Aniline Restoration Kit - Aniline Arabica

Leather

Designed for use on aniline, semi-aniline leathers. Can also be used on older waxed and oil-pull up leathers. Note: if the wax and oil coatings are new, adhesion may be compromised. If old and worn, this would not typically be a problem especially with good surface prep.

In some cases, this kit can be used on light coloured pigmented (paintd/coated) leather; eg, white, cream, beige, or other pastel shades. The colour selected must be in the same family. For example, Cream to a shade of tan can work but Blue to tan would not. You could go from light green to Aniline Forest or grey to Black or pink to Aniline Ruby. A test patch is recommended for proceeding with the restoration. Not suitable for use in cars.

Coverage

Essentials: 1 armchair, or 4-6 bar stools

Extra: 2-3 seater sofa, or 2 x armchairs

Like A Pro: 3 seater sofa

The Works: 5 seater sofa or more

Essentials
1 x 250ml Spot & Prep (No.4)
1 x 250ml Aniline Dye Stain (No.29)
1 x 250ml Colour Cream

Extra
1 x 500ml Spot & Prep (No.4)
1 x 500ml Aniline Dye Stain (No.29)
1 x 500ml Colour Cream

Like A Pro
1 x 500ml Spot & Prep (No.4)
1 x 1L Aniline Dye Stain (No.29)
1 x 500ml Colour Cream

The Works
1 x 1L Spot & Prep (No.4)
1 x 1L Aniline Dye Stain (No.29)
1 x 1L Colour Cream

Summary

1) Work area
2) Vacuum
3) Surface Prep
4) Dye stain
5) Colour Restoration Cream
6) Optional: Topcoat (Sold separately)
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1) Work area
Lay down drop sheets to protect your work area and ensure good ventilation.

2) Vacuum
Vacuum to remove pet hair, dust and loose particles.

3) Surface Prep
Spray Spot & Prep (No.4) on one area at a time. A scrubbing brush can be used to agitate into the grain. Use a cloth to wipe away dirt and grime from the leather using moderately firm pressure. There may be little to no sign of soiling on the cloth. Continue cleaning regardless. Work fast as unfinished and porous leathers absorb liquids quickly and the cleaner flashes off quickly. Repeat until all areas are thoroughly clean and free of soiling, oils, silicones, waxes and emollients. Apply extra cleaner and scrubbing on greasy areas. The aim is to remove grease from the surface as its not possible to remove it from the inner structure.

Note: If the coatings on your leather are inferior, old, compromised or worn, there may be some coatings disturbance (colour coming off onto the cloth). Whilst minimising colour removal is desirable, a thorough clean is essential for optimal adhesion of the Colour Cream.

Optional: Smooth rough areas
Whilst it’s not necessary to sand all areas, if there are areas that are rough to touch, smooth them by sanding with 800 grit sandpaper. The aim is to remove any loose or flaking coatings, smooth surface irregularities, and keys the surface to promote a good bond between the substrate and new coatings. When done, wipe over to remove dust.

4) Dye Stain Colour test
Test in an inconspicuous place (between cushions, low on the back, underneath or inside (handbags or inside zippered cushions), apply a small spot then allow to dry. If the colour is too dark or intense, it can be diluted with water and/or IPA. For most applications, dilution is not necessary. If you think that the colour is not intense enough, apply a second application and allow drying. Next, apply 2 coats of Colour Restoration Cream, (No.32) over the test spot with drying between coats. Allow 24 hours drying or force dry with a hair dryer. This test shows the final colour result. If the colour needs adjustment to suit your leather, blend in other colours (sold separately) to achieve the right colour for your job.

Application method
Aniline Dye Stain (No.29) can be applied with a sponge, spray gun, airbrush or spray bottle. The stain penetrates into the fibres. This step boosts the base colour and rarely produces completely even colouration because of the organic, fibrous nature of leather and variable levels of coatings between worn areas and as-new areas. This unevenness will be rectified by the Colour Cream. A second or third application can further intensify or darken the colour. Apply more where needed; ie where there’s high levels of UV fading.

