One of the best parts about golf is spending the day outside, enjoying the sunshine. Unfortunately, sunshine causes golf bags to fade. The good news is that you can restore your bag’s color regardless of what fabric it’s made of as long as you know how to go about it.
Here’s how to restore color to a faded golf bag:
- Clean the bag.
- Strip the leather’s top layer.
- Apply the new color.
- Condition and protect the bag.
Different fabrics will require slightly different tactics for some steps. Keep reading to learn how to clean and re-dye your faded golf bag.
1. Clean the Bag
The cleaning method will depend on the material of your bag.
When cleaning your leather golf bag, all you need is a damp cloth. This step isn’t meant to deep clean your bag but to get off any dirt or dust that could get in the way when you apply color. If you’re only recoloring a small spot on the bag rather than the whole thing, you can wipe just that spot down.
To clean canvas and nylon, mix some mild detergent, like dish soap, with water. Use a cloth or toothbrush to scrub the dirty areas. If you want a quick full clean, add the mixture to a spray bottle and spray the whole bag as you scrub away.
2. Strip the Leather’s Top Layer
With leather, you need to remove the original top layer for the new color to sit properly. This can be done either with sandpaper or rubbing alcohol.
When using sandpaper, don’t use anything under 600 grit. Lightly rub the sandpaper anywhere you plan to apply color. Avoid sanding over stitching or embellishments because that can cause damage.
If you’re using rubbing alcohol, apply it to a cotton ball or rag first. Go over the area a few times to remove the top layers of sealant and dye. Depending on the original dye or sealant used, rubbing alcohol can sometimes cause dark spots. If you notice this happening, stop immediately.
Rubbing alcohol can also dry out leather. So if you choose this method, be sure to condition the leather after you dye it.
Neither of these methods will strip the color completely, but they’ll lighten it. Before moving on to the next step, be sure the leather is ready to dye. Wipe off any dust from sanding or wait for the rubbing alcohol to dry.
3. Apply the New Color
Different fabrics will have different methods for dying. Leather gives you a few options, but nylon and canvas require liquid fabric dye.
Leather
You can use a few different products to recolor leather: leather dye, recoloring balm, leather paint, or spray dye.
Option 1: Leather Dye
Liquid dye is a good option if you’re covering a large area or need a bright and pigmented color. It’s easy to apply, but be careful not to get it on anything else. It’s fabric dye, and it will stain. If you’re uncertain of color, start with a slightly lighter shade and layer it.
A fantastic option for leather dye is the Angelus Leather Dye (available on Amazon.com). Not only is it Amazon’s choice, but it comes in 38 different colors! The dye includes an applicator to make things even easier for users.
Option 2: Recoloring Balm
Recoloring balm is essentially like a leather lotion with dye in it. It’s not as concentrated and may not work as well on areas that need a deep color. However, it’s a very simple method. All you need to do is put some balm on a rag and apply it to the faded spot.
One excellent option for a leather recoloring balm is the Furniture Clinic Recoloring Balm from Amazon. It comes in 16 different colors, meaning you should be able to find a shade close to what you need. It can be used on a variety of leather products and even has the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.
Option 3: Leather Paint
Leather paint is a good option if you’re touching up a smaller area, like a logo. It can be applied like any other paint with a paintbrush. One upside to leather paint is that the paint is often sold in sets with multiple colors, allowing you to mix colors to make your perfect hue.
The Angelus Leather Paint Set from Amazon is a great option, as it provides 12 vibrant colors for you to use. Over 7,500 reviewers have rated this product, giving it an average of 4.8 stars.
Option 4: Leather Spray Dye
Leather spray dye comes in an aerosol can, similar to waterproofing sprays. It’s applied the same way you’d apply that sort of spray 一by spraying it on your bag. For smaller areas, you can also spray it onto a cloth. If you’re unsure of color, the safest bet is to go lighter, as the spray can be layered to add depth.
Amazon’s Pick is the Moneysworth & Best Brillo Spray. This is an awesome option because it comes in 30 different shades, so you can easily find the one that will blend best.
Nylon and Canvas
When it comes to dying synthetic fibers, a liquid dye works best. You add the dye and laundry detergent to boiling water before adding the object you want dyed. If you’re only trying to dye a portion of your bag, you apply the dye by hand with a cloth instead of submerging the whole bag. Just be sure to wear gloves!
Craft County Rit Fabric Dye is a great option from Amazon because it’s vibrant, non-toxic, and comes in 14 colors! The bottles have excellent instructions, so you should have an easy time dyeing your bag.
4. Condition and Protect the Bag
If your bag is made of leather, it’ll need conditioning, especially if you used rubbing alcohol on it.
Leather conditioner is widely available in liquid, spray, and balms. One of Amazon’s best options is the Leather Honey Leather Conditioner because it deep-conditions, is easy to apply, and contains no silicones or sulfates.
To help keep your bag looking nice, you’ll also want to use some sort of weather protection. This will help protect against water damage and stains.
For leather, you can find a product that offers conditioning and protection. For nylon and canvas, a regular weather-proofing spray will suffice. The Bickmore Gard-More Water & Stain Repellent is a top choice on Amazon because it protects various fabrics from various substances while still being breathable.
How To Keep Your Golf Bag in Good Condition
Now that you’ve done all the work to restore your golf bag, you don’t want to have to do it again in a few weeks. You’ll want to prevent fading from recurring by doing the following:
- Clean your bag regularly. Your bag should be cleaned once a month or as needed to get rid of stains.
- Keep your bag out of the sun. This may be easier said than done on the golf course, but keep your bag in shaded areas or on a covered golf cart when possible.
- Keep up the protection. Follow your protectant guidelines on how often to apply. The general rule is to apply it at the beginning of every season. This will help prevent dirt from penetrating the fibers and protect your bag against water damage.
Conclusion
When the time comes to restore your faded bag, your only option is to re-dye it. After you clean and prepare your bag, use a liquid dye, or for leather, try a balm, spray, or paint. Be sure to condition your leather afterwards! Before heading out to the course, protect your bag with a weather-proofing spray to keep the color vibrant for as long as possible.
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