Help please! Restoring colour to faded leather?

[P.forpony]

So as a favour to a friend I said I’d see what I can do with his rather abused hunting boots.

Stage one of removing years of accumulated muck sandwiched in between layers of dodgy polish is accomplished.

However now it’s obvious that they are very faded and really need something to make the black bits black again.

What products have people used to re-dye/restore black leather?
Obviously needs to be colour fast and not run into the grey horse!

Also they’re very very dry and cracked I’m itching to feed them but should I do it before colour restore or after?

Any suggestions gratefully received.

 

[P.forpony]

Current state, not exactly midnight black!

 

[MereChristmas]

I have never tried to restore leather of any kind but a quick search showed many products. This is one. There is a choice of black.

https://www.ardmoor.co.uk/dubarry-l...cQ7obVRbvDA7IdIAFOql1fwGHq8oFXBcaAofHEALw_wcB

 

[P.forpony]

Thanks, I’ve been googling furiously but I’m looking for something that will actually deposit colour rather than a balm that ‘enhances’ and hopefully someone can tell me what worked well, or what to steer clear of, of course they all say they’re colour fast but I’m a bit sceptical.

 

[flat3]

Balmoral Equestrian have a colour dye kit for saddles, I guess it could be used on boots too? I haven't used it but I have used another product of theirs and been happy with it, and the owner was super helpful answering my questions.

I contacted them through Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balmoralequestrian.co.uk/

 

[Frumpoon]

I've got the balmoral stuff as well as some normal. Leather stain

I might be doing something wrong but neither are very good

 

[Surbie]

My saddler recommeded this for my fading Albion saddle:

Furniture Clinic Leather Recolouring Balm

It doesn't last forever but a top-up every couple of weeks keeps it looking black rather than a bit greenish.

 

[Surbie]

Also they’re very very dry and cracked I’m itching to feed them but should I do it before colour restore or after?

I've been putting the Recolouring Balm on my saddle before the conditioning stuff, in the hope it seeps in a bit further.