As semi-aniline leathers become worn, they lose their lustrous protective finish. This lightens their appearance, which many mistake for sun-fading. Restoring the clear finish is often all that’s needed. Take Paul’s couch:
However, the stains on Brandon’s leather chair, while improved, are not hidden with a clear finish. Color is needed.
It’s always best to begin with clear finish and add color only if necessary to correct actual fading, stains, or repairs. When working with color, be minimalist!
Here’s how:
- Spot treat any beverage stains with a 1:1 mix of white vinegar and distilled water.
- Wipe down the entire piece with rubbing alcohol to remove residue from conditioners, cleaners, body oil, etc.
- If the leather feels dry, consider applying Moisturizer Cream. Let soak in and dry 30 minutes.
- Apply a coat of Clear Prep+Finish. This will deepen color by restoring luster. It will reveal if and where pigmentation is needed to correct sun-fading or stains.
- If 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.
This video demonstrates:
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.