2024.02.15
About leather (dyes and pigments)
Today we will explain leather dyeing, which we have been receiving a lot of enquiries about for some time.
There are two main methods of dyeing leather.
These are 'dye dyeing' and 'pigment dyeing'.
The coloring methods are, of course, different, but each gives the leather a different look.
First, let us explain about 'dye dyeing'.
Dye is a coloring material that is easily soluble in water and solvents.
By dissolving this colourant in water or solvent and allowing it to permeate the leather, the color soaks into the fibre layer as well as the surface.
Imagine how the color soaks into paper when water-based paint diluted with water is applied to the paper.
The same is true of leather: the dye dissolved in water or solvent permeates the leather, so the color is applied while leaving the original expression of the leather, leaving surface scratches intact.
The advantage of dye-dyeing is a transparent finish that leaves the original expression and texture of the leather.
It is recommended for those who want to enjoy the original texture and transparent coloring of leather.
Next, let's explain about 'pigment dyeing'.
Pigment is a coloring agent that does not dissolve easily in water.
Also, compared to dyes, the color particles are larger and do not penetrate into the leather fibres, so the color is dyed to cover the surface.
This is easy to understand if you imagine what happens when oil paint is applied to paper.
The original look of the leather is lost, but the colour can be applied evenly, scratches are less noticeable and the colour is less uneven.
The advantages of pigment dyeing are that scratches are less noticeable and the finish is more even with less color irregularities.
It is recommended for people who like an even colored finish and are concerned about scratches on the leather.
And as many of you know, we mainly use 'dye-dyed' leather.
About our products, "Why is the color so uneven?" or "The thickness of the leather is not uniform, so the wrinkles are different in different parts of the leather".
This is because we use dye dyed leather so that you can enjoy the original expression of the leather, and because we want you to enjoy the original thickness of the leather, we dare not to split the leather.
'The same horse will have a darker color from the neck to the dorsal area.'
'Each horse has different scars and thicknesses.'
'If a horse is dyed brown on the middle and black on the surface, the middle will show through , making it appear brown.'
'The same finish, the same lot, and even individual pieces of leather within that lot, will have different color and gloss.'
Whether these are regarded as disadvantages or the original qualities of the leather depends on the individual's viewpoint.
Of course, we also have pigment-dyed leather and products that are thinned by straining and splitting.
Dye-dyed is not always the right choice, so please find the product that suits your own taste.
However, we make our products with the hope that you will cherish and wear the one you met and liked at the time, as no two pieces of leather are exactly the same, whether it be scratches or uneven coloring caused by dyes.
For this reason, we have not been selling our products by mail order since our company was founded.
Please actually see and touch with your own eyes, and find the one dress that you like.