The Upholstery Forum

I'm fixing a pair of heavy leather motorcycle saddlebags. The leather is thick and sturdy. So, I've filled the gouges with filler, and found a way to match the texture. Now, dye alone just seems to make the color uniform, but it is blotchy depending on the spots it soaked into. Rather than dye, I was thinking about SEM color coats. Will this hold up, or will it come off from fingernail scuffs from opening the bags (a common problem in the leather itself usually). That would be a uniform coat, sheen, texture. But would it last? I see the adhesion promoters and all the other ancillary stuff that is usually a waste of money, or easily replaced with something cheaper or household. Insight greatly appreciated!

My experience which is little is that Sem is just a top coating. Think similar to paint. Like paint once you scratch it, you see the base layer come through. But I can’t say I am using the product you’re thinking.

On the other hand. I have no experience with leather work other than cutting and sewing. So I can’t offer anything there.

use this https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product ... eather-dye

Ive seen people paint an entire faded leather seat with SEM color coat and it seems to work really well. Ive used SEM a lot and it holds up to scratches but Ive never used it on saddle bags...
I would do a test on a piece of saddle bag leather and see if it will hold up to your requirements.

Kra z Bill wrote: ↑Mon Jul 01, 2019 12:24 am use this https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product ... eather-dye

Thank you. I have always just used the black dye from the grocery store. Seems it absorbs well, but you still have different sheens where the filler or the surface was sanded finer or coarser. I figured a topcoat was needed. What differences can I expect with this product? Thanks!

it will soak more into the leather

@john, what have you NOT sewn

So I am picking up the dye Kra Z Bill recommended. I will give it a shot. Can anyone else recommend a good spray topcoat (similar to the SEM I recommended)? There has to be something that partially absorbs (and is semi-gloss or satin). I mean, I've accidentally dripped paint on these things and it doesn't exactly scratch off lol. Fingernail gouges are the biggest problem on these bags from fiddling with the buckles to get them open. Second issue is the old shoe or boot across the lid on the right bag from when you throw your leg over your iron horse. My research has shown me so darn many products I am seeing double. Angelus, LVP, SEM, LVP Color Bond etc.

if you are picking that up at a Tandy Leather tell them what your wanting to do and they can tell you want will work