Have leather dye made to order according to a sample.
If the color name is unknown, there is no clear color code, or the leather has changed due to use, aging, and UV radiation, then a custom VILOU leather color can be matched based on a suitable original sample.
The created color formula is clearly documented and permanently stored in our VILOU database. This ensures that the color remains available for future reorders.
When is it advisable to color leather according to a sample?
A color code often describes the original shade. However, the visible color of the leather can change due to sunlight, use, cleaning, care, and natural aging. Especially with older vehicles, rare optional extras, and leather furniture, a suitable original sample is therefore often the best basis for a custom color match.
Car leather
For seats, seat bolsters, steering wheels, door panels and rare interior colors, when the vehicle color code is missing or cannot be clearly determined.
Determine car leather color →Furniture leather
For leather sofas, armchairs and leather chairs whose color cannot be reliably assigned to any existing standard color.
Determine furniture leather color →Special colors
For individual, older or no longer regularly available color shades on suitable pigmented smooth leather and many synthetic leathers.
This is how color matching by pattern works
Describe application and material
Please let us know if the color is needed for a car seat, steering wheel, leather furniture, or another surface. For vehicles, the make, model, year, leather type, and any existing color information will help us identify the correct color.
Select a suitable leather sample
A clean and representative original sample of at least approximately 2 x 2 cm is required. The visible leather surface must be intact and clearly identifiable.
Request detailed sample colors
Please submit information about the material, intended use, color condition, damage, and required quantity using the sample color form. We will first check whether a suitable VILOU color is already available.
Send sample after confirmation
You will only receive the necessary information for sample shipment after we have responded. Please do not send any valuable or irreplaceable components without prior consultation.
Create a custom color formula
A German partner laboratory specializing in leather dye formulations determines the individual formula based on the submitted sample. The color tone and required pigmentation are determined using the physical leather sample.
Save the recipe in the VILOU database
VILOU gains access to the created color formula. It is stored in our own database with a unique identifier and thus remains accessible for future reorders.
Check the color before use.
First, test the adjusted leather color thinly on a hidden area.Color effect, brightness and gloss level are additionally influenced by substrate, application thickness, aging and lighting.
Why a sample color takes time
A custom sample color is not simply a mix from a standard color chart. For each suitable leather sample, a unique color formula is determined, tested, documented, and then prepared for production.
This meticulous process can take approximately 14 days. For particularly demanding color shades or during periods of high lab workload, processing may take longer. We will provide transparent information about the expected processing time as part of your inquiry.
Our goal: A carefully prepared and reproducibly documented formula is preferable to a quick mix with insufficient color matching.
Your prescription will remain available.
Each approved sample formula receives a unique identifier and is permanently stored in our VILOU database. This means that the color does not need to be completely re-developed for subsequent reorders.
Unique assignment
The recipe and customer transaction are documented in a traceable manner for later orders.
Reproducible color tone
The stored formula forms the basis for reproducing the already developed color shade.
Less effort
For a suitable reorder, a new sample submission is usually not required.
Please retain your order number, recipe code, or customer identification. If the leather surface has changed significantly in the meantime, we recommend comparing the colors again before reordering.
Which spot is suitable as a color sample?
Suitable
- Representative original sample with intact surface
- As little faded area as possible
- Clean sample without any residue from care products
- At least approximately 2 × 2 cm
- For example, in vehicles, a concealed leather overhang
Not suitable
- Just a photo or a printout
- Heavily soiled or discolored sample
- Tiny leather fibers without a visible surface
- Only the uncoated leather backing
- A surface that has already been painted over by someone else
Color code, standard color, or leather sample?
| Initial situation | Recommended route | Please note |
|---|---|---|
| The common vehicle color is known. | Check suitable vehicle category | Check model, year of manufacture and equipment |
| Black smooth leather | Check VILOU leather color black | Black also has different nuances and levels of gloss. |
| The color code is missing or ambiguous. | Request color matching based on an original sample | Have the sample checked for suitability beforehand. |
| Older or visibly faded leather | Select a representative spot and assess the entire area | Protected and claimed areas can differ. |
| Complete color change | Have the materials and project checked in advance | Higher preparation and material costs |
Select the appropriate VILOU color system
VILOU leather dye for easy application
The existing VILOU color system is applied in several thin layers by dabbing with a sponge or, with suitable processing, by spraying. It is suitable for refreshing the color and repairing suitable pigmented smooth leathers as well as many synthetic leathers.
Buy VILOU leather dye →VILOU Professional
The professional spray system, including primer, leather dye, and top coat, is currently under development. It is designed for application with an airbrush or spray gun. Ordering or delivery confirmation is not yet possible.
View VILOU Professional and B2B →Matching leather colors and repair solutions
Leather color: Black
For many black leather and imitation leather surfaces on vehicles, furniture, clothing and other applications.
View black leather color →Vehicle leather
Before producing a sample, first check whether the desired color shade is already available in the appropriate vehicle category.
Furniture, clothing and boat
Color and repair solutions for leather sofas, armchairs, chairs, clothing and boat leather.
View matching products →Before dyeing: Correctly assess the damage
A suitable leather dye alone will not repair deep cracks, cuts, or missing material. Superficial color wear can usually be treated and re-dyed.Depressions and small cracks must be filled with a suitable repair material before applying paint.
Frequently asked questions about leather dyeing by sample
Can leather dye be mixed solely from a photograph?
A reliable color match based solely on a photograph is usually not possible. Lighting, camera, and screen display all alter the visible color. A suitable original sample is needed for the actual color matching.
How large does the leather sample need to be?
The sample should ideally be at least approximately 2 × 2 cm in size and have a clean, intact upper surface. A larger and more representative sample facilitates evaluation.
Where can I find a sample car seat?
Often, there is a leather overhang under the seat or at a concealed seam. It should be carefully checked beforehand whether this can be removed without causing damage.
How long does it take to create a sample color?
Developing a custom color formula can take approximately 14 days. Processing may take longer for complex color shades or during periods of high laboratory workload.
Can I reorder the same color later?
Yes. The approved color formula is clearly documented and stored in our VILOU database. This allows it to be retrieved for future reorders.
Do I need to send another sample for a repeat order?
If a clearly identifiable, already saved recipe is not normally required, a new sample submission is not necessary. However, if the leather has changed significantly since then, we recommend a new color comparison beforehand.
Is the resulting color completely invisible?
A customized formula significantly improves color matching. However, the visible result is also influenced by leather aging, the substrate, the gloss level, the application thickness, and the lighting. Therefore, transitions may remain visible in partial repairs.
For which types of leather is this leather dye suitable?
It is intended for use on suitable pigmented smooth leather and many synthetic leathers. Alcantara, suede, nubuck, and open-pore aniline leather are not suitable without special testing.
Does leather dye need to be sealed afterwards?
Heavily used areas should be protected according to the product instructions after color restoration. Especially on steering wheels, seat bolsters, and frequently used seating surfaces, a suitable sealant improves protection against further abrasion.
Request a color sample
Please provide us with the most important information about the leather, color, and project. We will first check whether a suitable VILOU color is already available or if a custom formula should be created based on an original sample.