Wesco Overdye Results
I wrapped my favorite project yet: overdying a pair of Wesco Highliners from Redwood to Black.
I had been asking around for advice on how to achieve an overdye that didn't penetrate the core of the leather so I could maintain the contrasting edges. I figured I'd share my process in case anyone wanted to try something similar.
I bought these on sale at Bakers' (highly recommend them) in Redwood instead of Black so that the boots will teacore brown with time and wear. Previously, I had a brown pair that I maintained for a few years with black creme polish. This worked okay, but the boots eventually got floppy and weren't ever quite as black as I wanted.
These were brand new. I prepped them with a light rub down of alcohol, then I oiled them with Obenaufs Boot Oil lightly before laying down a few light coats of Fiebings Pro Dye (oil-based) with a sponge. The pre-oil step on brand new boots gave me a super consistent finish that is much less streaky than my previous projects.
IMO when it comes to dye, never use the daubers. They really oversaturate the leather (which dyes the core and causes excess dye to bleed). The key to this job was using a lot of "Sharp Lines" blue painters tape and then touching up near the edges and stitchdown welt with a fine paintbrush.
I buffed them with a rag and then used Fiebings Leather Balm with Atom Wax to seal them. I've had no issues with dye rub-off yet. Used alcohol on Q tips to clean the brass hardware.
I sealed the midsole and heels with diluted resolene and then melted huberds into the stitching to waterproof them. My plan is to maintain these with Venetian or a similar neutral, shiny wax/balm -- avoiding pigment for the most part.