Leather Restoration – DIY Guide 

Leather restoration is a complex subject and it is not possible for even the most competent DIY person to consider using all the processes that are incorporated in the workshop to achieve a durable, long lasting finish. 

These processes include specialised cleaners and degreasing techniques, various fillers, primers and welding compounds, colour matching techniques, specialised secondary treatments such as ‘Antiquing’ and ‘Pearlising’ and a variety of final finishes ranging  from ‘Matt’ through to full ‘Gloss’. Many of these treatments require professional spray application and controlled drying. 

We have, however, developed products for the DIY enthusiast which, when used correctly, will produce an  acceptable result at an economic cost. 

INITIALLY, inspect the hide. If it is suede, pigskin, ‘Nubuck’ or ‘Pull-up’ leather; or has any specialised, secondary or two colour finish such as antiquing or marbling, or the colour finish has worn away on arm or head areas, to reveal raw hide – then do not attempt restoration as it is not a viable DIY project. Also blackened areas on arms and head restraints usually indicate rotting from hair and skin contact, which necessitates replacement panels. Badly worn cushion seat panels, broken springs and worn padding can also be replaced by us at sensible cost. 

If in doubt, contact us, as advice is free and can avoid disappointment at a later stage, though in any event, we cannot accept responsibility for the misuse of our products, or any consequential damage. 

PREPARATION - The essence of success with any restoration work carried out on hide is preparation

Leather accumulates dirt and general soiling during use. Much of it is oil or grease based and settles in the ’Leather Grain’.

It is essential that this is effectively removed before application of any traditionally used acrylic based colour or finish, as the colour will, otherwise, quickly peel away leaving an unsightly patch through to the original surface. 

This is achieved by thoroughly cleaning the leather with ‘Leather Cleaning Cream ’, then wiping over with a damp clean cloth afterwards. 

‘LEATHER CLEANING CREAM’ –  is used for general cleaning and to remove stubborn marks and many types of staining. It is applied using a clean lint free absorbent cloth, rubbing into the ‘grain’. This is followed by a wipe over with a clean damp cloth, such as towelling, to remove final traces of soiling. About two hours in a warm room should then be allowed for the leather to dry fully and then a coat of ‘Leather Feed Neutral’ should be applied to the same area to replace the protective finish, unless ‘Colour Feed’ is to be applied first, (see below).
Note:- Do not use on secondary finishes such as antiquing, marbling or 'Pearlising'.

'COLOUR FEED' – is intended to re-colour scratches, scuffs and minor worn areas. It is not suitable for completely changing the colour of an entire suite. 

‘Colour Feed’ is individually prepared by us to produce a very close match to the existing colour of your suite. It should, however, be remembered that different areas of any section of mature leather will vary slightly in colour according to wear and exposure to sunlight, so an appropriate matching tone has to be achieved which blends with the varying shades.

Despite these variations, a pleasing result can be achieved. Always agitate bottle before use as colour will partially settle out when standing. Colour Feed is a tried and tested means of dramatically reducing the visual age of leather furniture. Use sparingly only on the most obvious damaged areas. 

It is applied using a tapered sponge applicator and two or three coats may be required to build up the colour on more heavily worn areas. Allow ‘Colour Feed’ to dry fully between coats or the second coat will remove the first. Drying time will vary according to ambient conditions. The second coat should be applied by wiping in the opposite direction to the first, to avoid streaking and so on. Clean the sponge applicator under running water.

When a suitable depth of colour has been achieved, leave for 14 days and then apply one coat of ‘Leather Feed Neutral’. 

Furniture can be used immediately after treatment, but ‘Colour Feed’ takes two weeks to fully ‘cure’, so avoid any water contact, sharp objects and abrasive use during that period. 

'LEATHER FEED NEUTRAL' – is a leather protection cream, which should be routinely applied at three to six monthly intervals, to contact and wear areas and annually to all areas. It will prevent ‘drying out’, retain the pleasing feel of hide furniture and help to maintain the essential hard wearing ‘finish’ which, when worn through, results in rapid deterioration of leather upholstery. It is applied gently, without excessive rubbing, using a sponge applicator or soft cloth.

One to two hours, at room temperature, should be allowed for drying and then the surface can be buffed with a clean soft cloth or duster to restore the lustre. 

Leather is a prestigious, traditional,  environmentally friendly, upholstery covering, requiring minimal maintenance. The combination of an occasional wipe over with a damp cloth, together with periodic cleaning with ‘Leather Cleaning Cream’, followed by an application of ‘Leather Feed Neutral’ will maintain its good looks for many years. 

Note:- Saddle Soap, beeswax, etc., should not be used on upholstery – they are intended for saddles and outdoor use. Also, avoid all detergent based cleaning products and household polishes containing silicone or wax, as they will prevent any approved leather treatment from adhering to the surface.

Copyright Mayfair Leather Restorations 2002

ORDERS - DIY products can be ordered by post, for delivery to the UK mainland. Click on the PRICE-LIST button for information and order form .