As semi-aniline leathers become worn, they lose their lustrous protective finish. This lightens their appearance, which many mistake for sun-fading. Sometimes restoring the clear finish is all that's needed. It won't, however, hide darker stains; that calls for color.
With aniline and semi-aniline leather, it's always best to be minimalist. Use color only to conceal obvious stains or repairs. Use a clear finish to restore luster and 'level the playing field'. This makes obvious what areas are actually faded or stained and still need treatment with color. This video demonstrates:
- Spot treat any beverage stains with a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and distilled water.
- Clean the entire piece with rubbing alcohol to remove residue from conditioners, cleaners, body oil, etc.
- If any absorbent areas feel dry or thirsty, apply Moisturizer Cream. Let soak in and dry 30 minutes.
- Repair, if needed.
- If there are any obvious dark stains (or repairs), apply a thin coat of matching color with a small paintbrush or damp sponge, taking care to blend the edges. Let dry, and repeat just until concealed.
- Apply a thin coat of Clear Prep+Finish. This will deepen color by restoring luster. It will reveal if and where more pigmentation is needed to correct sun-fading or stains.
- If more color is needed, dilute with an equal or greater measure of Clear Prep+Finish™ or Satin Sealer (a glaze). Note that this lightens the appearance of the color.
- Use a mottling or printing technique to mimic leather's natural marbling. Be minimalist. It's easier to add but difficult to substract.
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!
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.