How to Repair Discoloration on Leather

Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your skin from the colorant. The colorant may end up staining your hands as well as your leather without the gloves.

Shake your bottle of leather colorant for a solid three minutes to ensure it is fully mixed. If you apply separated colorant, your reward will be streaks and varying tones of color.

Test the colorant against a hidden part of the leather. For example, if you are repairing a leather couch cushion, only apply a small amount of colorant to the bottom of the cushion first. This is a "spot test" that allows you to test the shade of colorant, ensuring it matches the color of your leather before you continue. If the color is different, replace the colorant before you go any further.

Apply a thin layer of colorant over the surface of a small sponge. Press the damp sponge to the faded area. Gently dab the sponge onto the leather until it creates an even color. Pay close attention to any cracks or blemishes in the leather material.

Wipe away any foam that occurs as you sponge the colorant onto the leather. To avoid more foam, refrain from pressing too hard onto the leather material.

Set the leather aside to dry. Use a hair dryer to speed the drying process if your desire.

Practice spraying colorant onto a piece of paper before you apply the second coat of colorant to your faded leather. Practice holding the spray can back far enough to avoid spatter or dripping, but close enough to give the paper an even coat of color.

Lay the leather item flat before you start spraying. Use weights to keep the leather material stretched and flat while you work.

Spray down the faded area with colorant. Apply the colorant with a steady circular motion, keeping it at a level distance from the leather material.