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

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

Level the surface as much as possible. Use your needle tool to pick out any flaps that are curled or buckled. If any flap does not lay down flush, cut it off completely along with any loose fibers.

You can also tack down flaps with a tiny bead of glue of filler putty. Some experimentation may be needed to get the best result. Super glue is quick drying but may dry hard and stiff on thinner synthetics. In this case, a flexible glue is better but messy and not as fast-drying. Filler putty can also be used, but the air-dry type takes the longest to cure and may result in a more pimply appearance.

Here you have a choice of applying a tiny blob of filler putty to each gouge using your needle tool or covering more ground with a palette knife.

Clean your tools using alcohol, paper towels, even the razor blade.

If using the air-dry filler putty, put the repairs in direct sun or 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) from an incandescent bulb to cure. The surface temperature must get above 120º F (49º C), particularly in humid climates. The filler will change from white to clear, though it may still feel tacky.

If using a heat-cure filler, work with a heat gun and silicone embossing pads.

Let the surface return to room temperature before proceeding.

Use rubbing alcohol to correct any ridges, bumps or lines in the cured filler.

Let your fingers decide what areas still need attention, and repeat the process until the surface feels smooth. Decide if you want to work on each individual puncture with a needle tool (this will preserve more of the original texture) or cover larger areas with a palette knife (a faster option that may result in a smoother, patched appearance). Either way, use a spreader to achieve a level surface, and let cure. After several coats, the filler may not dry totally clear and instead appear a little hazy.

Apply a final thin layer of filler putty over the area. Before it begins to cure, use saran wrap or a gloved hand to impart texture. Allow to cure.

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.

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

If your repair needs re-working, gently remove the color with rubbing alcohol. Apply more filler and texturize as needed. Remember, less is more!