How to Do an Antique Finish on a Leather Sofa

Leather couches are seen in many rustic living rooms, particularly when the leather is antiqued. An antiqued leather couch pairs well with rustic and western decorative styles. They are often detailed with decorative upholstery tacks that outline the shape of the arms and back of the couch. Although not truly an antique, the leather in these has a worn and comfortable appearance. You can use antiquing techniques to create the style. Some companies produce formulations that, when applied to the leather surface, create an antique appearance.

Fine-grade sandpaper, steel wool or wire-bristle brush
Clean cloths
Spray bottle
Water
Leather antiquing product
Dauber or sponge
Clean sponges
Protective leather finish

Instructions

- 1
  Lightly distress the leather with fine-grade sandpaper, steel wool or a wire-bristle brush. Work in a circular motion. Rub the leather slightly harder on areas where the leather would naturally look more worn, such as where hands touch the armrests or in the center of the seat.
- 2
  Wipe the leather down with a soft cloth to remove any particles loosened from the distressing process.
- 3
  Mist the couch with water in spray bottle. This opens the grains of the leather, making it receptive to dyes.
- 4
  Dip a dauber or sponge into a leather antiquing product. Firms make these products specifically to give leather an antiqued appearance. Begin rubbing the solution into the leather, making small circular motion. Work the product into cuts and grooves in the leather. Completely cover the surface of the couch with the product. Allow it to set for two to five minutes.
- 5
  Dampen a clean sponge. Wipe off excess antiquing product. Remove it most from raised portions of the couch but leave the accumulation of product in perforations and depressed areas. Allow the leather to dry for 30 minutes.
- 6
  Buff the entire couch with a clean cloth.
- 7
  Apply an acrylic-based, water-repellent finish to the leather. Some leather finishes are made specifically to protect antiqued and dyed leather. Apply a thin layer of the product with a damp sponge, working in small circular motions. Allow the product to dry for 30 minutes and remove excess with a clean cloth.

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