Will Rub ‘n Restore® stain clothing or fabric?

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.

Image of red leather paint buffed with paper towel to test for crocking and see if it needs a sealer

Crocking typically occurs with colors containing a lot of organic (i.e. synthetic, not mineral) pigments (bright reds, blues) and colors like Butterscotch, occasionally Cognac, Cherrywood, 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, buff the surface with a dry rag to remove any unstable pigment. This usually corrects the issue.

If crocking persists, consider a final coat of glaze (color diluted with Clear Prep+Finish™ which increases the ratio of resin to pigment) or special order Satin Sealer.

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.

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