Can I do a color change?

How much quantity do I need?

How much does Rub ‘n Restore™ cost?

What other materials do I need to do a restoration?

Will Rub 'n Restore™ change or obscure the grain in the leather or vinyl?

Can I use Rub ‘n Restore™ on suede?
Can I use Rub ‘n Restore™ on plastic?

Can I use Rub ‘n Restore™ on boats or marine craft?

Can I use Rub ‘n Restore™ on high-shine leather or vinyl?

Can I use Rub 'n Restore™ on two-tone upholstery?

My chair or sofa has many brass nails that are impossible to mask. Can I still use Rub 'n Restore™?

How do I tell the difference between leather, ultraleather, suede, ultrasuede, and vinyl?

My leather is soft and scratches or marks if I drag my fingernail across it. I think it might be nubuck or aniline. Can I use Rub ‘n Restore™ on it?

My nubuck or aniline leather has water spots and/or greasy, dirty spots. How can I clean these?

Will Rub 'n Restore™ fix water damage?

What prep is involved? How do I clean leather or vinyl?

Will it fill tears in leather or vinyl?

Is there a way I can repair my leather or vinyl?

My dog likes to sit on our sofa. Will the dog damage Rub 'n Restore™ Color?

How do I order a custom color?

How big of a swatch do I need? Where can I find it?

I can't find a swatch. How else can I send you a color?

What is your return policy on custom colors?

What do you do with the swatch I sent you?

I ordered a custom color before and paid the $35 mixing fee. I need to order more. Do I have to pay the fee again?

I don't have a PayPal account.

How long does it take to process an order?

Do you ship internationally?

My Rub 'n Restore™ Color is foamy and left little bubbles when I applied it to my surface.

I've noticed little cracks appear on the surface days after I used Rub 'n Restore™ Color.

My surface looks streaky, even after several layers of Rub 'n Restore™ Color.

The Rub 'n Restore™ Color looks too light or too dull.

The Clear Glosser looks too shiny or darkened the color too much.

Will Rub ‘n Restore™ stain other surfaces? How do I clean it from unwanted areas?

I spilled Rub 'n Restore™ Color on carpet and fabric.

Will Rub ‘n Restore™ rub off on clothing?

How long does Rub ‘n Restore™ take to dry and cure?

My dried surface feels tacky.

How do I clean the surface in the future?

How often will touch-up be required?

What is the shelf life of Rub ‘n Restore™?

How is Rub ‘n Restore™ different than other products like it?

I ordered the wrong color or don't want the product. Can I return it?

Can I do a color change?

You can change the color of any leather or vinyl surface using Rub ‘n Restore™. Bear in mind that it will require more volume of color to accomplish this and will require more frequent touch-up, especially for high-wear or flexible surfaces like seats and sofas. We recommend picking a color that is similar to your original surface or darker than the original color (example: tan to brown instead of tan to white), because it will require less time and effort.

How much quantity do I need?
We rarely use more than 8 oz. for a loveseat or recliner chair. If you're recoloring multiple pieces of furniture, performing a color change, working with a very sun-rotted surface or one that has lots of wrinkles and folds, you might require the larger 16 oz. bottle.

How much does Rub ‘n Restore™ cost?

An 8 oz. bottle of Rub ‘n Restore™ Color is $21.95; a 16 oz. bottle is $36.95.
An 8 oz. bottle of Clear Glosser is $11.95 and $18.95 for a 16 oz. bottle.

What other materials do I need to do a restoration?

Each bottle of Rub 'n Restore™ Color comes with a stir stick and a pair of plastic gloves. You will need a cellulose sponge (avoid sponge brushes or those with green nylon backings), a hair dryer, cleaner (like 409), rags, drop cloths, blue painters tape for masking, and possibly a spritz bottle of water.

Will Rub 'n Restore™ change or obscure the grain in the leather or vinyl?

No, Rub 'n Restore™ is designed to permeate leather and vinyl, behaving more like a dye and less like a coating. It's low viscosity formula conceals dirt and stains but does not alter or obscure the natural grain in the leather or vinyl.

Can I use Rub ‘n Restore™ on suede?

Never use Rub ‘n Restore™ on suede, ultrasuede, microfiber or woven fabrics.

Can I use Rub ‘n Restore™ on plastic?

Plastics are less permeable than leather and vinyl and therefore require an adhesion primer. We like Bulldog or SEM Plastic Adhesion Promoter, which can be found at an automotive paint supply.

