Replies

1. 
   tmorris1 | May 11, 2007 09:44pm | #1

   If you are just going to use it once or twice, you can spray paint it. There are leather dyes for something more permanent, or you can make one from vinyl fairly easily. Call your local shoe repair shop, they will be able to help you.

2. 
   Teaf5 | May 12, 2007 12:37am | #2

   If you choose to paint a leather belt, don't buy a white one; a leather worker once told me that white leather is the hardest to dye because it has been processed more than any other leather. Purple vinyl is probably pretty easy to find; making one might be a whole lot easier.

1. 
   [email protected] | May 12, 2007 01:08am | #3

   I would have thought that vinyl would be easy. I live near San Francisco but I am not finding it so. I was thinking of using an epoxy paint over the white leather so I wouldn't care about the ease of dyeing. It is a dress I plan to wear a lot over the summer so I do need it to be durable. I didn't figure it would be this difficult when I was planning the dress. Makes me envy those who get everything before they start a project.

1. 
   From my Stash.... | May 21, 2007 08:30pm | #8

   If you are going to dye white (or any other colour) leather, then you should remove the current dye by using a product that I got from the shoemaker that removes leather dye (A long story that involved a very large black stain on the top of my white ice skates.) This product removed the stain and the white dye and then I applied the new white dye and it looked like new. These dyes don't rub off. Unfortuantely, I don't remember the name of the product.

   A bigger problem might be getting a good colour match on your purple. A primary contrast colour might be easier to find.  Good luck with your search.

1. 
   [email protected] | May 22, 2007 12:18am | #9

   Thank you, This is on my back burner as the school year "winds down". Fortunately the purple is a contrast in a tiny plaid of turquoise and lime. I think most any blue/purple will work.

3. 
   Ralphetta | May 12, 2007 01:57am | #4

   Have you checked upholstery or marine fabrics?  I would keep searching for something purple you could cut up and make into a belt. If you're wearing it much in hot weather, I would be really worried about dye or paint rubbing off and ruining the dress.  The shoes I've had dyed, have always stained my feet!

1. 
   [email protected] | May 12, 2007 09:31am | #5

   Good point. And I will obviously keep looking.

4. 
   jatman | May 12, 2007 02:27pm | #6

   Hi Tryitagain!  I found a really nice, REALLY expensive purple belt on http://www.activeendeavors.com and several purple belts on http://www.yoox.com .  Not sure how fancy/expensive/purple/thick of a belt you are are looking for but maybe you can find something on Yoox.

   Good luck - let us know what you find!

   JT

5. 
   ineedaserger329 | May 13, 2007 06:55am | #7

   Try goodwill!!!! I needed an 80's outfit for a party.....Long story short, I got it there.....Church Bazzare's .....Spelling????.......are great too for unusual stuff, too....other than that, google it....good luck