Aniline Staining Dye 21

 Aniline Staining Dye 21 by Leather Doctor® is a new-generation, water-based transparent staining dye based on tannery science principles designed specifically for absorbent leathers, including:

 Aniline leather
 Nubuck
 Suede

 Aniline 21 Key Features:

 Transparent and brilliant staining effect:

 Enhances the natural beauty, depth, and character of the leather grain or nap rather than concealing it.

 Lively, rich color:

 Produces more vibrant and vivid results compared to most conventional liquid dyes.

 Superior lightfastness & fade resistance:

 Offers better UV stability and longer-lasting color than standard liquid dyes.

 Water-based & leather-safe:

 Compatible with Leather Doctor’s tannery science-based care system, ensuring no harm to the leather’s structure or pH balance when used as directed.

 Flexible color shading:

 Can be diluted with distilled water or Leather Hydrator 3.3 for lighter, custom color shades.

 Purpose

Aniline Staining Dye 21 is formulated for:

 Re-dyeing faded aniline leathers
 Reviving color on nubuck and suede
 Creating uniform or shaded effects while allowing natural markings and grain to remain visible

 Application Methods

 Applied using lint-free towels, foam brushes, varnishing brushes, or airbrush (recommended) for best control and evenness without over-wetting.
 Can be layered to build up color intensity.

  Technical Spec Sheet — Aniline Staining Dye 21 by Leather Doctor®

 Guide: How to Mix & Adjust Dye Strength with Aniline Staining Dye 21

 Mixing Base Dye

 Standard dye preparation

 Mix Aniline 21 concentrate with distilled water in a 1:9 ratio for base strength.
 Stir gently or shake well to achieve uniform color.

? Adjusting Color Intensity

 For deeper, richer color

 Apply multiple light coats rather than increasing concentration beyond.
 Allow drying between coats.

 For lighter shades

 Further dilute with Hydrator 3.3 instead of just water.
 Example: Add Hydrator 3.3 at ratios like 1:1 (dye:hydrator) or even 1:2 for very soft shades.
 This helps achieve softer penetration and shading control, especially important for nubuck/suede.

 Gradient or shading effects

 Vary the dilution during airbrushing.
 Start with a lighter mix for overall tone → finish with base strength for depth where needed.

  Best Practice

 Always test on a hidden area or swatch first to verify the shade.
 Keep a clean lint-free towel handy to blot excess dye.

 Comparison Table — Aniline Staining Dye 21 vs. Other Dye Types

 How to dye smooth leather with Aniline Staining Dye 21?

 Degreasing:

1. Degreaser 2.2 is used to remove the presence of body grease and oil, especially in those body contact areas.
2. Rinse 3.0 is used to remove suspended soiling.
3. Acidifier 2.0 is used to control bleeding.

Stain Removal:

1. Stains are removed accordingly, otherwise, the darkest stain becomes the lightest color choice just to camouflage it, especially when working with transparent dyestuff the beauty of the grain and the blemishes both equally will show through.

Pre-inspection for Surface Tension:

1. Hydrator 3.3 is used to inspect for any surface tension, especially in heavily used areas.

Surface Soil Removal:

1. A leather eraser or Eraser 4 is used in addition to a horsehair brush to remove suspended dry soiling.

Dye Staining:

1. Aniline 21 staining can be applied with lint-free paper towels, plush, foam, or high-quality varnishing brushes; without surface contact, airbrushing produces the best result.
2. Fast dry with an air blower and the surface is inspected for evenness or correction until satisfaction.

Leather Hydrating: 

1. Hydrator 3.3 is used to relax the leather before fatliquoring.

Leather Softening: 

1. Fatliquor 5.0 is used to replenish the leather with fat and oil for softness when the leather dries

Repair:

1. Adhesor 73 is used to smooth surface wear and abrasion by sight or by the feel of the hand.
2. Glue 3D is used to bond flaps and tears.
3. Patch 4S is used as a repair sub-patch.

Topcoating:

1. Aniline Finish Topcoat 21 is used to lock in the dyestuff from crocking and bleeding.
2. A heavy-duty version is to use Aniline Finish Topcoat Gloss 76. 

Non-Stick Protection:

1. Use Protector B or Protector B Plus.

 What is the General Sequence of Re-dyeing for Nubuck and Suede with Aniline 21?

1. The general sequence is similar with leather except for the brushes, erasers, and airbrushing accordingly.
2. Nubuck - use a Nubuck Brush 2, Eraser-4, and Protector S or Protector S Plus
3. Nappa-Suede - use Suede Brush 2, Eraser 4, and Protector S or Protector S Plus.
4. Split-Suede - use Split Brush 3 and or Eraser 5 and ProtectorW'plus or Protector W.

How to Airbrush Nubuck and Suede with Aniline Staining Dye 21?

1. Staining is done with airbrushing with better control for distributing dyestuff to produce the best result.
2. Set air pressure (80 to 100psi).
3. Adjust to cone-shaped spray.
4. Increase atomization and decrease feed.
5. Spray in a circular motion with deep brushing without saturation.
6. Repeat a section at a time and brush accordingly.
7. Brush again when dry for a “finger writing effect”.
8. Fix dye with Acidifier 2.0, by application, brushing, and towel extract excess dye until towel shows clear.
9. Hydrate with Hydrator 3.3 to relax and extract excess dye.
10. Fatliquoring with Fatliquor 5.0, let water content evaporate, and reapply to satisfaction when dry.
11. Any surface residue from Fatliquor 5.0 is removed by wiping with Hydrator 3.3 and leave to natural dry.
12. Protector S or S Plus is applied and is ready to use when dry.

 Dye Color Shading Examples:

 Ready to use Dye after mixing with distilled water can be further diluted with Hydrator 3.3 to the desired color shade accordingly.

 #1 Aniline 21 with 3 parts Hydrator 3.3

 #2 Aniline 21 with 2 parts Hydrator 3.3

 #3 Aniline 21 with 1 part Hydrator 3.3

#4 Aniline 21

Edited on March 26, 2024 by Roger Koh