Leather Water Stain Remover Kit L3.ws

Leather Water Stain Remover Kit L3.ws by Leather Doctor® Effectively removes water spots, rings, and discoloration from leather using a safe, pH-balanced system with no side effects.

 Experience the Science of Leather care!

Leather is a pH-sensitive material, behaving much like litmus paper—its color and texture can change on contact with liquids. Even rainwater or tap water, which often contains alkaline minerals, can cause visible ring marks, discoloration, and stiffness once dry.

As an amphoteric protein fiber, absorbent leather responds dramatically to pH shifts. Alkalinity causes leather’s protein fibers to shift from an ionic positive (+ve) to ionic negative (-ve) state. In this negative state, the fiber repels the leather’s ionic negative (-ve) constituents—such as tanning agents, dyestuff, and fatliquor—breaking their hydrogen bonds. These displaced constituents migrate and concentrate at the ring edges, causing visible outlines and fiber stiffness.

 The Holistic Restoration Process:

 Surface Soiling Removal –

• Brushing with Brush 1 and erasing with Eraser 4 removes surface residue.

 pH-Balanced Cleaning & Rinsing –

• Water 1.6 gently cleanses without disrupting the fiber’s pH integrity.
• Acidifier 2.0 acts as a rinse while restoring the ionic positive (+ve) charge to the leather fiber.

 Hydration & Redistribution – 

• Hydrator 3.3 penetrates deep to relax and separate stuck fibers, redistribute displaced leather constituents, and purge contaminants.
• Proper hydration and dwell time are key for optimum effect.

 Fatliquoring for Suppleness –

• Fatliquor 5.0 restores natural fats and oils, imparting softness and strength to the leather.

 Redox Treatment 2.8 –

• Veg-Tan 2.8 oxidation-reduction reaction treatment lightens, browning leather water discoloration. 

  Conditioning –

• Conditioner B creates a non-stick surface with a buttery feel that resists soiling and reduces friction wear.

 pH Matters:

• Each product’s suffix (e.g., 1.6, 2.0, etc.) denotes its pH level, which is critical in this restoration method.
• Leather averages a natural pH of 4
• Water averages pH 7
• Between pH 4 and 7, the ionic difference is 1,000-fold, significantly impacting the suede’s chemistry.
• Above its pH, suede fibers become negatively charged, weakening their bond with the leather’s essential constituents and leading to denaturation—effectively turning suede toward dry rotting  if left unchecked.

 By restoring the leather to its natural ionic state and replenishing its vital components, Leather Doctor’s Leather Water Stain Remover Kit L3.ws offers a thorough and scientifically grounded solution to water damage—preserving both the feel and look of delicate leather. 

 Easy-to-Use Concentrate

• Kit L3.ws products come in concentrated form and must be diluted with 1.2 quarts (1058g) of distilled water before use.

 Kit L3.ws Product Summary Includes:

Leather Water Stain Remover 1.6
Leather Acidifier 2.0
Leather Hydrator 3.3
Leather Fatliquor 5.0
Veg Tan Leather Redox Treatment 2.8
Leather Protector B
Leather Eraser 4
Leather Brush 1
Foam 2
Towel 5

 Leather Water Stain Remover 1.6 by Leather Doctor® is specially formulated to remove rain and water stains by restoring pH sensitive leather’s natural pH balance (3-5).

 Experience the Science of Leather care!

 Removes Water Stains – Eliminates rain and water marks by rebalancing leather’s pH.
 Prevents Mold Growth – Maintains leather’s natural acidic protection against mold.
 Balances pH Scientifically – Leather is pH-sensitive and reacts like litmus paper; exposure to water causes stains and damage.
 Stops Leather Deterioration – Water breaks down tanning agents, dyes, and natural oils, leading to tackiness, stiffness, and discoloration.
 Safe & Effective Formula – Scientifically designed to rebalance pH and protect leather without harsh chemicals. 

 Precision Science-Based Professional Grade, pH 1.6, Water Damage Restoration for pH sensitive Leathers: 

 Leather Acidifier 2.0 by Leather Doctor® is a pH 2.0 acidic rinse designed to control, neutralize, and restore leather’s natural pH balance.

 Acidifier 2.0 prevents leather from denaturing, which can lead to bleeding, streaking, tackiness, and structural weakness due to alkaline overexposure. 

 Acidifier 2.0 Key Benefits:

 Neutralizes alkaline contamination from cleaners, sweat, and body oils
 Prevents dye bleeding and color streaking
 Reduces leather tackiness and improves texture
 Strengthens leather fibers and enhances structural integrity 

 Leather Hydrator 3.3 is a leather-safe pH 3.3 aqueous solution formulated by Leather Doctor® to hydrate, relax, and restore the leather’s internal structure during cleaning, conditioning, and restoration processes - in line with its tannery science-based function:

 It mimics the hydration stage of tannery pre-conditioning to prepare leather for deeper structural rejuvenation.

