Leather accessories are playing a distinct role in the world of fashion in today’s times. They are counted as one of the major factors in trending fashion wear and therefore the safety and quality of these products is being paid attention to in great detail. Leather dyes, are one of the main components that are responsible in giving the deep glossy look to the jackets, shiny black to the shoes and rich hues to the handbags.
Leather Dyes & their Types
Dyes that have affinity to leather and the colouring are termed as leather dyes. Based on their solubility they are classified into two categories:
• Water soluble dyes
• Non-water soluble dyes
Examples that fall into the first category are direct dyes, anionic acid dyes, amphoteric metal complex dyes, cationic alkaline dyes and dye leather special dye. Examples of dyes that are included in the second category are alcohol soluble dye which is soluble in alcohol, fat-soluble dye which is soluble in oil, sulphur dyes that are soluble in aqueous solution of sulphide.
Another mode of classification is:
• Dip-dye
• Surface colouring dye
The surface colouring dye includes finishing dyes as well as those used for spray dyeing, that is the solvent dyes. Dyes that are apt for spray colouring of leather belong to SP series and those that are apt for leather disseminated colouring are a part of D series.
Leather dyeing involves application of direct and acidic dyes, most often with mordant, alkaline, reactive dyes which are oil-soluble. These are normally chosen from the textile dyes. Leather used in apparel making requires overall dyeing wherein the colour of the surface area is the same as that of the cut area.
Trends in the Leather Dyeing Industry
There are several industries that use leather dedicated dyes such as the shoe, garments and the accessories. Different brands of leather shoes, garments and accessories offer a myriad of options to the male and the female consumer, each of which requires different level and type of finishing. With the average consumer becoming fashion conscious and he having an increasing spending ability, the demand for leather dyes that are abrasion, light and dry-cleaning solvent resistant is increasing. The fashion conscious consumer is also very much concerned of his environment. He wants to ensure that the products are made with eco-friendly material, cause reduced emission of pollutants and use resources conservatively. Need for products that pass high standards of quality and cause minimum harm to the environment besides providing the chic finished look is on the rise. Technological advancements in leather dyeing have enabled the production and development of fastness in dyes to reach top levels. Manufacturers in the leather industry are directing their efforts in producing sustainable products by disallowing the use of harmful chemicals and dyes.
In order to give the customers the ‘natural look’ of leather, a variation by name of ‘aniline leather’ has been developed. This eliminates the need for paint finishing and requires only dyeing to be done with synthetic dyes. The world of leather fashion is definitely becoming an interesting one with so many products on offer to the present day consumer. Leather dyes only go to make it more colourful!
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