How do you use or apply Rub ‘n Restore?

Ideal working temperature is 65º – 80º F (18º – 26º C). Avoid applying in direct sunlight if the surface is already hot. Protect fabrics and carpets from spills.

Our colors dry dull and get excellent coverage in few coats. Dilute color with Clear Prep+Finish (a glaze) and use as a primer for absorbent, worn areas and / or if more luster and transparency is desired.

A damp cellulose sponge does a great job of massaging the finish into the grain. Rags, paint brushes, or spray guns can also be used.

Here’s how to apply the leather finish:

  1. Protect carpets, floors with drop cloths, and mask any areas.
  2. Complete any repairs.
  3. Clean non-absorbent materials with Flite or a multi-purpose cleaner followed by denatured or rubbing alcohol. Clean absorbent materials only with alcohol. More info about cleaning is here.
  4. Stir the color with the included stick, as shaking creates foam.
  5. Test the color on a small area. Apply thin coats until coverage is achieved, letting each dry before applying another. Clear Prep+Finish™ will deepen and brighten colors and also add shine.
  6. Stress test the color by scuffing, scratching or pinching the area to confirm the finish performs well. Ensure you like the color. If so, proceed.
  7. Start with any areas that have tufting, buttons, tacks, different-colored panels, piping or seams and any finished repairs. Then graduate to broader surfaces.
  8. An additional sealer is usually not necessary except for primary or secondary colors like brights reds, blues, Butterscotch and Plum.
  9. Use alcohol to remove finish from unwanted areas like wood, metal, plastic.
  10. When it feels dry, it is dry and ready for use. Cure time, where the finish won’t be spotted or discolored by water, takes longer.
  11. Do not use conditioners or leather wipes after refinishing. Click here for more info about cleaning and maintaining your new finish.

Click here for marbling, printing or burnishing techniques.

If you need more help, consult the pro.

Shop Our Products

13 comments

  1. Wanting to go from an ivory couch to a slate gray. I have some cat scratches on the seats but they are not deep. Can I just send them or do I need to put some kind of filler or glue on them? There are many products on the website and I’m not sure what to use for what.

    Reply
  2. When you say mix color and glaze, what is the ratio? Parts of our couch is faded (probably from a wet dog), should I still restore the whole couch, or only the areas affected?

    Reply
  3. Can I use All-In-One Conditioning Prime + Sealer For Leather & Vinyl Clear Prep+Finish after Water-Based Conditioning Color For Leather & Vinyl Rust?

    Reply
  4. I found the stain very thin and watery and difficult not to create drips when pouring onto the sponge. Any idea why the stain was so thin?

    Reply
    • The stain is rather thin, the viscosity of milk, but gets excellent coverage in just a couple coats in most instance. Be sure to thoroughly stir the color, as the pigments gradually settle to the bottom.

      Reply
  5. Hi,
    I would like to ask few questions before buying it:
    a. What color is the one at 9pm on the picture of the samples?
    b. Step 8 above states that an additional sealer is needed for butterscotch. What sealer is that?
    c. Can I apply it on vinyl dashboards?
    Thanks

    Reply

Leave a Comment