Frequently Asked Questions
Our products are water-based finishes (paints) designed for leather and vinyl. They look, feel, and age naturally, even on absorbent aniline leather. Our products also work on materials that repel water and hide repairs where balms and dyes don't.
Learn more about the differences between balms, dyes and finishes, and decide what's best for your project.
Most faux leathers are polyester or synthetic fabric with a polyurethane (PU) coating. These are different than and not as durable as vinyl (PVC).
Faux leather that is peeling, flaking or delaminating from its own backing is rarely worth repairing. Learn how you'd repair it and why we don't recommend it here.
Faux leather that has worn more naturally, exposing a microfiber or fake suede without any peeling, can be stained with our paints and coated with a clear wax to restore the leather-like appearance. Learn how here.
Rub 'n Restore® colors and clear finishes are water-based acrylics and do not alter the feel of leather or vinyl. However, there are a few exceptions:
- Absorbent aniline leather with a warm velvety texture may slightly cool in feel after being refinished. The leather will continue to breathe and may remain absorbent, but it will be more fade and stain resistant.
- Worn areas or materials with a subtle nap like suede, nubuck or microfiber may stiffen as a result of being refinished, and we discourage using our products on these materials.
Rub 'n Restore® finishes, once dry, will not stain clothing.
Color transference to a paper towel or white clothing is sometimes observed with bright colors containing a lot of primary (red, blue, yellow) pigments. Buff the surface with a dry rag to remove any unstable pigment, and consider an additional clear sealer.
If color has transferred to clothing, pre-treat the garment with detergent (washing soda or borax are even better, if you have them) and a gentle scrub brush. Then launder as usual. The color should wash out.
Filler repair putty is cured when mostly clear and no longer tacky. A heat lamp, incandescent bulb, or sunny window are typically needed to elevate the surface temperature to 120º – 145º F (49º – 63º C). Humid climates can slow cure time.
Rub ‘n Restore® finishes dry in minutes. When it feels dry, it is dry and ready for another coat or use.
Cure time (when the color is unaffected by water) varies depending on temperature and humidity. For example, leather car seats in the Arizona summer will cure in a day. A boat in a humid climate may take weeks to cure but can still be used.
Prevent water from pooling on any surface for extended periods of time. The worst that may occur is slight discoloration of the finish, and this often ‘dries down’. If it doesn’t, simply touch-up the color, and allow more time to cure before exposure to water.
A noticeable change of color may require periodic touch-up, where a matching color does not. Dog claws, rowdy kids, and chemical cleaners will eventually take their toll on any finish.
Fortunately, touch-up is easy. Ensure the surface is clean and free of body oil or conditioner, and reapply as needed.
Soft Filler repair putty will last any where from six months to two years. Minimize air exposure and keep refrigerated to extend its shelf-life.
Rub ‘n Restore® colors and clear finishes are guaranteed for one year from date of purchase, though we find these products are shelf-stable for many more. Store finishes in a temperate, dark place away from children. Rubber band your stir stick to the bottle, and use it to re-disperse the pigments until smooth and creamy. Colors that have sat a long time may need several minutes of vigorous stirring to reconstitute the color.
Vinyl and leather are skilled crafts. Each project is unique. Our restoration products are easy to use and forgiving. One must follow the instructions, test the material for compatibility, and experiment to ensure a professional result.
We guarantee your satisfaction if you submit a consultation, follow its recommendations, and give us the opportunity to troubleshoot any issues. If you're not thrilled with the result, we will refund your money.
If you do not consult with us prior, ensure your project is a good candidate for our products and processes. We will refund your money if you follow the instructions and allow us troubleshoot any issues.
Repair and restore your late father's beloved chair. Change the color of that cool thrifted piece so it fits your aesthetic. Our stuff is exceptional for furniture. See here.
Our products are exceptional for restoring marine vinyl and boat upholstery. Pinking, mold, sun damage, tears and holes can all be corrected. Our finishes, especially any colors containing white pigment, double as a sunscreen and protect the vinyl.
Get started with our free repair guide here.
