How to Rub 'n Restore Your

Required Supplies

  • Rub 'n Restore® Color
  • Rub 'n Alcohol (70%-90% Isopropyl)
  • Rags and Paper Towels
  • Tweezers
  • Razor Blade, Small Scissors, or Electric Razor
  • Subpatch and Flexible Glue (for holes larger than a pencil eraser)
  • Leather Filler Putty
  • Large Needle or Metal Toothpick
  • Palette Knife
  • Plastic Spreader or Glossy Business Cards
  • 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.

  • Black Holes

    Subpatch any holes, and glue down any large flaps that will 'marry' back together nicely. Cut a patch larger than the hole, round the edges, insert with tweezers, and get totally smooth. Then use a needle tool to apply glue to the leather or vinyl. Use a board or book to adhere the material to the subpatch. Let dry.

  • Barber Shop

    Use scissors or an electric razor to trim away any remaining shredded or flappy fibers, so the surface is as level as possible.

  • Filler Up

    Use a palette knife to apply a thin layer of filler putty to the surface. Follow with a plastic spreader to level the surface as much as possible. This video shows how to subpatch a hole and use filler putty.

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

  • Sun Bathe

    Cure the filler in direct sun or 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) from an incandescent bulb. 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.

    Let the surface return to room temperature before proceeding.

  • Smooth Operator

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

  • Rinse, Repeat

    Let your fingers determine which areas need attention. Apply more filler, and repeat the process until the surface feels smooth. After several coats, the filler may appear a little hazy rather than clear.

  • Embossa Nova

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

  • 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, gently remove the color with rubbing alcohol. Apply more filler and texturize as needed. Remember, less is more!

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