Can I use Rub ‘n Restore™ on boats or marine craft?
Rub ‘n Restore™ is suitable for use on boat vinyls. Because it is a water-based product, it must be allowed to thoroughly cure before exposure to water or wet towels, bathing suits, bodies, etc. Marine vinyls may need to be touched up more often (once a year, perhaps), because of their frequent interaction with water. For this reason, dramatic color changes (white to blue or red to black) is discouraged. Please be sure to read about cure time.

Can I use Rub ‘n Restore™ on high-shine leather or vinyl?

Rub ‘n Restore™ Color will appear lighter and dull on high-shine surfaces, requiring a layer of

Clear Glosser over the top. Even so the Clear Glosser will only create a satin finish.

For this reason, Rub ‘n Restore™ is not recommended for high-shine surfaces.

Can I use Rub 'n Restore™ on two-tone upholstery?

With scrupulous masking and plenty of patience, you can use Rub 'n Restore™ Colors on two-tone upholstery. Even with masking tape, sometimes the dye will bleed underneath it, so you may want to invest in a flat-edged artist's brush if not an HVLP spray or detail gun. Different colored piping is particularly arduous work and not recommended. If you miss a spot, you'll see it when the piping flexes one way or the other. Color changes are generally discouraged, because of the potential for future touch-ups and the additional time in masking and prepping required to do so.

My chair or sofa has many brass nails that are impossible to mask. Can I still use Rub 'n Restore™?
Absolutely. We recommend working with a precision paint brush around the brass nails and then graduating to a sponge for the larger areas. You can easily remove Rub 'n Restore™ from the nails with cleaner and a rag.

How do I tell the difference between leather, ultraleather, suede, ultrasuede, and vinyl?

Leather is tanned cow-hide. Please read about the different types of leather to determine what kind you have. Ultraleather is a soft and breathable synthetic, essentially a vinyl. Ultraleather is often found in RVs; vinyl is used exclusively in marine craft. Ultrasuede and microfiber are also synthetic fabrics. Do not use Rub ‘n Restore™ on these materials. When leather cracks you can see the lighter-toned suede underneath. Cracking or torn vinyl and synthetics, on the other hand, may have sharp edges, and you will see a fine mesh, usually white in color, underneath.

My leather is soft and scratches or marks if I drag my fingernail across it.

I think it might be nubuck or aniline. Can I use Rub ‘n Restore™ on it?

Please read about the different types of leather to determine what kind you have. Aniline and nubuck leathers are designed to wear and distress naturally. For this reason we recommend using Rub ‘n Restore™ Clear Glosser only. Applying a colored dye will obscure the natural multi-toned look. Clear Glosser, on the other hand will restore and preserve the natural beauty of aniline or nubuck leathers by deepening the color and minimize the appearance of lighter-toned cracks or veins.

My nubuck or aniline leather has water spots and/or greasy, dirty spots. How can I clean these?
Windex is an excellent “dry” cleaner. Spritz a little onto the water spots and gently scrub with a soft rag. Dirt and mineral deposits will be scrubbed off, and the ammonia keeps any remaining liquid from re-marking the material. Oils from people's hair and hands may look like dark, dingy areas. A quick and gentle wipe with lacquer thinner (not to be confused with paint thinner or acetone) will remove many of these natural oils. Do not use lacquer thinner on real suede. You can follow with Windex to blend the appearance of areas that were cleaned and those that weren't. You can also find other cleaning and repair solutions on Vinyl Ladies' Tips & Tricks <hyperlink> page.

Will Rub 'n Restore™ fix water damage?

Because water permanently reshapes the leather, no coating can conceal the resulting damage. We have had customers conceal water damage on vinyl using Rub 'n Restore™ Color, though removing the mineral deposits by scrubbing with cleaner and a toothbrush may have also resolved this issue. Vinyl, being a synthetic, is not damaged and altered by water in the same way that leather is.

What prep is involved? How do I clean leather or vinyl?
Clean the surface with a household cleaner degreaser like 409. Use blue painter's tape to mask any areas you do not want to get color on. Protect floors with drop cloths. For especially sun-rotted or porous surfaces, Clear Glosser is recommended to rehydrate the surface. This makes for easier application and reduces the quantity of color needed to complete the restoration.

Will it fill tears in leather or vinyl?

No, Rub ‘n Restore™ will only recolor the surface.

Is there a way I can repair my leather or vinyl?
Leather and vinyl repair is best left to a professional in your area. We usually recommend contacting the finest auto dealership in your area and asking who they use. Bear in mind that they will also quote you the cost of dying your piece using a conventional coating, not Rub ‘n Restore™. We can provide simple instructions, using inexpensive materials from a local hardware store, to repair leather only. Please contact us directly.

