How it works

Color Plus Leather Restoration provides all the products needed to restore your leather products.

STEP 1: CLEANING

Product needed: COLOR-PLUS SUPER CLEANER

Surface prep is the most important part of the process. Leather surface colorants deteriorate faster than the leather hide under them. If the leather color is worn or abraded from use, and has no tears or holes, clean the surface with COLOR-PLUS SUPER CLEANER. Dilute the concentrate 50/50 with water and follow the instructions on the can label.

If the surface color is peeling off, or generally deteriorated, you must remove as much of the old finish as possible. Use quick-dry (or fast-dry) lacquer thinner purchased at an automotive supply store. Acetone may also be used for this purpose.

Optional: Lightly sand with fine sandpaper to open the pores of the leather and to provide the leather surface with “tooth.”

STEP 2: CONDITIONING

Product needed: SOFFENER LEATHER CONDITIONER

This important step replaces the moisture that has been lost from the interior layer of the leather due to age and wear. It restores flexibility to the hide, which provides proper support for the application of the SURFLEX colorant.

Apply the SOFFENER LEATHER CONDITIONER liberally to the cleaned leather surface. Let it absorb into the leather for 24 hours. If the surface of the leather is dry after the 24 hour period, re-apply it as needed. The leather will absorb as much as it needs. When residue is left on the surface of the leather, wipe it off with a clean cloth dampened in warm water. Buff dry with a towel. Let the leather surface adjust for 24 hours before applying the SURFLEX colorant.

STEP 3: FILLING CRACKS or REPAIRING HOLES 

Product needed: FLEX-FILL

FLEX-FILL Crack Eliminator is NOT a surface prep. It is used to fill only surface creases or cracks – after you have cleaned and conditioned the surface of the leather.

If the leather has a tear or a hole, the damaged area must be reinforced or replaced with a patch. The FLEX-FILL is then used to minimize the “scar” left by the repair.

STEP 4: RECOLORING THE LEATHER

Product Needed: SURFLEX Flexible Surface Colorant

On completion of the surface preparation, allow the leather to dry thoroughly – at least 24hours before applying SURFLEX.  If the surface of the leather is not completely dry, the moisture will prevent proper adhesion of the SURFLEX.

SURFLEX is a water-base dye that can be applied by brushing (use an artist quality, natural-bristle, soft hair brush) or sprayed. Any type of spray equipment may be used -  from an artist’s air-brush to professional spray equipment. If the spray equipment was used with any solvent base product, clean thoroughly before using to spray SURFLEX.  Any solvent residue will cause the improper adhesion of the SURFLEX.

FINISHING and CURING

When thoroughly dry – wait at least 24 hours - lightly buff the SURFLEX finish with a soft, dry cloth to bring up the natural luster of your new leather finish. SURFLEX dries to the touch in about 20 minutes. It is useable after 24 hours. Do not clean or condition the surface of the leather for 6-8 weeks after completing the steps.