Nubuck Transparent Staining Dye (Nubuck 17) by Leather Doctor® is a professional transparent dyestuff designed for fine airbrush refinishing of nubuck leather.

It restores color while preserving the natural nap, texture, and tactile feel of nubuck.
Because the dye is transparent, the natural character of the leather remains visible after refinishing.
To reduce crocking or color bleeding, apply Fix 99 after dyeing.
For increased coverage with a translucent effect, use Nubuck 28.
For full opaque coverage, use Nubuck 39.

Instructions

How to Apply Nubuck 17 by Airbrush Refinishing

Nubuck 17 is supplied as a concentrate and must be diluted prior to use.

Cut the concentrate with distilled water before application.
Shake well to ensure uniform dispersion.
Apply using an airbrush for professional results.
Set air pressure between 80–100 psi.
Adjust spray pattern to a cone-shaped atomization.
Increase atomization and reduce fluid feed.
Spray in light circular passes with deep brushing without saturating the nap.
Blow dry between coats until the desired color intensity is achieved.
Work one section at a time, brushing the nap between passes.
When fully dry, brush again to restore the finger-writing effect typical of nubuck.
To reduce crocking or color bleeding, apply Nubuck Dye Fix 99 after dyeing.

How to Prepare Nubuck for Color Refinishing

Proper preparation ensures even dye absorption and professional refinishing results.

1. Degreasing

Nubuck pH Balanced Degreaser 2.2 (Degreaser 2.2)
Removes body oil, grease, and perspiration contamination.

2. Rinsing

Nubuck Rinsing Conditioner 3.0 (Rinse3.0)
Flushes away suspended soil and residues.

3. pH Correction

Nubuck Acidifying Conditioner 2.0 (Acidifier 2.0)
Returns leather closer to its isoelectric pH, transforming a sticky or slimy feel into a healthy squeaky-clean feel.

4. Structural Relaxation

Nubuck Hydrating Conditioner 3.3 (Hydrator 3.3)
Relaxes stiffness, creases, folds, and wrinkles to prepare the leather for conditioning.

5. Structural Conditioning

Nubuck Fatliquoring Conditioner 5.0 (Fatliquor 5.0)
Replenishes essential fats and oils for softness, flexibility, and strength.

6. Dry Preparation

Nubuck Brush 2 and Nubuck Eraser 4
Used for dry nap preparation and surface tension inspection.

7. Absorbency Inspection

pH Balance Surfactant 4.0 (Surfactant 4.0)
Ensures even wetting and absorbency before color refinishing.

What Tactile Feel Conditioning to Use After Refinishing

After dyeing and fixing the color:

Provides:

Updated March 10, 2026 by Roger Koh

Nubuck Transparent Staining Dye (Nubuck 17)

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