My dog likes to sit on our sofa. Will the dog damage Rub 'n Restore™ Color?

While Rub 'n Restore™ Color does an excellent job of blending and concealing the minor damage from a dog's claws, if the original leather or vinyl scuffed, so will the dye. It is wise to avoid letting a wet pet sit on the sofa, too. Such heavy wear will necessitate more frequent touch-up, and so you should take this into consideration if you plan to do a dramatic color change.

How do I order a custom color?

For a custom color, there is a $35 mixing charge in addition to the regular cost of an 8 oz. or 16 oz. bottle plus applicable tax and shipping. Sorry, we cannot mix metallics. Custom colors require a minimum 3" x 1" swatch of the original vinyl or leather. To place an order, please send us the swatch along with your mailing address, email address or telephone number, and the quantity you would like to purchase to PO Box 1526, Running Springs, CA 92382, USA. Once we have the swatch and confirm that we can mix a color to suit your needs, we will invoice you via PayPal and ship when payment is received.

How big of a swatch do I need? Where can I find it?

Custom colors require a minimum 3" x 1" swatch of the original vinyl or leather. Often this can be found on the underside of cushions, inside cases, or along interior seams.

I can't find a swatch. How else can I send you a color?

You can try to find a similar color at your local leather, vinyl or auto/marine fabrics supplier and ask for or purchase a small sample from them. We cannot match to an image or photograph of the color.

What is your return policy on custom colors?

Sorry, we do not accept returns on custom colors.

What do you do with the swatch I sent you?

We keep the swatches on file in the case of future orders. If you need your swatch back, please contact us.

I ordered a custom color before and paid the $35 mixing fee. I need to order more.

Do I have to pay the fee again?

Yes. We keep the formula on file but still have to mix a custom batch and test it against the swatch.

I don't have a PayPal account.

You can still enter a credit card number and pay using PayPal without creating an account. For more information please read about payment options on PayPal.

How long does it take to process an order?

Our official policy is up to three business days' time. However, we typically process orders within 24-48 hours.

Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we use UPS Express, which takes 1-3 business days and is guaranteed.

My Rub 'n Restore™ Color is foamy and left little bubbles when I applied it to my surface.
Shaking or agitating Rub 'n Restore™ Color causes it to foam, which can leave behind little bubbles and circles. Spritz the surface with a little water and go over the area with a damp sponge to polish out these little spots. Wait for any foam to settle. Thoroughly stir Rub 'n Restore™ Color to disperse the tints. Apply another thin layer (or more if necessary) to correct any remaining imperfections and achieve coverage.

I've noticed little cracks appear on the surface days after I used Rub 'n Restore™ Color.

This is a sure sign that Rub 'n Restore™ Color was applied too heavily and/or that each layer was not thoroughly dried before more was applied. If you are working in a cold (less than 65º F or 19º C) or humid environment, this may be lending to the problem. Reactivate the dye using a damp sponge and water. Wipe the surface just as you normally would, polishing the cracks and streaks. Allow to thoroughly dry. Repeat this process until the surface looks and feels natural. If necessary, follow with more Rub 'n Restore™ Color to correct any streaks or thin areas. Usually this remedies the problem. If you feel that you need a more aggressive approach, you can perform this process using a green nylon scrubby with water or cleaner. This will strip out a lot of your work, allowing you to start again. Remember to apply Rub 'n Restore™ in thin layers and thoroughly dry each one before applying another.

My surface looks streaky, even after several layers of Rub 'n Restore™ Color.

This occurs on very weathered, porous, and sun-rotted surfaces, where Rub 'n Restore™ Color is soaked up unevenly, or because a surface is too hot, causing the dye to dry faster than the rate at which you can polish the streaks. For porous, rotted surfaces, try priming it with a layer of Clear Glosser. It will rehydrate the surface, minimizing the quantity of Rub 'n Restore™ Color needed to complete your project, as well as resulting in a more even appearance. For surfaces that are too hot, make sure your sponge is damp enough, moisten it frequently, and even spritz a little water on the surface which will lower the temperature and extend the working time of the dye. Be modest with the water, though, as too much will dilute the dye and force you to apply more layers to achieve adequate coverage.

Rub 'n Restore™ Color looks too light or too dull.
This is often caused because Rub ‘n Restore™ Color has a matte finish. Most leathers and vinyls have a satin finish. Following Rub ‘n Restore™Color with Clear Glosser deepens the color by replacing the natural shine. It also creates another barrier between the dye and the external environment.

