DIY Nordkap Blue Leather Dye

[aewoodhouse]

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I realize there may be some purists that object this post, but I was recently able to get pretty decent results mixing my own Nordkap Blue from three separate Angelus leather paint colors - total cost just under $20 on Amazon. Because it was entirely experimental, I don't have the exact proportions but I can tell you what I did, include pictures and answer any questions.

In a small container, I mixed approximately 3 parts blue to 1 part black. To that I added a small amount of metallic pewter - I'd say it was about 5% of the entire volume of the blue and black. I tested on a low visibility spot in the back seat. Painting it on directly yielded a result that was too dense and looked, well... painted. This is a 15 year old car - its never going to look brand new but I was eager to color the spots where the dye had completely rubbed off. So I took a damp rag to apply the dye which allowed it to blend more effectively. I did two coats where the dye was badly worn off. Then I let it sit for a day (not sure what the bottle says about the dry time but figured this couldn't hurt.) Then finished the job with an application of leather conditioner.

My main worry was that it would rub off on my clothes or skin, especially with the heat and sweat of central Texas extending well into October but so far not a trace of that. Before and after photos attached as well as one of the paints I used. Hope this is useful - I couldn't find this information anywhere else.

[deano1]

That looks fantastic!
Thank you for posting those pics and technique. Makes things easier for myself and others for sure!
Back in those days Volvo used real leather. Still the best if you can do upkeep.

[DonnVa]

I used this top coat on my S60 Arena/oak drivers seat after I dyed it. It worked fine for me.

[MDK]

Nice job..