Rub 'n Restore® was born in the late 1980s on the used car lots of Southern California. But you don't need a professional to restore your collectible car or daily driver. See what others have done and learn more here.
Whether leather or vinyl, Rub ‘n Restore® can be used on your motorcycle's seat and saddlebags.
Seats are high-stress components, so it's best to stick with the original color. Saddlebags and other components, however, do not endure the same abuse as seats and thus are better candidates for a change of color. Click here for more info.
We've used Rub ‘n Restore® to freshen leather shoes, boots, handbags, purses, jackets, and even pants. Do not use our products on stretchy kidskin leather, patent leather, nubuck, suede, microfiber or faux leather.
Because garments and apparel are heavily used, changing color is discouraged, particularly non-absorbent materials. You'll find the color needs touch-up on areas that experience a lot of stress. For shoes, consider Angelus leather paints (as an Amazon Associate, we receive a small commission for referring a competitor's product).
If not too far gone, our products will double or triple the life of hot tub covers. Our colors, especially those containing any white pigment, double as a sunscreen and protect the vinyl.
Learn more and assess your needs with our free repair guide.
Many restaurants and hotels have used Rub ‘n Restore® on their upholstery and seating. Learn more here.
Our water-based leather finishes are exceptional for general aviation and fall within the realm of 'preventative maintenance'. Rub 'n Restore® is an inexpensive way to extend the life of the aircraft interiors and will not alter flammability characteristics. Learn more here.
Many vintage amps, cases or trunks were made of Tolex, Rexine or vinyl cloth. Our finishes work beautifully on these materials. Learn how to repair minor gouges here.
Yes, Rub ‘n Restore® can be used on plastic too, but you'll want to first apply a plastic primer like Bulldog® or SEM® Plastic Adhesion Promoter (as an Amazon Associate, we receive a small commission for referring these products).
Auto interiors are usually leather and matching vinyl.
Hot tub covers and boat upholstery are almost always vinyl.
A wide array of materials are used on home furniture. A tag may state what the outer upholstery fabric is. Removable cushions are a sign of good quality leather. So is price. As of 2018, average quality top grain leather cost US$100 / yard. A typical three-seat sofa requires 15-20 yards of material and costs $1500 - $2000 in leather alone. If you bought a new couch for under US$2000, it's likely faux leather.
Learn more about the many types of real and artificial leathers here. If you're still unsure, consult a pro here.
Yes, but you need a matching color, and you may still have to do some blending.
Most Rub 'n Restore® colors do not need a clear sealer. There are a few exceptions. Butterscotch along with primary or secondary colors (reds, burgundies, blues, greens, yellows) do better with a sealer. There are two options:
- Clear Prep+Finish™ can be used for a glossy finish (leather only; it may dry tacky on vinyl). It can also be mixed with any color (what we call a glaze) to improve durability and create anywhere from a satin to semi-gloss finish. Note that a glaze may result in a more vivid hue than working with the Clear and color separately.
- Satin Sealer is recommended for those wanting a low luster finish. We also recommend it when changing the color of leather or vinyl that repel water.
Do not use other conditioners or protectors after using our products. They add nothing and may damage the finish.
A little goes a long way! In general:
2 oz. bottle ≈ one coat on 15 – 20 square feet (or three coats on 5 – 6 square feet) = $22 color / $9 clear
4 oz. bottle ≈ one coat on 30 – 40 square feet (or three coats on 10 - 13 square feet) = $34 color / $15 clear
8 oz. bottle ≈ one coat on 60 – 80 square feet (or three coats on 20 - 26 square feet) = $56 color / $24 clear
16 oz. bottle ≈ one coat on 120 – 160 square feet (or three coats on 40 - 53 square feet) = $89 color / $36 clear
The quality and condition of the material, the type of use it receives, and whether you're matching or changing color affect the quantity of color and clear finish needed. Click here for more info.
It usually takes 2-3 coats of filler to level the surface plus a final texturizing coat. Tears and holes usually require more filler than worn, scaly, or chafed surfaces.
