Cognac Vinyl & Leather Finish

4.84 out of 5

(128 customer reviews & photos)

Picture of leather chair showing Rub n Restore butterscotch Cognac color and triangular swatch in upper left corner for reference

Cognac is a rich tan saddle color. It is darker than Butterscotch and more golden than Cinnamon or Rust.

$19 – $79

Size

Clear

Get a Swatch of Cognac

Product Details

Use our water-based finishes to restore and condition:

absorbent aniline and semi-aniline leather,
non-absorbent full-grain or top-grain leather,
and vinyl upholstery.

Our finishes won’t sunfade or backstain like leather dyes. They don't feel plasticky, flake or peel like spray paints.

Do not use on fabric, suede, nubuck, bonded or faux leather.

Store in a temperate, dark place away from children.

Click here for SDS (Safety Data Sheets) and ingredient information.

See here before changing color!

Changing color is best suited to absorbent leather.

Thorough cleaning and testing color adhesion are critical! If the material repels water and will be heavily used, consider adding special order Satin Sealer to the color.

The following are not good candidates and will require touch-up:

changing from red / dark to white / pale;
worn, cracking, scaly or thinning leather;
furniture with lots of wrinkles, folds, deep creases (and therefore stress);
pieces that are heavily used or harshly cleaned (kids, dogs, chemicals);
car or boat upholstery (for these we suggest a heavier urethane coating);
bonded, faux or polyurethane (PU) ‘leather’ which repel all finishes (including their own).

Here's what wear looks like on non-absorbent leather or vinyl:

Our finishes wear naturally, resulting in a distressed look.

Deeper lines or creases receive more stress.

Picture of beige leather changed to Cognac and then scratched by dog claws — Dog claws can quickly scuff the color.

Easy rub-off indicates inadequate cleaning.

The color may flake if applied too thickly and allowed to pool in the grain.

This is easily corrected by thinning the color with alcohol and reapplying.

Learn more about changing color here.

Our products are water-based acrylic finishes (paints) that look and feel natural. Consider a heavier urethane or aerosol for color changing boat or auto upholstery.

How do I match a color?

You can order handmade swatches of leather or vinyl refinished with our colors to see how they compare.

Or send us a sample. For a $120 fee, we will formulate a unique color and keep it on file. 8 oz. is the order minimum and a separate cost. There's a re-mix fee if you ever need more.

Samples should be at least 2" x 3" in size and can be:

Original leather or vinyl (found underneath cushions or pull some staples and trim from the frame);
Cushion case (please indicate which area you want matched with a piece of painters tape);
Headrest, fuse panel cover, or component from a vehicle;
Paint chip from a hardware store (beware, the paint chip may not actually match the material).

Please print out and include the Color Request Form and mail to:

Rub 'n Restore, Inc.
PO Box 1149 (US mail only)
39585 Lund Rd (UPS / FedEx / DHL only)
Paonia, CO 81428 USA

How do I clean?

Do I need Clear Prep & Finish™?

Buy it if you:

have absorbent leather or dry, sun-rotted vinyl;
want to dilute color to create a marbled, distressed, or burnished appearance;
or want a shiny finish.

Answer these three questions to determine what clear finish, if any, is needed.

Do unworn areas absorb water?

Yes

Are you applying a primary or secondary color (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)?

Yes

What kind of luster do you want?

Matte

Satin

Semi-Gloss

Shiny

Mix 1 to 2 parts Clear Prep+Finish™ + 1 part color for the first coat. Use one coat of Satin Sealer for a final topcoat.
Learn more about Satin Sealer here.

Use equal parts color and Clear Prep+Finish™ from start to finish. If it dries too shiny, reduce the amount of clear in the mix for your final coat. Conversely, if more shine is desired, add more clear to the mix or use alone as a topcoat.

Use equal parts color and Clear Prep+Finish™ from start to finish. If more shine is desired, add more clear to the mix or use alone as a topcoat.

Mix 1 to 2 parts Clear Prep+Finish™ + 1 part color for the first coat. Increase the ratio of color to clear for subsequent coats (approximately 4 to 1) for a satin finish.

Mix 1 to 2 parts Clear Prep+Finish™ + 1 part color for the first coat. Use color alone for subsequent coats. It will dry matte and does not need an additional sealer.

Mix 1 to 2 parts Clear Prep+Finish™ + 1 part color for the first coat. Reduce the ratio to equal parts for subsequent coats to get better coverage. If more shine is needed, use clear alone for a final topcoat.

Mix 1 to 2 parts Clear Prep+Finish™ + 1 part color for the first coat. Reduce the ratio to equal parts for subsequent coats for a semi-gloss finish.

Use Satin Sealer for a final topcoat.
Learn more about Satin Sealer here.

Apply a thin coat of Clear Prep+Finish™ and disperse quickly so it does not dry too shiny. You can also try equal parts color and clear.

Apply Clear Prep+Finish™ as a final topcoat.

The color will dry matte and does not need an additional sealer.

Mix 4 parts color with 1 part Clear Prep+Finish™ and use from start to finish (or alone as a final topcoat).

Mix equal parts color with 1 part Clear Prep+Finish™ and use as a final topcoat.

Use Clear Prep+Finish™ as a final topcoat.

Shipping Info

Orders received before 10 am MST on weekdays (excluding US holidays) are usually shipped same-day.

Most domestic orders are shipped via Priority Mail unless otherwise requested and typically arrive in 2-4 business days. Packages over 5 lbs. as well as all Canadian and international orders are shipped via UPS.

We are not responsible for delays and cannot refund shipping costs except for UPS Next Day Air.

