Leather Paint - Custom Mixed Colour

This product is suitable for use on pigmented (painted/coated) leather. It can also be used on synthetic/man-made leather. (Due to the plastic nature of synthetic leather, coatings durability may be reduced compared to when applied to real leather).

If you would like to completely cover stains and permanently changes the finish of your aniline and semi-aniline leather to pigmented (coated/painted), this product is suitable. Using the complete finishing system is recommended for best results: surface prep, primer, leather paint and topcoat.

50ml: 1 medium pair shoes or 1 steering wheel or1 sofa armrest

25ml: 2-3 dining chairs or 2-3 sofa seats

250ml: 1 armchair or 4 dining chairs or 2 car seats

1L: 1 standard 2-3 seater sofa or 1 car interior

2L: 1 large modular sofa or 1 x 3 seater plus 1-2 armchairs

3L: 1 large modular sofa or 2 x 3 seaters plus 1-2 armchairs

Note: Coverage estimates are approximate. Coverage is affected by a number of variables such as the type and condition of your leather, the colour, whether you are changing colours or touching up the original colour and the method of application. Your job may require more or less of one or more kit component.

SUMMARY
1) Clean*
2) Repair*
3) Prime*
4) Colour
5) Topcoat*
****Sold separately and in kits
For best results, use the full refinishing system. If you are only using Leather Paint, read steps 1, 2, 4, and 10.

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. Use a brush to agitate into the grain. Use a cloth to wipe away dirt and grime from the leather. Repeat until the leather is thoroughly clean and free of soiling, oils, silicones, waxes and emollients.

4) Key the surface
Lightly sand the areas you intend to recolour. Usually 400-800 grit is ideal. Sanding helps to remove any loose or flaking coatings, smooth surface irregularities, and keys the surface to promote a good bond between the old coatings and new. When done, wipe over to remove dust.

For leather that is not damaged and does not require repairs, go to Step 7.

5) Glue
If your leather is damaged (cat scratches or tears) use a tiny amount of Glue (No.15) to glue down any loose tags or coat the open edges and join them together. For tears, apply one layer of glue, wait until it comes semi-dry (tacky), then apply a second layer. Join edges and hold firmly for a few minutes or until dry. Masking tape can be used to hold the sides together until bonded. For larger rips (greater than 3cm), try backing the hole with a large patch of mesh, silk, fabric, leather, or vinyl. Glue the underside edges of the rip to the backing (not the entire area as the glue may create a stiffened area) and hold or tape in place whilst curing. Keep the upper surface clean by wiping away any excess glue as you go. When completely dry, sand the area to remove or smooth any unwanted glue residue.

6) Fill
Conceal any repair joins or surface damage such as scratches, cracks and pits with Fill (No.14). To do this, load a small amount of Fill (No.14) onto the underside of the spatula, lay the spatula almost flat and wipe across the repair site. Use light steady pressure to press a thin layer of filler into the hollows and use a gentle sweeping action to feather the edges and minimise unwanted ridges of filler. Allow to dry before applying further thin layers as needed. Allow to air dry or use the sun or a hair dryer to speed drying time. In some cases, it is prudent to allow overnight drying. When dry, smooth using sandpaper. For larger repairs, a hand-held mini power sander can be used with caution. To mimic leather grain, try using a stippling (dabbing) technique for your last layer or two. This can create soft peaks that resemble leather grain when lightly sanded after curing.

7) Prime
Using an applicator sponge, apply an even coat of Prime (No.5) and gently push it into the grain of the leather. Allow drying. In high traffic areas such as seat cushions and armrests or side bolsters in cars, apply a second coat then allow drying.

Note: Engage a helper to hold cushions apart or use dowl to hold them apart whilst they are being coated and dried. This product is designed to stick. Ensure freshly coated areas are dry before allowing newly coated faces to touch.

If you are not mixing your own colour, go to Step 9.

8) Mix colour
If you intend to mix your own colour and have purchased extra colours for tinting the main colour add a drop, a few drops or a dash of colour at a time. Shake or stir to mix. If your colour is likely to require a lot tint, empty the base colour into another vessel for mixing (eg, mixing bowl, plastic bottle or plastic cup). Test the new colour before proceeding. To do this apply a 1cm spot, dry it with a hair dryer (at 30cm) then decide if or how to adjust your colour. Clean off your test colours as you go as they are easily removed when fresh. When satisfied with the colour move on to the next step.

