>>> I sprayed Hydrator 3.3 several times over 24 hours, and left it overnight in the cling wrap. After which I sprayed on Fatliquor 5.0 and waited for it to dry for about 5-6 rounds. Then Hydrator 3.3 again for several more times.
When dry at this stage the leather surface should be “Dry Prep” to remove any surface wicked up residue with the horsehair Brush-1 and the leather Eraser-4 before proceeding to the topcoating.
>>> Today, I applied the Aniline Top21G - but was a bit confused about how to use this and I did it wrongly the first time, leaving the solution on without 'patting' it dry? I wiped it away and then used the foam brush to 'pat' the solution in and this seemed to work better so I did that for a couple of times. Would like to ask how the Aniline is supposed to be applied on?
You may used a soft facial brush if you have a spare one, otherwise the foam brush or folding the towel T-5 and apply would work. Since the leather may be absorbent you may have to apply, blow dry and sand in between for a smooth touch until you are satisfied with the appearance.
>>> After which I then sprayed on Protector B+ and 'patted' it with the lint-free cloth. I did this for several more times.
It is too early to apply the Protector-B+ if you are not satisfied with the luster appearance. You may need to remove the Protector-B+ with Degreaser-2.2 > Rinse-3.0 + Hydrator-3.3 > Fatliquor-5.0 > Hydrator-3.3 + Dry Prep and then topcoat it until satisfaction.
>>> The result is significantly better than before in my original post, but there's still a distinction between the front left and the right of the bag. The left side is still slightly shinier/blacker than the right.
Insufficient topcoat to match up the evenness of appearance.
>>> I'm wondering what else I can do to fix this and make the right side 'shinier' or 'blacker' again?
I have mentioned above is the insufficient of the topcoat, otherwise use the heavy duty version of AnilineTop-76 instead.
>>> Is there a way to 'fatten' and plump up the leather as it's looking quite flat now?
Insufficient fatliquor – need repeat until satisfaction with Hydrator-3.3 > Fatliquor-5.0 > Hydrator-3.3
>>> Should I dye it or continue with the fatliquor/hydration process even after I've finished 'glossing' and 'protecting' it?
It is the removal of the soiling that is important; the dullness is most situations is the soiling. Dyestuff are activated with sufficient Hydrator-3.3 from the thickness of the leather and the topcoat will magnify and amply it. I may be the soiling that is the problem. You need redo with
Degreaser-2.2 > Rinse-3.0 + Hydrator-3.3 > Fatliquor-5.0 > Hydrator-3.3 + Dry Prep and then topcoat it until satisfaction.
Roger Koh
Leather Care System Formulator
Consultant / Practitioner / Instructor
web: www.leatherdoctor.com
forum: www.leathercleaningrestorationforum.com
email:
[email protected]