You will receive an automated email with tracking number. Please secure your package in a timely fashion to avoid freezing during winter months.

Canadian and international Customers, use coupon code internationalCLUB (case and space sensitive) to discount the freight and duties on 8 or 16 oz. bottles of color. Rub 'n Restore, Inc. is not responsible for duties, tariffs or other expenses incurred.

Click here for more shipping information.

Returns & Exchanges

Colors Similar to Cognac

Butterscotch

Rust

Cinnamon

Tobacco

Many repair projects also need these items:

Handmade Color Swatches

$0.50 ea

Picture of Rub n Restore leather paint swatches arranged in circular wreath

Choose Colors

Clear Prep+Finish™ Conditioning Sealer

$9 – $36

Size

Clear

Tool Options

Sandpaper Option

Clear

Leave a Review

128 reviews for Cognac Vinyl & Leather Finish

Phil

5 out of 5

August 25, 2017

Your product is F A N T A S T I C. color, clear coat great.
great job LADIES

Melanie, Broken Arrow, OK

5 out of 5

June 29, 2017

“I restored the ottoman first as a test and, although it’s beautiful, the couch has more of a brown tone and when the ottoman was next to the couch, the orange tones in the cognac really stood out, so I sent a sample for a custom color. The pictures I sent of the ottoman are before I put the custom color over the cognac.”

Bobbie

5 out of 5

April 4, 2017

Excellent product! Changed the color of an entire sectional with a 16oz bottle with some left over! Took about 3 coats to get good coverage and was time consuming but worth it in the end! Be sure to follow the directions and use the proper sponge!

Jeanne A Dean

5 out of 5

February 7, 2017

I purchased cognac in 2014 when my niece recommended it. I never got to it until this year. I purchased 8 oz bottle and ran out. I ordered an additional 16 oz and was concerned that the color might have changed, but it arrived and was exactly the same. It was easy to use and very thorough. Both sofa and love seat look marvelous. Cognac is lighter than my previous red brown color.and covers completely. I love it.

Haydee, Gouldsboro, PA

5 out of 5

December 24, 2016

“I just want to say how fabulous this product is! I did my couch and it came out gorgeous. Thank you so much for making such a great product!”

Donna

5 out of 5

November 21, 2016

This is a fantastic product. I had hard time getting full coverage with another brand and it was awful. Love rub n restore. Works great!

Steve, Denver, CO

5 out of 5

August 24, 2016

“Thought I would send pics of the completed color change of the black saddlebags to brown. Thanks for all your help, came out wonderfully.”

Iwona

5 out of 5

March 1, 2016

WONDERFUL! I cannot believe the transformation! Easy, great effect and inexpensive. Love it!

Jane Gauss

5 out of 5

January 15, 2016

A mix of the Forest and Cognac (thanks to the personal help from CC) produced the exact green I was looking for. Not only did this product transform a teal leather into a NEW chair, it took away the scars of years of use. The videos and personal phone help gave me the confidence to do this. I am a retired decorative painter, and went into this project with a definite color and professional results in mind. I received both and will use this product on another leather chair I have at our summer home. Thank you, Rub 'n Restore--this is an amazing product .

Kathy Perkins

5 out of 5

October 17, 2015

Three large piece leather set with additional hassock covered with cognac color perfectly ! Only used one bottle for this set with 4 coats ! Looks like we have a brand new living room set !

Rob, Philadelphia, PA

5 out of 5

August 12, 2015

“Awesome! Brand new! Thank you for your wonderful company!”

Steve M. Lytle, Texas

5 out of 5

July 13, 2015

This stuff is amazing! Turned our worn 23 year old leather sofa into the centerpiece of our home. We went from a light beige to the deep and beautiful cognac. Can't believe the outcome, very impressive!

James, Annandale, MN

5 out of 5

June 24, 2015

“I used roughly 30 oz. of dye for a chair, loveseat, and sofa, and it took 9.5 hours to complete. Great product!”

Chuck R.

5 out of 5

March 18, 2015

Old leather couch (15 years) looked tired and worn; cleaned it up, filled in the cracking leather and used about 4-5 coats of Rub&Restore after using clear-prep. The couch was dark gray-blue, and now is really nice color (cognac).

Randy

5 out of 5

January 16, 2015

Application was easy drying was fast was able to use in 48 hours and very dog proof....

Ron D.

5 out of 5

December 4, 2014

My loveseat and sofa where old and stained. The recliner wasn't even part of the set. After I was doing staining and sealing all three, then all look new and they have the exact same matching color. My living room hasn't looked better. Great product.

Kim B.

5 out of 5

September 12, 2014

I received your products today and couldn't wait to get started. I was only able to do the seat cushions and ottoman tonight, but those are what needed the most work. I am thrilled! They look so good! The cognac color worked perfectly for my saddle-colored aniline. I love it. And it was so easy! I'm going to do the chairs tomorrow to get the color to match the cushions and ottoman. Thank you so much!

+1

Mary, Highland Park, NJ

5 out of 5

August 13, 2014

“I had this worn down and out leather sofa. I was skeptical of this or any product working. I was absolutely blown away with the results.”

Anonymous

5 out of 5

July 8, 2014

Love, love ,love theses products but cognac was a bit too yellow for me. Returned for a custom color match.

Mark

1 out of 5

June 22, 2014

Purchased product w/ high hopes based off of reviews from amazon. Couldn't be more disappointed! The color is terrible. Most cognac colors have a more brown tone to them. Too orange.

Reply from lesandre:

Rub and Restore on Amazon? Our products have only ever been available through our site, and folks can ensure they choose the right color by ordering swatches or sending a sample for matching.

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