Restore a Faded Leather Jacket: Recover Its Luster and Bring It Back to the Wardrobe!

A well-worn leather jacket can exude timeless charm and character, but over time, its exposure to the elements and general wear and tear can cause it to lose its luster. Faded leather not only decreases the jacket’s appeal but also compromises its duration. What are the efficient tips to restore a faded leather jacket and bring it back to the wardrobe?

Recovering Faded Jacket with Conditioner and Cleaner

One of the most straightforward and efficient ways to restore a faded leather jacket is by applying a leather conditioner and cleaner. These products are readily available almost everywhere in leather stores and online retailers. Here are the needed guidelines on how to use them:

• Treat the jacket with a leather cleaner. Begin by applying a small amount to a clean, damp cloth, and lightly wipe the whole surface of the garment. This will remove dirt, grime, and visible stains, which contribute to the faded appearance.
• Let the jacket air dry completely. Avoid using heat sources like hairdryers or radiators after the cleaning process, as they can damage the leather.

• Apply a leather conditioner. It’s important to perform this step when the garment is already dry. Take a soft cloth or sponge to rub a small amount of conditioner into the clothing, using circular motions. Ensure you cover the entire garment surface.
• Let the conditioner soak in. Leave the clothing for at least 15 minutes, or as written on the product label.
• Buff the leather lightly. Use a dry cloth for the purpose in order to bring back the garment’s shine and suppleness.

Read also: How to Remove Pen Marks from Leather? – 3 Simple DIY Cleaning Methods You Can Apply Anywhere!

How Do You Fix Faded Leather with Olive Oil and Vinegar?

For those who appreciate a more natural approach to leather restoration, olive oil with vinegar can be a magical combination. There is a proven way to do it:

1. Pour equal parts of olive oil and white vinegar. Mix them in a small bowl.
2. Dip a clean cloth or sponge in the mixture. Apply this solution to the discolored areas of the leather jacket.
3. Gently rub the solution into the leather. Work from one small area of the clothing to another in circular motions. This helps moisturize the garment and restore its color.
4. Leave the mixture to sit on the jacket. Let the solution work for about 30 minutes, and after that, wipe off any excess mixture quantity with a clean, dry cloth.

If it’s needed and the result is unsatisfactory, repeat the whole cycle, until you reach the desired level of color restoration.

Restoring Faded Leather Jacket with Leather Dye

When classic methods fail to restore a faded leather jacket to its previous glory, the simple dye can be a more working possibility. The leather dye can be found in a variety of colors, so choose the one that matches your clothing’s original shade. There’s a tried and tested way to apply it:

1. Treat the jacket with a leather cleaner. Clean thoroughly, as described in the first method, to take away dirt and surface impurities. Wait until the jacket is dry.
2. Add a leather preparer or deglazer. This will take away any existing dye or finish from your garment and make it ready for the new color.
3. Stir the leather dye well. This will allow it to mix properly.
4. Apply the dye to the faded areas. Add it evenly to your clothing, with a help of a sponge or an applicator brush. You may need to make multiple coats, leaving each layer to dry before adding the next.
5. Allow the jacket to air dry. Leave it outdoors for no less than 24 hours. When you see that it’s completely dried, continue with the next step.
6. Apply a leather sealer or finisher. This is necessary to protect the new color and create a glossy finish.

Recovering the Color with Leather Paint

Using leather paint is another possibility for restoring the color of your garment, especially if you want to change the color entirely. Here’s how to do it:

1. Treat with leather cleaner. Treat the clothing thoroughly as described in the first method.
2. Sand the faded areas lightly. Perform this step with fine-grit sandpaper to make the surface smooth, so that the paint to adhere to it. Be gentle to avoid damaging the garment.
3. Add a leather primer to the sanded spots. This allows the paint to adhere better to the leather. Then shake the paint well.
4. Apply the paint to the discolored areas. Add it evenly with the help of a sponge, brush, or airbrush.
5. Let the first coat dry entirely. After that, apply additional layers as needed to achieve the desired color intensity. Leave the layers to dry.
6. Add a sealer or finisher to the paint. This is needed to protect the new color and ensure durability.

Read also: How to Wear Leather Jacket after 50? Modern, Stylish and Feminine Looks for older Women!