At some point or another, you may want to alter the color of your watch strap. The good news is that you can do this at home. If you want to learn how to manage this as professionally as possible, here are the steps you need to follow:
Consider the Watch Strap Material
As you can imagine, the dyeing process will depend on the kind of watch strap you have. In case you have taken the advice of https://wristwatchpro.com/ and bought a classic watch, then the strap is probably made of leather. However, make sure to check whether the material is genuine leather. This will determine whether the strap can be properly dyed.
Separate the Strap
Your first step will be to remove the strap from the watch face. Keep in mind, you may have to deal with various solvents and other substances. As such, you must keep the electrical or mechanical components of the watch away from these liquids.
In fact, try to leave the strap as bare as possible. So, if they have any metal loops or components, try to remove these as well. Just make sure that you can fix them back again once the dyeing process has been completed.
Remove the Current Color from the Strap
Do you want to dye your leather watch strap a lighter color? If so, you will need to strip the current shade away. Be aware that leather watch bands are quite thin and, as such, the material may be more fragile. Due to this, you have to be quite careful when removing the color.
If possible, use a solvent-based leather cleanser to remove the dye as this is a gentler substance. If not, use denatured alcohol. Nonetheless, always dampen a cloth with the alcohol and use this to rub the color away – never soak the strap in the alcohol.
Use Leather Dye to Color the Fabric
You should always use a dye that is specifically meant for leather material. This way, you can ensure an even, professional finished look. Not to mention, the leather is more likely to absorb the dyes properly, preventing the color from bleeding away when you’re wearing it.
Wait until the denatured alcohol has evaporated to add the dye. Wear gloves and pour the dye onto a clean sponge. By applying light pressure, use the sponge to work the dye into the strap. Make sure that you cover each area equally well. If you want a darker look, wait until one layer has thoroughly dried before applying the next coat. You can use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process.
Seal the Color In
Once you dye the strap in the desired shade, it is important to use a sealant as the final step. This substance can be sprayed on and will create a protective layer for the pigment. Thus, no amount of sweat or water will be able to drain the color from the strap. Not to mention, this step will also prevent most kinds of damage to the strap, allowing it to last longer.
So, there you have it – a guide to changing the color of your watch strap. This is relatively simple to do and ensures that your watch strap will look as good as new in no time at all.
