Tarrago Self Shine Color Dye and Preparer- for Dyeing and Restoring Leather Goods, Shoes, Bags, Jackets, Boots, & More- 25mL

This product produced an opaque result that doesn't conform to the description of a "dye." More like paint, it covers damaged leather fairly well if one takes the time and care to apply a heavy enough coat, though the final result is somewhat fragile. Expecting something that would 'soak into' the leather surface to which it's applied, this was somewhat disappointing. However, if one is careful to buff the finish resulting from the meticulously applied 'dye' material, it does cover quite well. After concluding the application, and allowing sufficient time for drying, the further treatment with a matching shoe polish produced an attractive result, albeit somewhat fragile. Since using this product approximately a month ago, and wearing the newly-renewed shoes sporadically, there have been two occasions when it was necessary to reapply it to 'touch up' a few scuff marks. In my opinion, its biggest drawback is that it doesn't produce a durable finish that can withstand minor encounters as one would expect with normal wear without scuff marks that reveal the underlying damaged or worn leather surface.I also used it to refurbish a belt of the same color. Thus far, I am only able to report that the color and finish are acceptable, though this product won't totally conceal damaged leather surfaces, so the result isn't perfection.There may be other products that actually soak into leather while 'renewing' the surface as well If so, I'd try one of them. If nothing other than leather treatments that resemble this product, I'd recommend using this one because of its relatively low cost.

I had purchased a small vintage Coach purse off Poshmark. While it had great patina, there were some dark water marks on the back and bottom of the purse that I didn't care for. After washing and conditioning the purse, the water marks didn't go away, so I decided I wanted to dye it. I selected Tarrago over Fiebing as the amount of product provided seemed to be enough for a first-time dye project. This brand also offered a wider variety of colors. I had difficult time deciding among the various browns, but selected Amber Brown. After it dried, my purse went from mahogany to a British tan.The product was easy to use. Based on Youtube reviews, I did not use the sponge or brush applicator that came with the product. Instead, I used a scrubber sponge that I cut into fourths to remove prep the leather, then used a foam brush for the dye itself, which made it easy to apply thin even coats. The dye is runny so I recommend using rubber gloves. I think I did about 3 or 4 coats in total. I used Fiebing's Resolene and Apple Garde Water Repellent spray to protect the purse. The first day I wore the purse, I noticed the buttery soft leather was rather tacky. Unfortunately, I was caught in a thunderstorm that day as well! It didn't seem to affect the purse, thankfully. Over the last month, the tackiness has worn off and the leather has returned to its supple feel. However, in this time the amber brown color has also faded (luckily, it had not cracked) revealing the original color of the purse. I'm not too disappointed by this, as it seems to retain the new color but giving a subtle bit of the original. However, for my next purse rehab, I went with Fiebing as it is a penetrating dye. I would still repurchase (I have a mint green purse that I want to makeover) but now I know the limitations of the product and will manage my expections accordingly.

I purchased a leather messenger bag on Ebay. While I usually have great luck and great sellers, this one really exaggerated the "barely used" aspect of the bag. It was deeply stained and looked horrible. I almost cried and then I almost threw it away. I did some research and found a purse forum recommendng this product. I sucked it up and thought I would try it. I would at least learn something new.The bag was a deep reddish-brown. I chose a cognac color, which turned out to be lighter. I received the product fairly quickly. I tend to be impatient (the type that stains a wood piece 32 times in one afternoon) so I forced myself to follow directions and go slowly.I followed directions to the letter and the end product is amazing!!!! I used the preparer to prepare the bag. It will ask you to use a used scotchbrite type pad--here I deviated, I used a new one.This step was amazing and quick. Took it down to the beautiful bare leather. Then the staining. Stir well, then pour into a little cup or plate. Go slow and follow the directions. It's a snap!! If the stain gets on your hands or metal pieces it will come off really easy, so don't fret. A little water or scrubbing will do the trick.Tips I learned from the purse site: if you are doing a bigger item, use the foam brushes you buy at a hardware department. Let the item you are staining set a couple of days before use. Also, finish up with some gentle leather conditioner a couple of days after you're done. It took me a weekend.I can't paste pictures, but if you want to see some things people have done, google Tarrago Dye and visit the purse forums. Amazing transformations. The outcome is not as shiny as the pictures look, either.For those who say it peels off: I think they might have done too many coats at once and didn't let it dry. No color transfer or peeling. It's not a paint, it is a dye. A high quality dye.I have bought black and red to fix a couple of other bags I want to keep longer.FYI: there is also a Youtube video which demonstrates the product as well.Update: it is now summer 2013 and the bags still look great! Also, I again got a misrepresented product from eBay--this time a pair of "brand new" " white" Keds shoes. They may have been white at some point, but they arrived at my door an ugly yellow-white. I used leftover red dye and they look fantastic now!! Still love this product!

First of all, great product, will recommend and will use again.I ordered black colours to change the colour of shinny silver genuine leather boots into black.The boots are new, just ordered wrong colour by mistake and couldn't return. So I decided to make them black.The product is easy to use. I used regular spong to apply the colour in circular motion.as it is big and allows to cover the boots easily and it worked perfectly well.I forgot that this may make a mess and didn't wear gloves, but the dye is water based and was easily washed off from my hands znd the floor. However wear gloves if you have long nails.I needed 2 bottles because the boots are over the knee, so I used one bottle on each. It was exactly how much I needed.I did 2 layers of black colour on each boot, one layer was enough to cover it though.All in sll very good, just follow instructions and you ate fine !Will use again!

I bought this to dye a pair of ballet style pumps. I found it very awkward to use. Followed the instructions to a t but found that it dries extremely quick so if you happen to go over a patch again accidentally, it scrapes everything off and it's near impossible to fix it so that it matches the rest of the shoe. It was a lot more work than I was expecting! Shoes turned out okay in the end but would think twice about doing it again!

This is an amazing product, it's the best shoe dye I have ever used. If you follow the instructions, you will be amazed at how your shoes turn out. You would think that they are patent leather the gloss is that good. I have used this dye before to dye a pair of light shoes green. I didn't like the colour so I decided to dye them black. You would never know they had been green, or any other colour. You would think they had always been black and you can see your face in the shine. As I said you get a 'shine like glass'. A truly amazing shoe dye which I would definitely highly recommend.

I used the shade Bordeaux 11 on my Clark's Brown shoes After one coat I was amazed at the result I added a second coat and they now look superb The stuff dries quickly it doesn't take long to do a pair of size I am well pleased with this and should I need to do any more I shall stick to this brand I give it ten out of ten

I used one of the Tarrago blue colours to dye a pair of cream shoes I had spilt red wine on and which had marked badly. Fantastic result - really professional finish (you wouldn't know they were dyed, no sign of red wine, and seems robust after many days of wear. I then order the beige for a pair of good quality heels I have had for many years but really were needing to be thrown away as they were badly scuffed including the toes peeling. Just an amazing result when I dyed these today. Really worthwhile for rescuing shoes - the instructions are excellent and you do it all in one session as the dye dries quickly even with 3 coats. Top notch product. NB both shoes were leather.