NEED REPAIR?

Check out the free instructions and accompanying videos on our website:
www.rubnrestore.com/leather-repair/

GETTING BETTER COVERAGE

If you have applied many layers of dye and are not getting sufficient
coverage, and youre dyeing a red or dark color to a light/white, or youre
working with a synthetic (i.e. bonded leather or vinyl), apply a coat of
Clear Prep+Finish between every 3-4 layers of dye. You can apply the
Clear as soon as the color is dry. Make sure your sponge has the optimum
moisture level, not too wet or too dry. A layer of Clear Prep+Finish will
seal the dye and add strength. Subsequent layers of color will get better
coverage with less coats.

MIXING YOUR OWN COLOR

Start with small amounts in case you dont like the result. Take notes, so
you can replicate the formula. Mix in a glass bowl. Test your color in an
inconspicuous spot and allow to dry. Experiment until you get the desired
color. Re-bottle the color and wash your glass bowl immediately.

WORKING WITH A GLAZE

If you wish to preserve the multi-toned appearance of the material or if
youre working with aniline, we recommend mixing a glaze by diluting Rub
n Restore Color with Clear Prep+Finish. A glaze is more transparent,
and will allow you to deposit color without completely obscuring the
distressed look. You can mix the glaze directly on your sponge, i.e. one
squirt of color plus one squirt of Clear Prep+Finish. More Clear will
be more transparent; more Color will get better coverage and be more
monotone. Experiment, and make a note of your ratio and method, so you
can replicate the results in the future.
A glaze is also great for blending areas that have been dyed with those
that have not. It is also recommended as a topcoat if you want a less-shiny
satin finish.

REPLICATING THE DISTRESSED LOOK

You can also recreate the distressed look by rag-rolling or sponge-painting
(patting rather than spreading) the dyed surface with undiluted color. You can
also use water, which will have an erasing effect. Be creative!

SPRAY INSTRUCTIONS
Thoroughly stir and filter the color to remove any lumps. Spray
approximately 6-8 from the surface, moving in smooth, swift strokes. Avoid
puddling in any area, which can create a fish eye effect. If you do, spread
it around with a sponge, allow to dry, and then re-spray. Allow each coat
to dry before applying another. You can immediately follow with the Clear
Prep+Finish. Rub n Restore products are water-based. Clean your gun
with soap and water.

WORKING AROUND BRASS NAILS

Gently polish the brass nails with super-fine 0000 steel wool before
applying Rub n Restore. Use a brush or sponge to apply the dye, working

around the brass nails as best you can. When you have completed the
restoration, and the dye is dry, use the steel wool to polish the nails once
again. The steel wool should remove the dye from the metal without
damaging the newly restored leather/vinyl. Super-fine 0000 steel wool
is available at woodworking or hobby stores if your local hardware doesnt
have it. You can also work with Q-tips and cleaner or mineral spirits to
remove it from the brass nails.

COLOR TRANSFER ON CLOTHING

Our products, once dry, rarely transfer to clothing. If you observe this, buff the
dyed surface with a soft, dry cloth. A coat of Clear Prep+Finish will also help
seal the surface. Pre-treat your clothing with detergent, and launder as usual.
The dye should wash out.

RUB N RESTORE
www.rubnrestore.com

SHELF-LIFE
While the manufacturers of our raw materials only guarantee a shelf-life of
two years, we have, on numerous occasions in the past 30 years, reconstituted
Rub n Restore Colors and Clear Prep+Finish that were more than four
years-old. The key is to store the product in a cool, dark place. Reapplying
the pressure seal will further extend the shelf-life.

REAPPLYING THE PRESSURE SEAL

Clean the threads of the bottle and the cap. Wipe the pressure seal to remove
any excess product. Reinsert the pressure seal into the cap, white side facing
you. Two of the three tabs should fit under the threads. The third tab may or
may not. Screw the cap onto the bottle, and the seal should re-seat.

NEED TO RETURN OR EXCHANGE?

You can return any Clear Prep+Finish or Rub n Restore Color within
60 days of your order for a full refund of the purchase price, even if youve
opened and tested the color. We do not accept returns on Custom Colors.
If you wish to exchange a product, please include your order number, name,
and a $10 check made payable to Rub n Restore, Inc. to supplement shipping
for the exchange. Most shipments in the lower 48 cost $10-17 to ship via
UPS; please be assured, we do not profit on shipping. Exchanges to Canada,
Alaska, and Hawaii, please include a $25 check. You may also include a
swatch of your original leather if you would like help choosing a color.
Please visit our website to read our full return and exchange policy. Return
the bottles to:
Rub n Restore, Inc.
2435 Spring Oak Dr. (UPS/FedEx only)
PO Box 1526 (USPS only)
Running Springs, CA 92382
Toll-free: 1-888-704-5571
Email: info@rubnrestore.com
www.rubnrestore.com
@rubnrestore
Made in the USA by a mother-daughter business!
Copyright 2015 Rub n Restore, Inc.

APPLICATION
INSTRUCTIONS
Clean. Apply a thin layer. Allow to dry. Repeat. Rejoice!
Please read the detailed instructions inside
for a goof-proof restoration!

1. Take a picture.
Your friends wont believe the final result!

2. Set up your work area.

Ideal working temperature is between 65 80 F (18 26 C). Use
drop cloths and masking tape to protect areas you do not want the
product to get on. Keep rags and spray bottles of water and cleaner
handy. Avoid spilling Rub n Restore on carpets and fabrics. If you
do, immediately flush the area with water and cleaner, and use rags to
absorb the liquid.

3. D
 etermine what
type of material
you have.
Does water bead on the
surface? This indicates a
pigmented/top-grain/
corrected-grain leather or
a vinyl. Please follow step
4a. Or is the water absorbed
within 30 seconds? Does
the material have body oil
stains? These indicate an aniline or semi-aniline leather. Please follow step
4b. Do not use Rub n Restore products on fabric, suede, or nubuck.

4a. Clean and prep top-grain leather or vinyl.

Wipe the surface with a multipurpose cleaner (we like Flite, but 409 also
works). When dry, test for dye penetration with masking tape. It should
strongly adhere such that
you have to pry it off with
a fingernail.
If the tape does not
stick well OR if you have
recently applied ArmorAll
or other conditioning
products OR if the surface
feels greasy, try using a
green scouring pad with
the cleaner. You can also
use a solvent like mineral spirits or lacquer thinner (NOT acetone). When
using solvents, ventilate the room and wear a heavy-duty glove. Wipe
the surface in smooth, fast strokes. Follow again with the multipurpose
cleaner. Test these methods first in an inconspicuous spot to
ensure they dont damage the material.
If the surface feels rough or scaly, gently sand with 320 grit sandpaper
until it feels smooth. Clear Prep+Finish is recommended as a primer
on surfaces like this that are dry, porous or sun-rotted. Apply with a damp

sponge (see step 5 for more info). This ensures that less Rub n Restore
Color is needed to achieve coverage. Allow to dry before proceeding.

9. Allow your first coat of Rub n Restore to dry

before applying another.

4b. Clean and prep aniline leather.

It dries in minutes. When it feels dry, it is dry. You can use a hair dryer to
expedite dry time, but allow the surface to cool before proceeding.

Aniline leather is very absorbent, so it easily takes our products. A gentle

wiping with a 50-50 solution of white vinegar and water is sufficient. Dont
worry if you cant remove oil stains. The dye will cover them.
While not necessary,
Clear Prep+Finish is
recommended as a primer
for Rub n Restore
Colors, because it seals the
surface and gets a more
even result. Apply with a
damp sponge (see step
5 for more info). Allow
to dry.

5. Dampen a
cellulose sponge and squeeze out most of the
water.
The sponge should glide over the surface. If the sponge is too wet, it will
dilute the dye, reduce coverage, and may look streaky. If the sponge is too
dry, the friction will erase some of your work. Avoid foam sponges or those
with green nylon backing. A paintbrush is recommended for areas needing
more precision.

6. Thoroughly stir Rub n Restore Color until it

feels smooth and creamy.
Separation is normal. The heavier tints tend to settle to the bottom.
Stirring is preferred to shaking, as the product can foam, leaving tiny
bubbles and spots on your surface. Clear Prep+Finish does not require
stirring. Save the pressure seal in case you need to return or exchange the
product, as it will prevent leakage during shipment.

7. Wear disposable gloves and test Rub n

Restore Color in a small, inconspicuous area.
Allow it to completely dry, as the color will darken. Do a few coats until
you have sufficient coverage. Determine if you like the color. If not, please
reinsert the pressure seal and follow the return/exchange instructions.

8. Pour a small amount of Rub n Restore

Color directly onto the surface or your sponge.
Spread it evenly, massaging into cracks,
wrinkles, and folds.
Do not apply in direct sunlight or on a hot surface. Many thin layers are
better than a few thick layers!

10. Repeat steps 8-9 until faded or stained

areas are concealed.
Periodically stir the dye, and re-moisten your sponge with water, so it
continues to glide over the surface. The first coat may be streaky. More
layers yield a richer tone and better stain coverage. Most color changes
require 3-8 coats, depending on the material. If youre having problems
getting coverage, please read the section Getting Better Coverage.
For aniline leather OR multi-toned surfaces OR if the color is close but not
an exact match, please refer to the Glaze instructions.

11. To deepen the color, add shine, and add

another layer of protection, follow with the
optional Clear Prep+Finish.
For best results, give the dye a couple days to cure before applying the Clear
Prep+Finish. A single thin layer will have a semi-gloss finish. More
layers will create a high shine. Follow the Glaze instructions for a satin
finish. To reduce shine, simply apply another layer
of dye.

12. Use your rags and cleaner to promptly

remove any Rub n Restore from your hair
dryer and other unwanted areas.
Rub n Restore Color will be dry in minutes and is ready for use. It cures
to its full strength in about 72 hours, depending on the temperature and
humidity. During that time, avoid getting it wet, as water may reactivate the
dye. The color may gradually wear, just as the original leather or vinyl did.
Simply reapply. Store any leftover Rub n Restore products in a cool, dark
place. Do not use other leather cleaners or conditioners, as they
may degrade the dye.