  Hydrator 3.3 Key Benefits:

 Rehydrates dried, stiff, or collapsed fiber structure

 Restores moisture to the leather’s protein fibers, relaxing them so they can regain flexibility.
 Essential before fatliquoring (with Fatliquor 5.0) so fats and oils can penetrate deeply and bond properly.

 Displaces and flushes out impuritie 

 Helps suspend and wick out residual body oils, sweat, soiling, or alkaline contamination that may have penetrated the leather.

 Balances pH and readies leather for further treatments

 The mild acidic pH of 3.3 re-aligns the ionic charges of the leather structure, making it receptive to fatliquor and protecting against pH damage.

 Helps reduce stiffness and restore suppleness

 When used alone or in conjunction with fatliquor, Hydrator 3.3 is critical for achieving uniform softness, without patchiness. 

 Tannery science basis

 In professional tanning and retanning, hides are hydrated before fatliquoring to ensure that treatments penetrate evenly and bond effectively.
 Hydrator 3.3 replicates this essential tannery hydration step at the restoration stage, particularly for dried-out, stiff, or aged leather.

 Leather Fatliquor 5.0 by Leather Doctor® is a leather-safe pH 5.0 emulsion of fat, oil, and water designed to replenish the original fatliquor content of leather’s fibrous structure.

 It restores leather’s internal lubrication, flexibility, strength, and resilience—mimicking the essential fatliquoring stage in professional tanning and retanning processes.

 Fatliquor 5.0 Key Benefits:

 Lubricates and nourishes the leather structure

 Fatliquor 5.0 deposits fat and oil molecules that bond to the amphoteric protein fibers.
 These lubricate the fibrils, allowing them to slide over each other without stiffness, brittleness, or cracking.

 Reinforces tensile strength and elasticity

 Proper fatliquoring prevents fiber embrittlement and maintains leather’s natural strength and softness.

 Restores suppleness and prevents future damage

 Leather loses fatliquor over time due to aging, heat, sunlight, alkaline exposure, or cleaning.

 Replenishing it prevents shrinkage, stiffness, and cracks.

 Provides long-term structural protection

 Maintains leather’s dimensional stability and ability to flex without damage.

Tannery science basis:

 In the tannery, fatliquoring is one of the final and most critical stages after tanning and dyeing.
 It ensures that leather stays soft, strong, and flexible as it dries.
 The fats and oils form a molecular film around the protein fibers, acting as internal lubricants.

Fatliquor 5.0 brings this same process to leather restoration.
 It ensures the leather is not just “looking good on the surface” but structurally rejuvenated from within.

 Typical uses:

 Restoring dried, stiff, or shriveled leather.
 Rejuvenating leather after mold removal, alkaline contamination, or heat exposure.
 Conditioning leather during or after restoration, repairs, or refinishing.

Important note on process:

 Fatliquor 5.0 works only when the leather is properly hydrated first (with Hydrator 3.3) to relax the fiber structure and open it up for fatliquor absorption.

 Without hydration, fatliquor can’t penetrate deeply or bond uniformly — leading to incomplete restoration. 

 Veg Tan Leather Redox Treatment 2.8 by Leather Doctor®  is an oxidation-reduction reaction treatment for lightening, browning, suntanning, and water discoloration on vegetable-tanned leathers. 

 Veg-Tan 2.8 is a specialized leather-safe product developed to reverse oxidation discoloration in vegetable-tanned leather, particularly when it darkens from water damage, sweat, or aging. This treatment helps restore the leather’s original pale, neutral tone without harsh bleaching or damage.

 Why Use Veg-Tan 2.8?

Oxidation Stain Removal:

 Veg-tan leather contains natural tannins that are highly reactive to alkalinity in sweat and unknown water.
 Over time, these reactions cause permanent-looking dark stains.
 Redox Treatment 2.8 breaks these bonds, chemically reducing the oxidized compounds and lightening the stains.

Restoring Original Appearance:

 Maintains the natural pale, nude, or biscuit tone of unfinished veg-tan leather—crucial for saddle-makers, luxury crafters, and restoration professionals.
 Prevents the need for sanding or bleaching, which can degrade the grain structure. 

Leather-Safe Chemistry:

 Maintains the amphoteric pH-sensitive nature of leather (ideal pH between 3-5).
 Works synergistically with Leather Doctor’s Acidifier 2.0 and Hydrator 3.3 - Fatliquor 5.0 systems to prevent structural damage and preserve suppleness.