To apply, pour Aniline Dye Stain (No.29) onto a sponge and squeeze to incorporate it. Start at the back or in a low priority area. Working quickly, draw the sponge over the surface using moderately firm even strokes. Experiment to find the most suitable stroke for your leather; eg, long straight lines, circular or cross-hatch. Continue applying until
all areas or the desired areas are dyed.

Optional trouble shooting: Manage dry and porous leather
Parched leather may absorb the product very quickly. To control or slow absorption, try the following:
1) Work more quickly so that you cover more area whilst the sponge is full
2) Dilute the Aniline Dye Stain (No.29) to extend the product then apply multiple applications as needed
3) Dampen the leather with water using a spray bottle or cloth. This can help to disperse the dye evenly and can help the product go further
4) Apply 2 coats of Prime (No.5) after surface prep (cleaning and sanding) (sold separately). This can lightly seal the surface, thereby slowing absorption.

5) Colour Restoration Cream Colour test
Do a test spot of Colour Restoration Cream to an inconspicuous place. Allow to dry then assess the colour. If it needs adjustment, blend in other colours (sold separately) to achieve the right colour for your job.

Optional: Adjust shine
If you want a Matte result, add 5%-30% Dulling Agent (No.30) (sold separately) to the Colour Restoration Cream (No.32). More can be added if required. Test as you add. Apply a 1-3cm spot, dry it with a hair dryer then decide if more Dulling Agent is needed.
If you want a shiny result, add around 10% Topcoat (No.7) Gloss or High Gloss to the
Colour Restoration Cream (No.32) and, when all colour work is completed and dry, apply 2 coats of glossy topcoat to finish.

Application method
Colour cream can be applied using a sponge or foam/paint brush. Treat one area at a time. It can be beneficial to practice in an inconspicuous area to learn how the product handles. Pour some cream onto a sponge, then, using moderate pressure, wipe it across the surface of the leather, finishing with smooth, even strokes. Experiment with circular, long or crosshatch techniques to find the one that is right for your job. The product dries quite quickly. Take care not to disturb the coatings whilst drying as this can cause sweep and drag marks. Be sure to coat all areas including nooks and crannies.
In high wear areas, build up the finish with a few coats. Apply extra layers to cover marks and stains. One to two layers may be enough for hidden areas such as between cushions. If there’s any sticking, dry the cream with a hair dryer before allowing the panels to rest together. Between each coat, allow 30 mins for the cream to dry or carefully heat with a hair dryer or gentle sunshine to speed up drying. It is typical to apply 1-2 coats to low wear areas (backs and sides) and 2 – 6 coats to high wear areas. More can be applied if needed. Continue to apply until all areas have been treated to the desired level.

6) Optional: Topcoat
When colour work is done, allow 2 or more days drying time then apply 2 coats of clear topcoat for extra durability. When the colour coats are dry, apply topcoat using a sponge, roller or spray-gun. Allow drying. Apply a second and final coat. Prioritise high traffic areas. Allow to dry. Prevent freshly coated faces touching until they are dry.

Note: Matte topcoat is best applied with a spray gun. If hand application leaves a streaky finish, try mixing approximately 20% Colour Restoration Cream (No.32) into both or the last coat of Topcoat.

Drying time
When done, allow a couple of days before using the leather again. The coatings are touch dry in 30 mins, dry in 2 days and fully cured in 14 days. Treat the coatings with care to avoid scratches, scuffs or other damage. Don’t use covers such as sheets or blankets in the first 2 weeks as fibres from the fabrics may embed in the soft coatings and pull them off when lifted.

This make-over process can be repeated as needed. Refresh intervals vary depending on the type and condition of the leather as well as the amount and type of use the leather receives.

