Quote Originally Posted by James MacMillan View Post
Well - give the advice! Now that you know that he is talking about rough-out leather. How exactly would you do it? I admit to only changing the color of smooth leather.

35 years is enough qualifications for me!!!
Jay,

Actually rough-out leather is not significantly different from "smooth-out" (full grain). In fact, rough-out is often just full grain turned inside out. In those instances where it is not, it is often the layer just below the corium (the "grain" or smooth side that has been split away. "Splits" as they are called are generally regarded as poor quality.

So in a real sense, the advice I gave initially would be just as valid for a rough-out.The only differences in the way a rough out would be dyed would be that the alcohol prep would not be needed. And any conditioner that might be applied probably out to be applied from the inside so as not to matte down the nap.

The only caution I would have is to note that if the rough-out is actually a "split" there might be some bleed-through--staining of socks or legs--even after the dye is completely dry...depending on the quality of the dye, the quality of the leather and the amount of dye used.