 Leather Protector B by Leather Doctor® is a pH 3.2 non-stick, rub-resistant conditioner that enhances smooth leather’s durability while providing a soft, buttery feel.

 Leather Eraser 4 by Leather Doctor® is used on all leather, nubuck, and fine suede for dry and wet cleaning with better greasy and gummy soil traction.

✔ It is also used in conjunction with Stripper 2.3 to strip off old and deteriorating finishes during refinishing.
✔ Dimensions: (L: 2.8 inches x H: 2 inches x W: 0.2 inches) 

 Leather Brush 1 by Leather Doctor® is a detailing horsehair brush designed for gentle, scratch-free cleaning on all smooth leathers.

 Brush 1 Features & Benefits:

✔ Soft Horsehair Bristles – Ensures safe cleaning without scratching or damaging leather surfaces
✔ Ergonomic Grooved Grip – Provides comfort and control for effortless detailing
✔ Sturdy & Durable Design – Built for long-term use in leather maintenance
✔ Ideal for Deep Pore Cleaning – Effectively loosens embedded dirt and grime without harming the finish.

✔ Specifications: (Length: 7 inches. Bristle Head: Three-row 1½-inch horsehair bristles.)

 Foam 2 is a 2-inch high-density polyfoam brush designed for durable, precise, and smooth application of leather care products. 

 Foam 2 Features & Benefits: 

✔ High-Density Polyfoam – Resists tearing and shredding for long-lasting use
✔ Even Product Distribution – Ensures smooth, streak-free application
✔ Controlled Absorption – Holds and releases product efficiently for optimal coverage
✔ Versatile Use – Ideal for applying dyes, finishes, and conditioners on leather and suede

✔ Specifications: (Width: 2 inches. Material: High-density polyfoam).

   Towel 5 by Leather Doctor is a high-performance, lint-free paper towel designed to perform like cloth for efficient cleaning and drying without leaving residues 

  Towel 5 Features & Benefits:   

 ✔ Lint-Free – Leaves no fibers or residues behind
 ✔ Highly Absorbent – Quickly absorbed suspended soiling
 ✔ Stretchable & Durable – Strong enough for repeated use without tearing
 ✔ Washable & Reusable – Can be rinsed and reused for multiple applications

 Instruction: 

  Water Stain Removing

1. Water 1.6 concentrate is mixed with distilled water at a ratio of 1: 19 before use.
2. Apply evenly, clean with Brush 1 for a deep darkening effect.
3. Excess and suspended soiling is extracted with Towel 5 or equivalent for an even appearance.
4. Continue with an acidifying rinse to neutralize the water pH damage.

 Acidifying Rinse

1. Acidifier 2.0 concentrate is mixed with distilled water 1: 25 before use.
2. Apply evenly, rinse with Brush 1 for a deep darkening effect.
3. Excess and suspended soiling is extracted with Towel 1 or equivalent for an even appearance.
4. Continue with hydrating.

 Hydrating

1. Hydrator 3.3 concentrates is mixed with distilled water 1: 25 before use.
2. Apply evenly, rinse with Brush 1 for a deep darkening effect.
3. Excess and suspended soiling is extracted with Towel 5 or equivalent for an even appearance.
4. Massage, stretch to relax creases and wrinkles.
5. Continue with Fatliquoring.

 Fatliquoring 

1. Fatliquor 5.0 concentrate is mixed with warm distilled water 1: 5 before use.
2. Apply and redistribute with Brush 1 or pads until structure is evenly saturated.
3. Repeat each cycle water contents evaporate leaving behind only the fat and oil content.
4. Allow natural drying for extra softness.
5. The desired suppleness is further staked and massaged, accordingly with a little wet back with Hydrator 3.3 until dry.

 Step 5 - Oxidation-Reduction Treatment

1. Veg-Tan 2.8 is applied over the dried surface and towel padded saturating evenly without a dry edge to avoid blotchiness or drying marks and left to dry for an oxidation-reduction reaction to take effect.
2. The appearance is inspected during treatment or after drying and may be repeated accordingly.
3. After dry inspection, any surface residue is wiped away with Hydrator 3.3 and let to dry again for a satisfactory inspection, otherwise repeat.

 Conditioning

1. Protector B concentrate is mixed with distilled water 1: 19 before use.
2. Shake well, apply, and spread with a lint-free towel or sponge.
3. Its ready to use when dry.

 By following these steps, water stains can be safely and effectively removed while maintaining the suede's durability and natural balance.

   Your opinions, insights and review are precious and will help us solve your leather problem more efficiently.

Updated: April 5, 2025 | July 12 2025 by Roger Koh