If the coatings on your pigmented (painted/coated) lounge, car seats, handbag or apparel are looking tired, stained, scuffed, delaminated and scratched or if you’d like to change the colour, this guide will help you choose the right products for the job and step you through the refinishing process. If you would like to permanently change your deteriorated and marked waxed or aniline leathers to pigmented, this is the system you need.

For the purposes of demonstrating the process, we will concentrate on refinishing (recolouring) a leather lounge. The same process applies to car leather and lots of other leather items.

To recolour leather:

1) Clean with prep solution

2) Sand to key the surface

3) Apply primer

4) Apply thin coats of leather colour by sponge or spray-gun until coverage is achieved

5) Seal with protective leather topcoat

To touch-up, repair, recolour, or change the colour of pigmented (painted/coated) leather, you'll need a Repair & Recolour Kit (products also available separately).

1) Spot & Prep (No.4) - Leather spot remover & surface prep

2) Sandpaper - 600-800 grit

3) Prime (No.5) - leather primer

4) Colour (No.6) - Leather paint

5) Topcoat (No.7) - Leather topcoat & sealer

If you select Matte Topcoat, you may also need Dulling Agent (No.30). For optimal results, the shine of your paint should align with the shine of your topcoat. Add Dulling Agent to your paint to flatten the level of shine of the paint. If you are using Gloss or High Gloss topcoat, you will not need Dulling Agent. If you are using Satin topcoat, adding Dulling Agent is optional.

- White microfibre cloths

- Scrubbing brush

- Applicator sponges

- Sandpaper

- Drop sheets

Find accessories here.

If you are applying the products by a hand-rubbed technique; ie, by sponge, in most cases, you can work on the lounge right where it sits. Be sure to put down drop-sheets, move nearby furnishing and move the lounge away from walls. It’s best to work in good natural light and ventilation.

If you wish to spray the lounge using an air-compressor and spray gun, move the lounge to a suitable work area. Tape or cover any components that you do not wish to colour.

Take a set of before pics. They make a satisfying comparison when you are done. If you would like to help other customers find their colour, send them to us for display in our Customer Before & After Gallery.

Success happens from the bottom up. This cannot be stressed enough. Without good surface prep, coatings adhesion can be compromised. Vacuum to remove grit and hair then put on some gloves and working in one area at a time, spray Spot & Prep (No.4) onto the leather, scrub using a medium bristle brush and wipe clean with a microfibre cloth. Note: scrubbing is essential to most jobs. Simply wiping with a cloth may leave substances that repel the coatings or prevent adhesion. The aim is to remove soiling as well as any oils, waxes, emollients and silicones from the surface. Avoid household cleaners to avoid damaging the leather. Also, avoid using general-purpose leather cleaners that are not suitable for pre-colour surface prep.

Allow a few minutes drying time then sand the entire surface using sandpaper in 600-800 grit. The aim is to lightly smooth any roughness, open the pores and key the surface to maximise the bond between the old coatings and the new. You don’t need to remove the old coatings. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any loose particles. Note that vinyl and faux leather generally cannot be sanded.

If your lounge doesn’t need any repairs, move on to Step 5.

Use leather glue to bond loose tags and re-join cut edges etc. Allow drying time then sand to smooth. If there are pits, scratches and cracks present, apply leather filler in thin layers to fill any surface imperfections. Allow drying between each layer. Once cured, use sandpaper to smooth the repaired area. This is the slowest stage of the project. Be patient as the results are worth it. Around 10% leather paint can be mixed into white filler to create a tinted filler.

Often the tops of seat cushions are more heavily worn than other parts of the lounge. The leather may be delaminating, flaking and showing a heavy patina of surface wear. Leather Binder is a viscous, wipe on resin that coats minor pitting and surface irregularities whilst adding surface structure to weakened and strained leather. It dries quickly, can be texturized and sanded.  Applied in layers, it can improve the texture and finish of worn lounge seats. Leather Binder is sold separately as it’s not needed in every circumstance.

At this point, surface prep is complete and you are ready to commence the colouring process. Primer is a clear coating that promotes adhesion thereby optimising the bond of the colour coats. It is easy to apply, dries quickly and is self-levelling. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the handling of the products by starting on the back or sides. However, your main priority is the seat cushions and armrests so ensure you reserve ample product for the main areas. Apply primer to a sponge and wipe over the surface in long even strokes until all areas are coated. Allow drying. If your leather is quite porous, you may apply a second coat.

Leather finishing products are designed to stick, so they will stick if pressed together whilst drying. When finishing areas where leather touches leather; ie, between seat and backrest cushions, engage a helper to hold the cushions apart whilst painting then drying off with a hairdryer.

Wearing gloves, shake the colour, then squeeze some leather paint onto a sponge. Apply to a small area at the back to get a feel for the product and how it handles on your leather then do a test panel or start on the front. Apply to one area at a time using long even strokes ensuring even coverage. Use moderate pressure to press the first coat into the grain and crevices. Wipe the colour into the seams then wipe again to remove any excess.

Don’t try to achieve a perfect finish with your first coat. Multiple thin coats give the best results. Dry each layer with a hairdryer or allow an hour or two drying time between coats. Some colours are more opaque than others so the number of coats needed can vary. If you are refreshing the original colour, fewer coats may be needed whilst a colour change may require more – 3 to 8 coats are typical.

Improving wear properties, 2 thin coats of topcoat finishes your project. Apply by sponge in long even strokes ensuring even coverage. Most furniture has a Satin finish. Note that Matte finish is best applied by spray if possible. If not, shake the bottle often whilst applying.

Well done! You have fully refinished your lounge.

Coatings are touch dry in 1 hour, dry in 2 days and cured in 14 days. Allow at least 2 days before using and wait for complete drying before wiping with water or applying products.

Good leather includes a 3 monthly clean, condition and protection treatment. Your leather is coated so you have the choice of 2 care kits (products also available separately):

- Leathe Care Kit - this kit is the first choice for your type of leather. It contains a maintenance strength cleaner, conditioner and protector that has anti-soiling effects, makes cleaning easier and contains a UV barrier.

- Waxy Care Kit - Choose this kit if you have a particular requirement for a conditioner with lots of shine or the most matte option available.

Further detailed Directions for Use are available on the product pages for kits and for the individual products: