We’re just as excited as you are to get things going. There's nothing like that new leather feeling! But to make sure you get the best results possible from our products, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to restore leather using Clyde’s leather products.
STEP 1: ABSORBENCY TEST
There are two types of leather: absorbent, and non-absorbent leather. Before using Clyde’s Leather products, you need to test the absorbency of your leather. Here’s how it works.
Place a few droplets of water on the surface of the leather, preferably somewhere that has no damage.
If the water sits on top of the surface of the leather, this means your leather is non-absorbent. There’s nothing to worry about because this is normal. This means that the manufacturer's leather finish is still coating your leather. You just need to follow a few extra steps and you'll be good to go.
- First, you have a choice to either strip the manufacturer's finish or clean the leather. If you would rather leave the manufacturer finish as is, feel free to use our leather cleaning kit instead.
- Take a look at the leather’s finish. Is it very damaged and discolored? If so, we suggest you strip the manufacturer’s finish and recolor it with our leather recoloring balm. Here's how:
- Use Clyde's Leather Prep and Deglaze to strip the damaged section of the leather surface. Dab cotton balls in the preparing solution, and rub in circular motions until the damaged area becomes absorbent. Don’t forget to wear gloves while doing this step.
- Now your leather is absorbent. Please proceed to the next step.
Meanwhile, if the water is absorbed into the leather, and the color of the leather surface darkens, this means your leather is absorbent. This means the manufacturer's original leather finish has worn off or was never applied.
STEP 2: APPLY RECOLORING BALM
It's smooth sailing from here! Just follow the instructions below.
- Clean the surface of your leather with a spot cleaner (not a waterproofing one). Don’t condition it before application. Once done, dry the surface with a cloth.
- Apply a tiny amount of the balm to the application sponge provided in your packet.
- Rub the leather with the sponge in circular motions.
- Allow the leather to dry while you repeat the previous step on another section of the leather. Repeat it until the leather has reached the desired color.
- After that, wait for the balm to cure for 24-36 hours.
- If streaking or circles are observed, buff the leather surface with a moist towel. This will remove lines and streaks.
- Allow the leather to cure for another 20 hours.
STEP 3: APPLY LEATHER CONDITIONING CREAM
Whether you started with non-absorbent or absorbent leather, you’ll need a new leather finish if you applied our leather recoloring balm. While the leather recoloring balm improves the life of your leather, it won't protect it from the elements and waterproof it.
We HIGHLY recommend that you apply Clyde's Leather Conditioning Cream.
In applying the conditioning cream, take note of these:
- You have to apply Clyde's Leather Conditioning Cream immediately after balm application (20 hours after curation).
- The remoisturizing cream doesn’t need to dry, but it may take a couple hours to fully absorb.
Our leather conditioning cream will protect your leather for the long haul, and prevent further damage for 5+ years!
And that’s it, your leather is looking brand spankin' new. Enjoy!
