For a tailored, guided experience using and applying Rub 'n Restore® products, please visit our instructions hub.
Repairs take time to cure, so start with those. Refinishing with color is much faster (and fun).
Ideal working temperature is 65º – 80º F (18º – 26º C). Avoid applying in direct sunlight or if the surface is hot.
If changing color, use Cross-linker and follow the best practices. Rub 'n Restore® colors dry dull; most get excellent coverage in few coats. Clear Prep+Finish™ can be used as a primer for worn, absorbent areas or mixed with color (a glaze) if more luster and transparency is desired. Use Satin Sealer to protect vivid colors.
Here’s how to apply Rub 'n Restore® leather and vinyl finishes:
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- Clean vinyl with our Flite or a multi-purpose cleaner followed by denatured or rubbing alcohol. Clean leather only with alcohol. More info about cleaning is here.
- Condition with Moisturizing Cream (absorbent leather only). Let penetrate and dry 30-60 minutes.
- Complete any repairs.
- Protect carpets, floors with drop cloths, and mask any areas.
- Stir the color with the included stick. Do not shake; this creates foam.
- Test the color on a small area. Apply thin coats until coverage is achieved, letting each dry before applying another. If you bought Clear Prep+Finish™ or Satin Sealer, test these too, as they may deepen or dull the color.
- 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.
- If changing color, add Cross-linker to the color to improve adhesion and durability. Mix only what you intend to use, as it is effective only 8-10 hours and needs to be 're-charged'.
- Use an angled paintbrush to cut in any tufting, buttons, tacks, different-colored panels, piping or seams and any finished repairs. Then graduate to broader surfaces with a damp sponge. Use these techniques if a marbled, distressed or burnished appearance is desired.
- Follow with a clear finish, if desired or necessary.
- Use alcohol to remove any color or clear from unwanted areas like wood, metal, plastic.
- 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.
Do not use conditioners or leather wipes after refinishing. Click here for more info about cleaning and maintaining your new finish.
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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
a. The color at 9 pm in this picture is Cognac. We have since discontinued some of those colors and replaced them with others. Butterscotch is not pictured but is a consideration; it is lighter and brighter than Cognac.
b. Thank you for alerting us to the missing link in step 8. We have corrected it, and here is information about sealers.
c. Yes, it can be applied to dashboards. Note that a primer is needed for any plastic components that are less permeable than vinyl.
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?
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.
Can I use All-In-One Conditioning Prime + Sealer For Leather & Vinyl Clear Prep+Finish after Water-Based Conditioning Color For Leather & Vinyl Rust?
Yes, it will add shine. See here about glazing.
Thank you very much for your reply. We will proceed then.
Will this change the feel of my authentic leather sofa?
Only if it were applied to suede or very worn nubuck. See here.
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?
With a matching color, you can just restore the trouble spots. See here about mixing / matching your own color. You can also send a sample for matching. Most colors dry dull. Using Clear Prep+Finish™ alone as a topcoat or mixing it with color (a glaze) can be used to add luster and help with blending.
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.
Real leather can be repaired with tiny beads of super glue catalyzed with sanding. Faux leather and vinyl must be repaired with filler, and it’s painstaking work. See here about color changing before doing so. If you are unsure of the material or need more help, please submit an evaluation.