The Clear Glosser looks too shiny or darkened the color too much.

You can try removing some of the Clear Glosser with a damp sponge or you can apply another layer of Rub 'n Restore™ Color over the top.

Will Rub 'n Restore™ stain other surfaces? How do I clean it from unwanted areas?
Avoid getting Rub ‘n Restore™ on any surface other than the one you are restoring. For non-permeable surfaces like metal, lacquered wood, and some plastics like that on your hair dryer, work with cleaner, a rag, and possibly an old toothbrush to remove any unwanted Rub ‘n Restore™.

I spilled Rub 'n Restore™ Color on carpet and fabric.

Immediately flush the area with water and your cleaner. Use rags or a wet vacuum to absorb as much liquid as possible. Keep flushing the area with cleaner and absorbing or vacuuming it. Do not overscrub. You might be lucky.

Will it rub off on clothing?

Once cured, it will not rub off on clothing, but do not immerse the surface under water for extended periods of time.

How long does it take to dry and cure?

Rub ‘n Restore™ will be dry in minutes and is ready for use. If it still feels tacky, buff the dry surface with a soft, clean microfiber towel (avoid rags with lots of lint). Rub ‘n Restore™ cures to its full strength in about 48 hours. In cooler temperatures (less than 65º F or 19º C) or in high humidity, it may take longer for Rub ‘n Restore™ to completely cure. During this time, avoid getting your surface wet, as water or damp clothing may reactivate the dye.

My dried surface feels tacky.

Some surfaces may have been treated with other chemicals or coatings that your cleaning did not remove. Buff the area with a piece of dry flannel or microfiber towel. Avoid using a towel that will leave behind a lot of lint, as this may stick to the surface. If it does, buff the surface with your bare hand. You can also work with a damp sponge and spritz bottle of water to reactivate the outermost layer of dye to remedy this problem.

How do I clean the surface in the future?

A damp rag is the best. If you must use a cleaner, choose a mild soap. To extend the longevity of the dye, spray the cleaner directly onto a soft cloth, rather than on the surface.

How often will touch-up be required?

Rub ‘n Restore™ will gradually wear the same way the original leather and vinyl did. Simply reapply,

usually not more than once a year. However, items that have been color-changed, endure a lot of use,

and frequently come into contact with water (like ottomans or boat vinyls), may require touch-up more frequently.

What is the shelf life of Rub ‘n Restore™ Color and Clear Glosser?

While the manufacturers of our raw materials only guarantee a shelf life of two years, we have, on many occasions in the past 25 years, reconstituted and successfully applied Rub ‘n Restore™ Colors that were more than four years old. The key is to store the product in a cool, dark place and thoroughly stir it before reuse. If you feel any lumps even after vigorous stirring, we recommend you filter the product through a fine sieve or cheesecloth. Clear Glosser's shelf life is even longer, as it is not mixed with coloring agents. Still, you may find a few clumps or strands in Clear Glosser that has been stored for a long time. Simply run it through a sieve or cheesecloth.

How is it different than other products like it?

Other professional-grade leather and vinyl coatings require equipment and skills beyond the reach of the average consumer. These products are thicker, more toxic and necessitate spray application. They rely on the old idea that a thick coating of paint is the only way to create a fresh surface on leather and vinyl. These coatings age and eventually crack and peel, resulting in a greater problem. Rub ‘n Restore™ is a versatile waterborne system that can be applied with a damp sponge or spray equipment. Its formula is designed to permeate leather and vinyl, behaving more like a dye and less like a coating. This feature makes Rub ‘n Restore™ as durable as other conventional coatings, while being less toxic, easier to apply, and more flexible and harmonious with the original surface.

I ordered the wrong color or don't want the product. Can I return it?

You can return Clear Glosser or any pre-fab (not custom) color within 30 days of purchase for a full or partial refund of the purchase price, depending on the remaining volume. However, it is imperative that the bottle not leak during return shipment. Please clean the mouth of the bottle and the foil pressure seal with a damp rag wash the cap under warm water with a little soap. Re-insert the pressure seal, white side up, into the cap. When you screw the cap onto the bottle, the pressure seal should re-adhere, ensuring that it won't leak during return shipment. Give it ten minutes, and unscrew the cap. You should see the foil seal in place. If a bottle leaks during return shipment, the refund amount will be reduced or possibly voided. Please return the product to our address: PO Box 1526, Running Springs, CA 92382, USA.