Leather furniture is an investment in comfort and style, but over time, it’s common to see scratches, dullness, and stiffness develop, especially in high-use areas like armrests and headrests. Fortunately, these problems can be repaired, and your leather can look (and feel) like new again.

Why Leather Loses Its Gloss and Softness

Most quality leather, including luxury aniline wax pull-up styles like those used in Restoration Hardware’s Lancaster, Maxwell, and Brompton collections, is finished with natural oils and waxes.

These provide:

• A rich sheen and depth of color
  
• A “pull-up” effect — lighter highlights when the leather is stretched or rubbed
  
• A supple, comfortable feel
  

Over time, these oils and waxes dry out or get contaminated by body oils, spills, and improper cleaners.

The result:

• Dull, faded surfaces
  
• Stiffness and reduced flexibility
  
• Visible scratches and scuffs
  
• Loss of the pull-up contrast

The Right Way to Repair Scratches and Restore Gloss

1. Clean and Decontaminate

Start by removing body oil, sweat, and dirt from the surface and pores of the leather. This prevents re-soiling and prepares the leather for conditioning.

2. Recondition from the Inside Out

Leather is a collagen fiber network that needs lubrication to stay strong and flexible.

• Fatliquor 5.0 replenishes the fats and oils lost over time, restoring softness and preventing cracking.
  

3. Revive the Pull-Up Effect

For wax pull-up leather, Wax Pull-Up 8.6 replenishes the surface wax layer that creates the signature “highlight” effect when stretched.

4. Refinish with a Protective Gloss Topcoat

A professional-grade aniline gloss topcoat restores the sheen and depth while protecting against spills and wear.

Our Recommended Solution

For complete scratch repair, gloss restoration, and long-term protection of wax pull-up leather, we recommend the Leather Doctor® Aniline Wax Pull-Up Leather Topcoat Refinishing Kit AW6.tc.

This kit includes everything you need to:

• Remove contamination without stripping natural oils
  
• Rehydrate and soften the leather fibers
  
• Revive the pull-up effect with fresh waxes
  
• Apply a durable, glossy topcoat for a like-new finish

The Results

After proper restoration, your leather will have:

• Rich, glossy depth of color
  
• Visible pull-up highlights when rubbed or stretched
  
• A soft, supple feel
  
• Renewed protection against everyday wear

Pro Tip: Regular maintenance every 6–12 months prevents deep damage and keeps wax pull-up leather looking its best for decades.