Leather Refinishing and Recoloring a Summary

LEATHER REFINISHING AND RECOLORING – A SUMMARY 4 EASY STEPS: Clean; Condition; Repair (optional) ; Recolor__

STEP 1: CLEANING – 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 – 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 – 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 - 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.

REFINISHING VINYL and OTHER LEATHER IMITATIONS

STEP 1: CLEANING – COLOR-PLUS SUPER CLEANER Dilute SUPER-CLEANER 50/50 with water. For deep grain patterns, use a soft bristle brush to clean the vinyl. Rinse thoroughly and let dry. If needed sand lightly to provide “tooth”. On deep grain patterns, this is not necessary. SOFFENER LEATHER CONDITIONER is not for use on vinyl.

STEP 2 – FILLING CRACKS or REPAIRING HOLES – FLEX-FILL FLEX-FILL Crack Eliminator is NOT a surface prep. Refer to STEP 3 in LEATHER REFINISHING AND RECOLORING.

STEP 3: RECOLORING VINYL – SURFLEX Flexible Surface Colorant SURFLEX can be applied to vinyl surfaces the same way as it is applied to leather. It dries to the touch in about 20 minutes. It is useable after 24 hours, and cures completely in 6 weeks.

For additional information, refer to the section titled “Complete Leather Refinishing and Recoloring” from our booklet “About Leather”. It can be printed from the web site: www.ColorPlus.com Click on “About Leather” at the top of the Home Page to get to the Table of Contents. Click on “Complete Leather Refinishing and Recoloring”.

COLOR-PLUS LEATHER RESTORATION SYSTEM 106 HARRIER COURT (3767 SUNRISE), MILFORD, PA 18337-4012 USA PHONE: 570-686-3158 – FAX: 570-686-4161 Email: [email protected] www.ColorPlus.com