How to Rub 'n Restore Your

When sanded, real leather creates a fine dust. Mix it with super glue for an instant filler (just as you would sawdust and wood glue for wood repair). This method works best on finished leathers (that repel water). Be gentle, and use a finer grit sandpaper on absorbent leathers. Do not use this method on suede, nubuck, vinyl or faux leather.

Required Supplies

  • Rub 'n Restore® Color
  • Rub 'n Alcohol (70%-90% Isopropyl)
  • Rags and Paper Towels
  • Tweezers
  • Razor Blade or Small Scissors
  • Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate) – Avoid Gel Types
  • Large Needle or Metal Toothpick
  • Assortment of 220, 320, 500 Grit Wet-or-Dry Sandpaper
  • Optional Clear Prep+Finish™ or Satin Sealer (if recommended)
  • Damp Sponge to Apply the Finishes

  • Set the Stage

    Take a before photo so that people will believe the transformation. It also aids in troubleshooting should you need help.

  • Next to Godliness

    Clean the damage and surrounding area with alcohol, and let dry.

  • Only Skin Deep

    Run your fingertips over the damaged area. Repair only what you can feel. 

    Use your needle tool or metal toothpick to apply a tiny bead of glue to each nick, and press its flap down into place. Quickly remove any excess super glue with a paper towel. If any flaps do not lay down smoothly, trim them away completely using tweezers and a razor blade.

    Periodically clean your needle tool by scraping the tip with a razor blade away from yourself.

  • Grind Time

    Gently sand with 320 grit, and wipe with a rag dampened with water.

  • Stirred, Not Shaken, Mr. Bond

    Stir your Rub 'n Restore® Color. Using a damp sponge, apply a thin coat to the damaged area, and allow to dry. The color will hide minor scratches, and clearly show what still needs work.

  • A Sticky Situation

    Working in sections, use your needle tool to apply tiny beads of super glue to remaining gouges. Use the corner of a paper towel to feather the glue along its perimeter, level it, and remove excess.

    Be minimalist, and avoid coating large areas, because super glue dries hard and rigid.

    While the glue is still wet, gently sand with 320 grit sandpaper parallel to the scratch. The dust from the leather and the color will activate the super glue and make an instant filler.

  • Rinse, Repeat

    Apply more beads of glue and sand until the surface feels smooth. If you have streaks from excess super glue, sand these areas until they are minimal. You can use up to 220 grit sandpaper. Use 500 grit to polish.

  • Paint the Town

    Dab or stipple a thin coat of Rub 'n Restore® Color on the repaired area. Allow to dry, and repeat until coverage is achieved, taking care to blend. See the recoloring instructions for more details.

  • Shine On

    Follow with a clear finish or sealer, if recommended, as per the application instructions.

  • Back to the Drawing Board?

    If your repair needs re-working, you do not have to remove the color. Simply apply more beads of glue and sand. 

Do not declaw your cat! This procedure is amputation of the bone, is unnecessary and cruel. It’s banned in many countries and opposed by the Humane Society and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Discourage unwanted scratching by using a spray bottle of water (set on shoot-to-soak) and pheromone sprays. Give your cat a scratching post where it can engage in its natural behavior. You can also trim its claws with pet nail clippers