1 oz. tub ≈ one coat on 4 sq ft (or four coats on 1 sq ft) of scaly leather OR holes totaling 12 sq inches (1 in x 1 ft) = $18
2 oz. tub ≈ one coat on 8 sq ft (or four coats on 2 sq ft) of scaly leather OR holes totaling 24 sq inches (two 1 in x 1 ft) = $28
Filler is sold individually or in a kit with tool and sandpaper options. We also offer a heat-cure putty for professionals that requires a heat gun and graining pads.
An approximate match can be achieved by ordering color swatches and comparing them to the leather. The truest measure is to test the color on the surface. If you send a sample, we'll test our colors for free. If none match, we can customize for a fee. Learn more about matching color here.
Yes, but there are some caveats. Please learn more about changing color here.
Yes, you can mix our colors together or modify them with water-based universal colorant or acyrlic paint. Click here for tips and instructions.
Yes! You don’t have to strip the previous color. However, less is ultimately more, because our products are a finish (paint), not a dye. The type, quality, and condition of the material as well as the current and desired colors are all factors that can affect the durability of a color change. Stripping the previous Rub ‘n Restore® color is recommended if you are restoring to original or changing to a lighter shade. Use denatured or rubbing alcohol, even paint thinner.
Absorbent leather should be cleaned with a solvent like denatured or rubbing alcohol.
Vinyl or leather that repel water should be cleaned with our pink Flite™ degreaser followed by alcohol. Lacquer thinner is recommended if changing color.
Learn more about cleaning:
If you can feel the damage, it should be repaired.
Click any of the following for detailed instructions to repair:
- peeling leather,
- dog or cat scratches,
- cracks or scaliness,
- holes or tears,
- torn seams,
- piping or welting,
- perforated upholstery.
If you need more help, consult a pro.
Most folks apply our finishes with a damp sponge, but you can use a brush or spray gun. The instructions hub will give you a tailored experience.
Click below for more info and videos about:
- working around metal tacks,
- restoring tufted upholstery,
- marbling or burnishing techniques,
- restoring faux leather fabrics,
- Satin Sealer.
Most conditioners, especially those that are silicone or oil-based, do little to extend the life of leather or vinyl and can damage your fresh Rub 'n Restore® color. Our colors add UV protection, resist stains, touch-up easily, and are superior to most conditioners on the market. If you feel a conditioner is essential, we recommend ADV's. Learn more about conditioners and find it here.
A rag dampened with water is recommended. Alcohol and other cleaners can damage the finish and may require touch-up. If you insist upon a cleaner, stick to the original instructions and proceed cautiously:
- If the leather absorbs water, use 70% rubbing alcohol. Consider diluting it with water.
- If the leather or vinyl repels water, dilute our pink Flite cleaner with equal parts water.
Always apply the cleaner to a soft cloth, not directly on the surface, and use it only where necessary.
Avoid leather wipes, as many contain chemicals that may strip color and cause dermatitis.
Rub 'n Restore® products are safe for home use, around pets and children. Click here for safety data sheets and a breakdown of ingredients.
Rub 'n Restore® finishes exhibit a chemical odor in their liquid state. This odor is no worse than anything you’ll find in the laundry detergent aisle at a supermarket and less noxious than painting a room with interior latex. Once dry, the odor readily dissipates. More info about VOC content here.
There have been reports of dogs licking Rub ‘n Restore’d furniture and eating the compostable (corn) packing popcorns. No dogs have been injured as a result, but it's best they avoid these activities.
Sorry, we're not sold in stores. Our products are available through our secure online store here.
Orders received before 10 am MST on weekdays are typically processed the same day. Most domestic orders are shipped via Priority Mail unless otherwise requested. Packages over 6 lbs. may be shipped via UPS, as are all international orders.
Yes, we use UPS, and you will likely have to pay duties. Rub 'n Restore, Inc. is not responsible for any duties or fees. Use coupon code internationalCLUB (case and space sensitive) to discount the cost of 8 or 16 oz. bottles of color.
Shipping costs are quoted at checkout based upon the weight of items in the shopping cart and the delivery address. Please provide a physical address, not a PO box.
If you paid for Delivery & Damage Protection, your order is covered. File your claim here.