Rub ‘n Restore® is a leather paint. If spilled in its liquid state, it will stain fabric and clothing. But once dry, color transference, called ‘crocking’, is rare and easily corrected.
Crocking typically occurs with colors containing a lot of organic (not mineral) pigments (bright reds, blues, yellows) and colors like Butterscotch, Cherrywood, and occasionally Cognac or Rust.
If color transfers to a dry rag or white fabric, pre-treat the article with detergent (washing soda or borax are even better, if you have them), perhaps with a gentle scrub brush, and launder as usual. The color will wash out.
To prevent it from occurring again, vigorously buff the surface with a dry rag to remove any unstable pigment. This often corrects the issue. If crocking persists, apply a thin coat of either Satin Sealer (for a low-luster finish) or Clear Prep+Finish (for more shine).
This video elaborates:
- 0:10 – Testing for crocking / color transference by buffing
- 0:50 – When to use a sealer
- 0:56 – Info about Clear Prep+Finish™
- 1:04 – Info about special Satin Sealer
- 1:21 – Earth tones don’t need additional sealer
The new finish should be allowed to cure before coming into contact with water or damp fabrics. Less is always more in post-restoration cleaning and maintenance.