If you want a Satin, Gloss or High Gloss result, go to Step 10.

9) Adjust shine
If you want a Matte result, add 5%-10% Dulling Agent (sold seperately) to the Colour (No.6). More can be added if desired. Test as you add. Apply a 1cm spot, dry it with a hair dryer (at 30cm) then decide if more Dulling Agent is needed to achieve a good match with the original finish or to achieve a level of shine that is right for your job. Dulling Agent can also be added to Topcoat (No.7) if needed.

10) Colour
Use an applicator sponge, roller or spray-gun to apply Colour (No.6) evenly over the repair site or project. If finishing a repair, wipe the sponge over the surface and blend the edges using fast, light, feathered strokes. If doing a full recolour, use even strokes to ensure even coverage. Gently push the first coat of paint into the grain and any crevices. Wipe excess product from seams to avoid pooling. The first coat will not look neat or even. Allow to dry and repeat until your desired coverage is achieved. Several thin coats are preferable. There is no 'normal' number of coats as each piece of leather is different, some colours build overage faster than others, and the various application methods also impact the number of coats needed. If you are changing colours, it is likely that more coats will be needed than if you are refinishing in the same colour. Mild sunshine or a hair dryer can be used to speed drying between each coat. Again, hold cushions apart whilst they are being coated and dried.

It's recommended that you allow a few days for big projects like recolouring a sofa. After your first 1-2 coats of colour, give the new coatings a day or 2 to dry before proceeding with the next few coats. When you are happy with the colour coverage, allow another 2 days drying before applying Topcoat. Avoid soiling and skin contact during the refinishing process.

11) Topcoat
Apply topcoat using a sponge, roller or spray-gun. Use long even strokes to achieve full coverage. Allow drying. Apply a second and final coat. Prioritise high traffic areas. Allow to dry. Dulling Agent (sold separately) can also be added to Topcoat (No.7) to make it less shiny if needed. Reminder to prevent freshly coated faces touching unitl they are dry. Note: Matte topcoat is best applied with a spray gun. If hand application leaves a streaky finish, try mixing approximately 10% Colour (No.6) into your second coat of Topcoat.

Tip
Prime and Topcoat can be diluted with 10% water if needed to extend the amount of product.

After care
Allow at least 48 hours drying time before using your leather again. It takes 14 days for the coatings to fully cure. Extra care is recommended during this time to avoid scrapes or coating disturbance. After a few days of drying, condition with Nourish (No.2) and protect with Protect (No.3) (available separately or in The Leather Care Kit). When dry, an otional step is to buff to render a beautiful feel and finish.

Maintenance
Touch up scuffs and general surface wear using the same process or with Colour Restoration Cream in the same colour (available separately online at Leather Hero www.leatherhero.com.au).

Ideal for: Coating leather with a coloured finish.

Use with: Can be used with leather filler, glue and binder to repair and correct surface damage before recolouing. When all colour work is completed and cured, apply Nourish (No.2) and Protect (No.3)

Application schedule: Every piece of leather is different as is the amount and type of usage. Leather coatings can easily be touched-up if or as needed.

Application method: Apply by hand using a sponge or brush or use a spray gun and compressor

Best accessories: A soft bristle scrubbing brush, applicator sponges, gloves, sandpaper, drop-sheets, and plenty of disposable and/or 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: Allow at least 2 days before using if possible.

Available in a kit: Yes, this product is available in a value kit with the other products used to refinish leather.

Tips:

Use all resources provided to get the most out of your purchase

Success starts with a well prepared surface

When cleaning, work quickly and use a brush to agitate into the grain and use firm pressure when cleaning

Colours are mixable so your colour can be adjusted as neededIf you have lots of product on hand, give extra attension to the high wear areas

On big jobs, allow overnight drying after 1-2 colour coats and again prior to applying the topcoat.

Sometimes a few days drying is helpful

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 Cleanse (No.1) to remove soiling, body oil and perspiration
2) Condition with Nourish (No.2) to moisturise, maintain suppleness and prevent cracking
3) Protect with Protect (No.3) to minimise soiling, make cleaning easier and reduce UV damage

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.