Treating stain rings on natural leather

Rainwater, sweat, drinks, etc. Stubborn rings often form on open-pore leather. Here we show the best, and often only, way to treat them.

Why are stain rings on natural leather so difficult to remove?

Aniline leather (open-pore smooth leather) and suede leather (nubuck, velours, suede) have no protective colour layer on the surface. Liquid soaks directly into the leather and leaves a clearly visible ring as it dries. Normal cleaners scarcely help; they only make the leather wetter and increase the problem.

Our solution: Leather Fixative

Colourlock Leather Fixative was originally a colour fixative for leather clothing before washing. However, we have found that it gives the best results for stain rings on natural leather, even in cases where we ourselves hardly expected it any longer.

Success still cannot be guaranteed, but there is no other sensible method of treating such stains.

Stain rings on clothing (suede and smooth leather)

Leather clothing has one advantage: it can be washed completely. This prevents new rings caused by local attempts at cleaning. First pre-treat the garment in a fixing bath, then wash it completely according to our washing instructions.

Stain rings on aniline leather furniture, bags and shoes

Apply the Fixative evenly and generously (wet thoroughly) from seam to seam with a soft cloth.

IMPORTANT: ⚠️ Do not rub! The Fixative softens the surface; excessive rubbing damages it.

Use a hair dryer on cold air for drying. Repeat the process until no further improvement can be achieved.

After drying: Intensively care for newer leather (soft, visually like new) with our Colourlock Aniline Cream and protect it from new stains. Care for older leather (with patina, perhaps somewhat hardened) with Colourlock Leather Preserver.

Stain rings on suede furniture

Absorbed stains or stain rings on suede leather are not easy to remove. “Invisible” is usually no longer possible, but significant improvements can be achieved.

After treatment with Fixative, roughen the leather evenly from seam to seam with the Colourlock Sanding Pad, then care for it with Colourlock Aniline Protector.