Body oils, hair and personal care products may stain absorbent aniline or semi-aniline leather. The best approach depends on how saturated the leather is.
Cleaning and recoloring is usually sufficient. Match the dominant color. If most of the leather is still its original color, match it, and touch up the stained spots. Bear in mind that the stained areas may wear faster and need occasional touch-ups, as any oil residue still in the leather may keep the new color from bonding as well as it otherwise would. If the oil has spread across most of the piece, it may be easier to change color and match the darker stain. If the color wears poorly, consider applying a blocker over the stain.
An oil blocker is the next step up and seals the surface so the color will adhere. This is a good middle path when cleaning doens't cut it, but the leather isn't so bad as to warrant an oil extraction.
Extracting the oil is the only way to actually remove oil from leather. It takes more time and materials, but it's essential if the leather is sticky or cracking.
Cleaning and recoloring
- Clean the area with lacquer thinner.
- Apply painters' tape to the stain. If it sticks, such that you have to pry it off with a fingernail, you're ready to proceed. If the tape doesn't stick well or curls along the edges, more cleaning is recommended. Acetone can be used with caution. Do not use baking soda to clean leather. It is too abrasive and too alkaline. Take care not to over-scrub or chafe the leather.
- Apply Rub 'n Restore® color over the prepped area.
Sealing with an oil blocker
If the color doesn't adhere well and oil is interfering with adhesion, use an oil blocker to seal the surface so a new finish will hold.
The blocker has to be sprayed on. Wiping with a sponge or brush will remove it as you go. Once it's dry, recolor as described above.
Extracting oil from saturated leather
If the leather is sticky or has oil-related cracking, surface treatments alone may not cut it. It's best to remove the oil with an oil extractor. This is a time-consuming process (see here). It usually leaves the leather feeling dry, so it's best to follow with Moisturizer Cream before repairing or refinishing.
What do I do if I’ve already started to recoloring the cushions & loveseat but the loveseat & seats are smearing and uneven in color. Not smooth but splotchy. Should I reclean & start over. I’m frustrated. I don’t know what to do. Looks horrible & dark.
Please use the form here. Give us your order number, as I am unable to find any records under this name or email. Include photos. Also let us know what you used to clean and how many coats you have applied.
Hi
I have a butter yellow sofa that is over 20yrs old, flexsteel, and I would like to clean and refinish. Maybe change the color to a lt tan or gray. It is absorbent and stained. Some hairline cracking is present.
Can you please talke me through the process of what products I will need? Thank you
Cheryl
Clean with alcohol. Add more foam or batting to plump up any cushions that may unzip. Apply filler to damaged areas. Work with a glaze (color diluted with clear) for at least the first coat. If you want our assessment and detailed instructions, please submit photos in the evaluation.