>>> I acquired sofa that is heavily soiled and discolored from a year or two of neglect, presumably from a dog. I think it can be saved, and I can do the work,
First is the leather finish visual identification . . .
Looks varied tone also known as ‘Sauvage’ due to the different absorbency of the leather grains that gives its natural characteristic. Dyestuff used are transparent that imparts extract color intensity to the more absorbent grains. There is a topcoat that is glossy and also transparent that brings the beauty of depth for better appreciation. The reverse side is suede and when viewed would give a more even coloration to confirm that our leather identification is correct that this is an ‘aniline’ leather finish.
More details can be found from this link:
https://www.leatherdoctor.com/aniline-sauvage/
>>> but I’m just not sure what it needs to restore it.
Since the soilings are unknown except presumably from a dog, that may have body odors or body grease that need specialty cleaning, a restorative cleaning may be the first system to begin, and after that using the Leather Problem Matrix to handle the remaining problems.
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Kit-A3 is recommended for restorative cleaning and conditioning with this procedure . . . for more details follow this link . . .
https://www.leatherdoctor.com/leather-aniline-care-kit-a3/
Restorative Care:
This is the ultimate restorative or salvage care system that removes accumulated soiling including aged conditioners. Accumulated soiling that fills creases is often mistaken for cracks. Using Prep-4.4 perform restorative cleaning. It works by chemical reaction to emulsify soiling through its penetrating, lubricating, and suspending power. Horsehair detailing Brush-1 is recommended to work into heavily soiled areas sufficiently to avoid excessive agitation that might damage already weakened finishes especially on heavily used areas by . . .
1st step - Restorative Cleaning: Instruction . . .
1- Apply Prep-4.4 and agitate with horsehair Brush-1, ensuring a uniform application over the entire surface a section at a time.
2- Allow a dwell time of 10 to 30 minutes or before it dries prior to towel extraction until it shows clean.
3- Sticky residue is removed by Clean-3.8 with gentle brush agitation and towel extracts until it shows clean.
4- Remaining residues are spray rinsed with Rinse-3.0 and towel extracts to a squeaky clean.
5- Let dry and inspect for satisfaction, otherwise repeat the cleaning process as necessary or proceed to hydrating. Hydrating is essential to relax and separate the stick together collapsing fibrous structure. Its surfactant helps check for the surface tension of blotchiness prior to fat and oil replenishing.
2nd step – Hydrating: Instruction . . .
1- Spray Hydrator-3.3 to saturate with an even appearance to soften up the leather. 2- Let it dwell 10 to 30 minutes and towel extract wick up the soil until it shows clean. Fat and oil replenishing maintains the leather’s structure integrity and pliability thus strengthening these exposed leather from cracking.
3rd step – Fatliquoring: Instruction . . . 1- Spray Fatliquor-5.0 in a manner as Hydrator-3.3 and let it dry naturally.
2- Repeat application in between drying until saturated.
3- The leather is left for slow natural drying for extra softness. 4- Surface strays are wiped with Hydrator-3.3 to free of sticky residue.
4th step – Protecting:
Instruction . . .
1- Mist sprays Protector-B spread with a lint-free towel and is ready for use when dry.
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Roger Koh
Leather, Skin, Hair, Eye & Acne Care System Formulator
Consultant / Practitioner / Instructor / Coach
web: www.leatherdoctor.com
forum: www.leathercleaningrestorationforum.com
email:
[email protected]