybrid system designed to address the typical needs of older aniline leathers. It includes dyes and paints. Oil stains and other imperfections may still be evident due to the transparent nature of dyes. Surface and tear repairs can be made using filler but must be concealed using leather paints. If the repairs are large or numerous, this can mean refinishing the entire piece with leather paint as it can be difficult to make spot repairs blend well when using paints (opaque) on dyed leather and leather filler is not suitable for use directly under dyes.

Non-toxic (use as directed)

Also known as ‘Pigments’ 

Low viscosity flexible coatings that remains on the surface (do not penetrate) into leather

Cannot be fully removed but can be coloured over with any colour (multiple coats). Colour can override and conceal the base/existing colour.

Self-sealing, does not rub off or transfer onto clothing or skin.

Can be used alone although using a complete refinishing system is recommended for maximum durability; see Repair & Recolour Kit

Colour is opaque (with multiple coats). It covers the natural features of leather with a film of solid colour. Artistic effects are possible. Stains, repairs and imperfections can be completely concealed. Coatings are protective and water repelling. Soiling is mostly on the surface and can be removed with cleaning. Coatings can absorb some stains or general discolouration over time.

Feels cooler and coated to touch

UV stable

Used to colour pigmented leathers such as car leather and all white, pastel and most other coloured leathers (excluding the natural tan look)

Colour is on the surface. The rear side may be blue-grey, grey, light brown or dyed. If the rear side is black, it may have absorbed a lot of oil. Such areas have reduced repairability

A broad range of mixable colours

Ready to use

Can be applied over dyed leather. When colouring over fresh dyes, use the same colour as there may some bleeding of dye into the paint

Can be applied by sponge or spray gun

Can wear, crack and delaminate with age or in the absence of a regular care regime

Can give years of durability. Many factors impact durability; the type, quality, and condition of the leather, the application of the products, the amount and type of use and care, all affect durability.

Repairable; coatings can be repaired and reapplied using the Repair & Recolour Kit.

Non-toxic (use as directed)