By design, Fiebing's leather dye works as a penetrating dye. That means that the dye is absorbed into the leather to color it and doesn't simply paint the surface. The result, when done correctly, is a beautifully colored leather article that enhances the natural beauty of leather and all of its attributes. To re-dye smooth leather articles is basically a three-step process which requires stripping of old finish, dyeing the leather, then sealing the leather with a top finish. Please note that dyeing leather is an art and not a science. All leathers take dye differently depending on the type of leather, tannage. It is excellent to practice on a scrap piece of leather before using on valued articles.