Rub 'n Restore® finishes do not alter the texture or feel of grain leathers or vinyl, though they may slightly cool the temperature of warm, unfinished aniline leather. The only exception is nubuck, a brushed grain leather that has a subtle nap. While a few customers have used Rub 'n Restore® on nubuck with success, be conservative and cautious.
Additionally, certain brands of faux leather wear down to microfiber should be handled with care according to these instructions. Suede has no grain surface and should never be painted. Learn more about the types of leather here.
Rub 'n Restore® colors and clear finishes are acrylics, which are known to have a better 'hand' (feel) than heavier urethane coatings. Our finishes are lightweight, breathable and emulate the material itself.
Take this couch. It was unfinished aniline. Between 2018 and 2019 it received several coats of clear and pigmented finish, transforming it into semi-aniline. The leather has since endured a number of spills and mishaps. Though it still absorbs water, it doesn't stain or sun fade as easily as it did previously. It looks and feels natural.
A little goes a long way. Two to four thin coats of Rub 'n Restore® color or clear finish are plenty. More may be needed if changing from dark to light. Ten or more layers will begin to fill the grain and result in a more coated, painted feel that repels liquids.
Color can be thinned or stripped with denatured alcohol, lacquer thinner, even acetone with caution.
Will Rub ‘n Restore change the smell of leather? If so, will it go back to having that nice leather smell in a while?
Great question, Nadi, and thank you. Yes, the leather’s natural smell will revert to its former state. You are applying a chemical finish, so the leather may smell like this initially (click here for info about VOC). Therefore a dramatic color change of the whole piece may have more odor for a longer period than touching up just a few areas with a matching color. All this said, tens of thousands of people have restored their furniture, boat and car interiors with our products and few have ever complained of odor.