Dyes can be used to darken leather (but not synthetics like vinyl). Finishes (paints) are more versatile in that they can be used to darken … Read more
An approximate match can be obtained by comparing our handmade color swatches to the leather or vinyl to the upholstery. For an exact match, colors … Read more
Many stains will not disappear with cleaning, but they can be concealed with a new finish. A solvent like alcohol or lacquer thinner are essential, … Read more
Real leather does not peel nor flake. The only exception is if a leather’s urethane finish has been damaged. In this case, you’ll notice the … Read more
When it comes to leather scratch repair, let your fingers be the judge. If you can feel the damage caused by your dog or cat, … Read more
A flexible vinyl and leather filler kit is needed to repair upholstery that has: Repairing peeling bonded, bicast, and polyurethane leathers is not recommended. See … Read more
A glaze (or wash) is a more translucent finish, in this case made by diluting any Rub ‘n Restore® Color with Clear Prep+Finish™. Use it … Read more
Video contents: Some tips: Heidi beautifully demonstrates a sponge and rag technique at minute 3:26 here: Shop Our Colors
We got our start in 1987 repairing leather and vinyl auto interiors for dealerships and body shops in Southern California. CC learned that tiny drops … Read more
Rub ‘n Restore® is an anti-UV finish that conditions, recolors and protects marine vinyl and boat upholstery. It’s easily applied with a sponge and can … Read more
What’s the best hot tub cover protector? Rub ‘n Restore® takes the prize! This picture from 2004 shows this anti-UV conditioning stain applied to a friend’s spa cover. Twelve years later the cover had long been water-logged. Our friend, Rebecca, found a used cover and swapped out the foam inserts. The vinyl on the used cover […]
The tape test for adhesion determines if the leather or vinyl is, after cleaning, able to receive a new finish. See it demonstrated here at … Read more
Rub ‘n Restore® colors are water-based finishes and will gradually wear the same way the original leather and vinyl did. Simply reapply. You do not … Read more
Like a good bone, dogs can’t resist chewing on fine leather furniture. The damage wrought from Scooby’s snacking often results in a large hole — … Read more
Just like leather, vinyl cracks as it ages and desiccates (dries out). Unlike leather, however, cracks in vinyl often have sharp edges that curl upward. … Read more
Water absorption indicates the type of leather, its condition, and how it should be cleaned. Water will bead on finished and pigmented leathers like those … Read more
Yes, Rub ‘n Restore® leather and vinyl paint finishes are great for plastics too. A primer like Bulldog® or SEM® Plastic Adhesion Promoter, which can … Read more
Vintage amps, speakers and guitar cases made of Tolex, Rexine or vinyl cloth can be beautifully repaired with super glue, baking soda, and some of … Read more
Professional artisans often use spray grains to blend the texture and appearance of a vinyl or leather repair. Most DIYers get good results embossing the … Read more
Our water-based leather finishes are exceptional for general aviation and aircraft interior leather. Most leather coatings can only be sprayed, which poses an issue for … Read more