How to prime worn or absorbent leather before restoration?

Aniline, semi-aniline leathers and worn areas are absorbent and prone to staining. When restoring these leathers, a minimalist approach is best. Start with a Clear Prep+Finish™ as a primer to even out the finish. This will deepen color by restoring luster. It will reveal if and where pigmentation is needed to correct sunfading or stains.

This video demonstrates:

  • 0:05 – When to use Clear Prep+Finish as a primer
  • 0:36 – Applying it
  • 0:56 – The result

Paul needed only Clear Prep+Finish™ to restore his semi-aniline leather couch. “Great product, easy update,” he said.

The stains on Brandon’s leather chair, while improved, are not concealed with a clear finish. Pigmentation is needed.

If pigmentation is deemed necessary, begin with a glaze (mixture of color and Clear Prep+Finish™) in order to preserve the marbling. Learn more about glazing here.

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2 comments

  1. I have a flexsteel leather couch that the color has faded from where my husband’s head rests. I think the oils from his head has degraded the color and pulled the color from the leather . What would you recommend that I order to repair this problem area? We’ve owned the couch just about a year, so it’s mild to moderate fading. Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Yes, this is common and could also be due to body products. If there are any cracks, they need to be repaired with filler. Otherwise simple discoloration will be corrected with a new finish. The challenge is matching color. You can email us a photo of the entire chair in natural daylight, and we can advise you which colors might work best and give you a coupon for a few free swatches. Even so, these are only an approximation due to variations in grain. See here. If you send us a sample of the material, we’ll test the colors directly on it and be able to advise you better, and if none are a match, we can customize for a fee.

      Reply

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