Rub 'n Restore, Inc. 888-704-5571 www.rubnrestore.com LEATHER & VINYL REPAIR INSTRUCTIONS Please read through these instructions to determine what methods you should use and what items you need to buy. There are also videos on our website that demonstrate these processes. IS IT LEATHER OR VINYL? Unsure what material you're working with? When leather cracks or tears you can see or feel the fuzzy suede underneath. Damaged vinyl, on the other hand, will have a fine mesh, usually white in color, underneath. Be wary of composite leathers, which are actually synthetics. They have a suede-like backing and a soft surface that often peels or flakes. If your surface is peeling or flaking and is not because of a previous paint job, consider reupholstery or replacement. ABOUT SUBPATCHING If your leather or vinyl is torn such that you can see the substrate (batting or foam), you must insert a subpatch which will close any hole but still allow the leather/vinyl to move freely over the substrate. SUBPATCH SUPPLIES denim patches or any heavy duty fabric (you could also use another piece of leather or vinyl) flexible fabric glue (like LocTite Vinyl, Fabric, Plastic Flexible Adhesive) tweezers toothpicks book, small board, or other flat weight SUBPATCH INSTRUCTIONS 1. Cut a piece of denim or fabric so that it is a little larger than the hole. Round the edges of the patch, which makes for easier insertion. 2. Using tweezers, insert the patch, making sure it covers the entire hole and sits smoothly over the substrate. Any wrinkles or folds will create a bulge that looks and feels awkward. 3. Once in place, use a toothpick to apply a little flexible fabric glue to the patch and/or the backside of the leather. Wipe off excess. Apply a board or book for even pressure until the glue has dried. You can use a hair dryer to accelerate the dry time of the glue. The less patch you see (i.e. how tightly you can pull the edges of the leather back together), the easier and better the final repair will be. Do not proceed until the glue is dry. MINOR LEATHER REPAIR – THE SANDPAPER-SUPER-GLUE METHOD This method works best on top grain, corrected grain, or coated leathers (e.g. automotive leather) that you intend to dye using Rub 'n Restore Color. It is exceptional for repairing cat claw damage, scratches, small tears, lines or cracks. The repair can be dyed immediately. Do not use this method to repair suede, nubuck, aniline leather, ultraleather, ultrasuede/microfiber, or fabrics. SUPPLIES NEEDED mild cleaner (like Clorox Greenworks) subpatch supplies (if necessary) super glue (cyanoacrylate) – avoid the gel types 220, 320, 500 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper toothpicks rags and paper towels Rub 'n Restore Color of your choice The natural lines in this leather have worn through to cellulose sponge, brush, or spray gun for applying the dye the suede but can be easily repaired with sandpaper hair dryer and super glue and layers of Rub 'n Restore Color. INSTRUCTIONS – THE SANDPAPER-SUPER-GLUE METHOD 1. Wipe leather with cleaner and a rag. 2. Subpatch any holes or tears. 3. Using a new toothpick, carefully apply a small amount of super glue to areas needing repair. If a little flap of leather sticks up, put a tiny drop of glue underneath and quickly press the flap down with your toothpick, wiping off excess with a paper towel. For thin lines, cracks, scratches or tears, apply a tiny amount of super glue, and then use the corner of a paper towel to fan the glue along the edges and to clean up excess. Work in thin layers and small amounts of super glue. Sand with a 220 or 320 grit piece of sandpaper in the direction of the crack/tear while the glue is still wet. Sanding the surrounding leather creates a fine dust which catalyzes the super glue. 4. Repeat step 3 until all cracks and tears are filled and feel smooth. If you have streaks where there was excess super glue, sand these areas until they are minimal. A quick polish with 500 grit will leave a nicer surface. 5. Apply your Rub 'n Restore Color over the repaired areas using a damp sponge, artist's brush, or spray gun, working in thin layers, and drying each layer before applying another. When the repairs are about 75% concealed, proceed to dye the rest of the surface until the desired appearance is achieved. If you decide that your repair(s) need a little more work, you can repeat step 3, applying super glue and sanding the surface, without having to remove the Rub 'n Restore Color. Just make sure the dye is dry before reworking your repair. VINYL REPAIR & MAJOR LEATHER REPAIR – THE DAP 230 METHOD Vinyl and other synthetics do not create their own dust when sanded, so super glue cannot be used to make a filler. Super glue is also too rigid for larger holes or tears, so a more flexible compound is needed. Do not use this method to repair suede, nubuck, ultrasuede/microfiber, or fabrics. SUPPLIES NEEDED mild cleaner (like Clorox Greenworks) subpatch supplies (if necessary) Dap Dynaflex230 (available in colors and clear) toothpicks palette or butter knife spray bottle of water glossy business card or credit card rags and paper towels Rub 'n Restore Color of your choice cellulose sponge, brush, or spray gun for applying the dye hair dryer This burned vinyl exposes a hole and the charred INSTRUCTIONS – THE DAP 230 METHOD foam substrate. It requires a subpatch 1. Wipe leather with cleaner and a rag. and flexible repair compound like Dap 230. 2. Subpatch any holes or tears. 3. Using a clean toothpick, carefully apply a small amount of Dap 230 to little tears, scuffs, and flaps of vinyl. For larger tears or holes, use a palette knife or butter knife to apply the Dap 230 to the subpatched area. Spray a little water on a glossy business card or credit card and gently pass over the repairs to create a smooth surface. Use a damp paper towel to wipe off any excess and blend the edges. Allow to dry undisturbed (up to 24 hours but sometimes only 1-2 hours in direct sunlight or heat). 4. You may notice the Dap 230 shrinks a little as it cures into the larger holes. Repeat step 3 as necessary until the cured repair looks and feels level and smooth with the original leather or vinyl. 5. Larger repaired areas will be noticeable without a textured effect. To remedy this, apply a final thin layer of Dap 230 to the repaired area. Gently tap the surface with a damp paper towel (or get creative and try other dampened materials), blending out the perimeter. Allow to fully cure. The dried repair will have a slight gummy feel but will be very strong and flexible. The dye will correct this gummy feel. 6. Apply your Rub 'n Restore Color over the repaired areas using a damp sponge, artist's brush, or spray gun, working in thin layers, and drying each layer before applying another. When the repairs are about 75% concealed, proceed with dying the rest of the surface until the desired appearance is achieved. If you decide that your repair(s) need a little more work, you can repeat steps 3 or 5 without having to remove the Rub 'n Restore Color. Just make sure the dye is dry before reworking your repair. Content copyright 2013-2014. Rub 'n Restore, Inc. All rights reserved. Rub 'n Restore is a registered trademark of Rub 'n Restore, Inc. .