Aniline Wax Pull-up - Restoration Hardware - Need help restoring Aniline Wax Pull-up Effect sectional sofa from Restoration Hardware

Hello,

I'm new to the forum, but have emailed with Roger back and forth about restoring a couch that we just purchased. He has referred me to the forum, so I'm hoping we can hash out my issues on the board. It's actually more in need of just a good cleaning and conditioning rather than a 'restoration'. However, I would like to try and outline the steps necessary, with the corresponding products recommended to accomplish a good conditioning/minor restoration.

The major things are, it has some UV fading/damage from the sun that appear to have a little rougher or more dry texture than the non-damaged areas. I'd like to avoid a full re-dye of the couch, but rather see what I can do to bring it back as close as possible and just make sure it's healthy/happy.

Here are some images, feedback is appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Patrick.


#1
http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/1051/photo2yyy.jpg


#2
http://img845.imageshack.us/img845/8449/photo3oh.jpg


#3

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/9904/photo1bx.jpg


#4
http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/9854/photo4fn.jpg

Picture #1
This picture shows the right back cushion with creases, it is a routine effort to reform the shape of the cushion eliminating these creases. If this creases is set, it is a sign that the leather becomes too dry that lose its suppleness – hydrating and fatliquoring is require to revert it back to original suppleness. Otherwise the edge of the crease will wear off sooner than the hidden area causing uneven wear to the cushion. Seat cushion slightly worn and could be improved with routine maintenance with Leather Scent-D, periodic maintenance with Wax Effect-8.6 and restorative maintenance with Aniline Topcoat-79G (gloss).

Picture #2
This picture shows scuffs and perhaps finger nail scratches very common on aniline wax pull-up leathers. Again creases on the right back cushion structure need to be aware off as mentioned above.

Picture #3
This is a typical picture of sun fading on the back cushion with the hidden area looking almost new minus the scuff and scratches that can be easily eliminated with Leather Scent-D. The sunfading affects the UV sensitive dyestuff; heat dries up the primary fatliquor and the secondary wax pull-up fashion effect; deteriorating the topcoat as well making this sun faded areas more absorbent as when compare to the hidden areas. Restoration to these areas minus the application of new dyes are as follows: Leather Structure Rejuvenation - Hydrator-3.3 > Fatliquor-5.0 > Wax Effect-8.6; Leather Surface Refinishing – Aniline Topcoat-79G (gloss); Leather Surface Non-stick Rub-resistant Protection – Leather Scent-D.

Picture #4
This picture shows cushion out of form and line – need physical adjustment to look smart for an overall presentation.


It's actually more in need of just a good cleaning and conditioning rather than a 'restoration'. However, I would like to try and outline the steps necessary, with the corresponding products recommended to accomplish a good conditioning/minor restoration.

As there are no noticeable soiling or stain, a good cleaning and conditioning to both the absorbent leather structure and leather surface should be a good start, thus the recommended sequence of process is as follows: Cleaner-3.8 > Rinse-3.0 > Hydrator-3.3 > Fatliquor-5.0 > Wax Effect-8.6 > Leather Scent-D.


The major things are, it has some UV fading/damage from the sun that appear to have a little rougher or more dry texture than the non-damaged areas. I'd like to avoid a full re-dye of the couch, but rather see what I can do to bring it back as close as possible and just make sure it's healthy/happy.

Avoiding a full re-dye is a good idea at this stage, since there is a very good chance of reactivating the dormant dyestuff within the leather structure with overnight controlled dwelling with Hydrator-3.3, when done effectively it will brings forth dyestuff to the surface refreshing it. Fatliquor do plays a part in the intensity of the color, so the Wax Effect-8.6. Topcoating with Aniline Topcoat-79G will bounce back the intensity and beauty of the leather to show through that may surprise you.

Roger Koh
[email protected]

You may like to add a 60ml Aniline Topcoat-79G to the Kit-AW3 and test it out!

Roger Koh
[email protected]

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...oh/Kit-AWc.jpg

Leather Doctor® Aniline Wax Pull-Up Leather Care Kit-AW3

Contents:
Degreaser-2.2 – 60ml
Prep-4.4 – 60ml
Cleaner-3.8 – 250ml
Rinse-3.0 – 250ml
Hydrator-3.3 – 250ml
Fatliquor-5.0 – 250ml
Wax Effect-8.6 - 250ml
Leather Scent-D – 120ml
Leather (horsehair) Brush-1 – 1pc
3” Poly-Brush® - 1pc
Washable Rags – 5pcs

Email [email protected] for prices.

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...llUp11-LPG.jpg

Aniline Wax Pull-Up Leather Problem Solving Guide-AW9

Sounds like that's the plan then. I'll try the AW3 and Topcoat. Should I go ahead and treat the entire couch with the same sequence then?

It would be good you test it out with the worst condition cushion as a try out; you would learn how the leather will response to the products system, until you are fully satisfied with the result of your restoration that you do the rest accordingly.

Show us a cushion that you pick and I shall walk you through step by step; you may be surprise how thirsty your leather is, then you can estimate how much products you should need especially those that is used for the leather structure rejuvenation.

Roger Koh
[email protected]