Color Restorer & Cleaner/Conditioner-Preparer Combo Kit (Dark Brown)

Let me preface this review by saying that I mostly disregarded the usage directions for the dye.I bought a huge, used sectional that had major scratches from a dog. While it looks like real leather, I’m not even sure what it is. The worn spots are soft like worn leather would be and nothing is peeling so I don’t think pleather ...it could be bonded leather. Buying this kit was really just a guess because we didn’t care if it worked: this used sectional was a trial run to see if it worked in our space and any improvement was better than its current condition!I did use the cleaner/preparer that comes in the kit. I let it dry as instructed.However, when it came to using the recommended sponge brush, it was just applying too much. Big streaks of color and there was no way I was painting every stitch of this monster and I’d of had to order at least 2 more bottles at that rate. So, to stretch it a bit (and to keep the soft worn look) I used a crafting method and used a dampened cloth to rub it vigorously and it looked much better. Fabric is dry and much like wood, will pick up color unevenly. I didn’t find that the preparer helped with this at all.From there on, I dabbed some of the dye onto the damp cloth, using the sponge brush to avoid uneven globs and then rubbed the cushions with it. I used circular motions and was pretty rough with it to prevent any streaking or blotching and cover the scratches. (WEAR GLOVES!) I let it dry and touched up any areas that didn’t look blended with the rest or that needed more coverage. There weren’t many- it covered exceptionally well. This took me about 30 minutes, including any additional reapplication, for the whole couch.As you can see from the photos, it looks like a brand new sectional. I wasn’t convinced that it wouldn’t rub off into our clothes, so I rubbed it down after 1/2 hour with a white cloth: not a speck of color came off.As always, a good conditioner is imperative so I applied that too which I hope that will help hold the color a little longer.I’ll update this review when it’s time to reapply so you know how long it lasted. In a house with 2 kids, 2 adults, a small dog and 4 cats, we will be giving it a thorough test run!And, I have 3/4 of my little dye jar left for when it’s time. If you want a complete color change, you will need more than one jar!

This is a great product in my particular situation. We are a retired couple with three pieces of fine leather furniture that are subjected to minimal daily wear and tear until the dogs come to visit. At their homes they are given full rein so when they come to visit they take full rein, and their claws are not closely trimmed. After six months of weekly 2-3 day visits, the marks are very apparent.This Kombo Kit is a wonderful product for our situation because it is inexpensive and covers dog scratches effectively, leaving behine a nice smooth finish with a satin sheen after a simple 3-step process: Clean -Spply - Dry. Visiting humans notice and complement the change.If there is a problem with this product it is that the new finish, although it does not transfer to your clothing, is not permanently bonded to the leather that covers my furniture. Over a much shorter period of say six months, it needs rework. In fact, after six months of dog visits it need a complete redo. For me, this is an acceptable fact of life because the product is cheap, easy to use, looks great albeit temporarily, and I don’t mind doing this twice a year. Thus, I held back a star even though I am pleased with this product and do recommend it to those who have a need similar to mine.

This stuff is amazing. I used the cleaner conditioner first, waited 30 mins to dry and applied the leather dye with a foam pad brush by drizzling a line on the pad. I WORE GLOVES! I tried to put on just enough to cover over the orange colored worn spots on the seat cushion. Then I let it dry overnight with the ceiling fan on and kept the dogs out of the room. That was 2 days ago and it has totally dried, has a great feel and doesn’t rub off. I’m am very excited even if it’s not a total color match. I will update at a future time. 4 out of 5 stars for color not a perfect match.

Update: it’s been 4 months and theres a few spots on the arms and seat where the old color is just starting to show through. It’s hard to see, but I decided to touch up the chairs today anyway and it took 10 minutes and they look new again! We use these chairs all the time and the dog jumps in and out of them. This is holding up very well!This stuff is amazing! I had two very worn red brown recliners that I thought needed to be replaced. I took a chance and bought the dark brown restorer. Ten days after doing one, I'm very happy. I ordered another combo kit for the second chair. Tips: Use the cleaner as directed (diluted) but failed to get into all the nooks and crannies and hidden spots that only showed them selves after the chair was fully reclined. the dye sticks and dries better on cleaned leather. I only needed one coat of the dye, but had to touch up a few areas where leather touches leather and the wet-on-wet dye stuck. When I reclined the chair, I found more places I had missed and a few spots the dye came off because it stuck. Lessons learned is to clean all books and crannies. Also, getting the areas behind the attached back pillow meant propping something on the pillow to keep wet areas from touching other wet areas for 24 hours. After everything was dry, it looks amazing. It's been 10 days with the dog jumping up beside me, reclining up-and-down, and no wear or problem with the dye. I did not use the topcoat and don't plan to as I love the current finish and feel. I'm afraid the topcoat will make them too shiny. Can't wait to do my second chair.