Changing The Colour of a Saddle

The Saddle shown below was made by DEVOUCOUX (model MAKILA) in 2001. It was dyed in April 2008 (see Press Book).

Changing the colour of  leather is a delicate operation depending on its original colour and the colour you want to change it to. We cannot guarantee the result, in particular if the colour change is made from a dark to a light colour. This operation requires a complete stripping and might make the obtention of a result with a uniform appearance more delicate.
On the other hand, changing a light colour to a dark one bears a much lesser risk. Test on a hidden part of your leather. We recommend to proceed according to the following steps: 
1 - Cleaning : It is important to work on  leather which is perfectly clean. For in-depth cleaning, use Ointment Soap ETALON NOIR. If necessary, use Stain Remover Hussard Spray Leather and Textiles to eliminate any traces of sebum. Please consult  our advice cards concerning the cleaning and stain-removing of leather clothes. 
2 - Preparation : use Stripper Saphir to prepare the leather surface and allow the dye Teinture F'rançaise liquide to attach and penetrate perfectly. Average use approx 500 ml per saddle. 
3 - Dyeing : Apply a first coat of Teinture Française Aux Drapeaux Liquid by starting with the less accessible areas (pleats, junctions). Use a paint Brush for easy application Then dye the larger more accessibles flat surfaces. Do not pass over the same area more than once before drying and do not overcharge to avoid saturation of the leather. After drying, polish with a Chamois Cotton Cloth to remove any surplus. On light coloured leather, apply a second coat after a 3 hour interval, if necessary. Average use approx. 500 ml for a saddle. 
4 - Finishing : The liquid dye  dries up the leather and gives it a mat appearance lacking in elegance. There's also a risk of colour discharge. Therefore, it is important to nourish your leather and give it back its shine to prevent any colour discharge. Choose among the following products:
- UseJuvacuir Saphir if you want to intensify the depth of the colour. Average use approx. 150 ml for a saddle.  
- Pigmenting Cream AVEL  will help you obtain a result of professional quality because it takes up the procedure used in the tanning industry. It is imperative to fix the dye afterwards. Average use approx. 125 ml per saddle, as well as one Pigmenting Cream Fixing Liquid AVEL.
Afterwards, let dry thoroughly for 24 hours and afterwards polish with a Polishing Glove Valmour or with an Oval Horsehair Brush Saphir.  
For regular care, use Shoe Polish Grease SAPHIR SPORT below, which is available in neutral, brown and black.