Tips
• Avoid touching the leather between coats during the restoration process as body oils could compromise coatings adhesion

• There is no 'normal' number of coats as each piece of leather is different and some colours build coverage faster than others

• Mild sunshine, a room heater or a hair dryer can be used to speed drying between each coat.

• Avoid using Spot & Prep (No.4) or other cleaners (including water) on new coatings until they are cured (14 days).

• If you find any blemishes, grit or hair in your coatings, allow a couple of days drying (or speed dry with a hair dryer) then lightly sand with 800 -1200 grit sandpaper. Follow with additional coating over the affected area.

• If at any time, you see coatings disturbance during the process (for example, Topcoat appears to remove some colour), the coatings are not dry yet. Allow further drying.

Maintenance
This make-over process can be repeated as needed. Refresh intervals vary depending on the type and condition of the leather as well as the amount and type of use the leather receives. Note: This kit include aniline dyes. Dyes, no matter the maker, are not UV stable. Some fading can be expected in high UV environments. Protect (No.3) contains
a UV barrier that can help to reduce UV fading when applied regularly.

After care
After 7 or more days of drying, condition with Nubuck, Suede & Aniline Nourish (No.11) (also available in a kit with Nubuck, Suede & Aniline Cleanse (No.10) and protect with Protect (No.3) (always do a test spot first) if no additional shine is desired. Waxy Care Kit can be used if shine is desired.

This system allows you to soften the appearance of stains rather than completely cover them. In exchange you can avoid the painted look and keep a predominantly dyed look that shows the features of your leather. Naturally, lighter coatings tend to wear more quickly than more substancial coatings. On the plus side, touching up with Colour Cream is quick and easy.

Ideal for: refreshing the coatings on pigmented (painted/coated) leather. This product gives sheer coverage. It is not suitable for changing colour (See Repair & Recolour Kits). It give light coverage over marks and stains. For full coverage, use a Repair & Recolour Kit. For best results, using a colour that matches your leather is recommended.

Use with: Can be used with Spot & Prep (No.4) for cleaning and surface prep. Topcoat (No.7) can applied over Colour Cream when dry to extend the rub-resistence and durability of the coatings.

Application schedule: Every piece of leather is different as is the amount and type of usage. Colour Cream can be refreshed as needed after surface prep.

Application method: Apply by hand using a sponge.

Best accessories: A soft bristle scrubbing brush, applicator sponges, gloves, drop-sheets, and white microfibre cloths.

Instructions: On the label, Directions for Use, under the How To tab.

Drying time: Each coating may take around 30 mins to 1 hour to dry. A hairdryer can be used to speed drying. Your project will be touch dry in an hour, dry in 2 days and cured in 14 days.

Time before use: Ideally, allow 2 days before using if possible.

Available in a kit: Yes

Tips:

Success starts with a well prepared surface. When cleaning, work quickly. Use a brush to agitate into the grain and use firm pressure when cleaning

Experiment with the right stroke for your leather; eg, cross-hatch, random or long straight strokes

Build coverage with extra coatings

Speed up drying using a hair dryer, room heater or gentle sunshine

Avoid disturbing coatings during drying

Test before use: Always test products in an inconspicuous area first.

Storage: Lid on tight and away from direct UV light and heat (in a cool dark cupboard). Avoid contaminating the contents with baterial sources including skin.

Every 3 months :

1) Clean with Nubuck, Suede & Aniline Cleanse (No.10) to remove soiling, body oil and perspiration
2) Condition with Nubuck, Suede & Aniline Nourish (No.11) to moisturise, maintain suppleness and prevent cracking
3) Protect with Protect (No.3) to minimise soiling, make cleaning easier and reduce UV damage and fading. Test before use. Most aniline leathers recieve this product well. A very small percentage darken in response to this product.

Servicing can be more frequent on high traffic zones; eg drivers seat, front face of favourite seat/chair, everyday use leather. Wiping with a damp cloth between services also helps to remove damaging factors.