Shearling Suede Repair and Care Kit SS7 by Leather Doctor® is a complete Shearling-Safe™, pH-balanced (3.0–5.0) professional system designed to clean, rinse, condition, restore strength, and repair both the wool (fleece) side and suede face of shearling (double-face sheepskin) garments.
- It includes the correct chemistry, tools, and techniques to address aging, dryness, loss of fat liquor, rip and tear repairs, and structural reinforcement.
What Is Shearling Suede?
Shearling suede is a double-face natural material made from sheep or lambskin:
- Outer face: Suede (buffed flesh side)
- Inner face: Soft, sheared wool (fleece)
Because both sides are exposed and functional, shearling requires balanced care on both faces to maintain softness, tensile strength, and appearance.
Why Does Suede Rip and Tear Easily?
Suede weakens primarily due to the loss of original fat liquor (fat and oil) within the fiber structure.
Common causes include:
- Aging and oxidation (fat and oil slowly evaporate)
- Cleaning with high-alcohol or improper detergents
- Washing with excessive water without re-fatliquoring
Early warning signs of weakened suede:
- Rapid formation of creases and wrinkles (especially sleeves and stress areas)
- A tired, collapsed appearance
- Increased susceptibility to ripping under normal stress
Once suede dries internally, mechanical stress leads directly to rips and tears.
When Should Repair Begin?
Repair work should never start on dry, weak, or contaminated suede.
Proper repair begins only after:
- Cleaning
- Rinsing
- Hydrating
- Fatliquoring
- Exfoliating
This process reveals a cleaner, stronger, and more receptive surface, ensuring durable repairs.
Why Are Leather Doctor® Products Supplied in Concentrate?
Leather Doctor® concentrates are engineered for professional control and longevity:
- Indefinite shelf life
- Will not freeze
- Reduced shipping weight
- Less handling damage
- Mixed fresh with distilled water only before use
Kit SS7 – Product Contents
Available Sizes: 4 oz / 8 oz / 16 oz fills
(Dilution required — distilled water only)
Water Required per Kit Size
- 4 oz fill → 760 g / 0.8 quart
- 8 oz fill → 1,516 g / 1.7 quarts
- 16 oz fill → 3,033 g / 3.4 quarts
(Shake well before use)
Included in the Kit
✅ Sheepskin Wool Cleaner 5.5
✅ Sheepskin Wool Rinsing Conditioner 4.0
✅ Sheepskin Wool Smooth Feel Conditioner S
✅ Suede Soft Cleaner 4.5
✅ Suede Rinsing Conditioner 3.0
✅ Suede Hydrating Conditioner 3.3
✅ Suede Fatliquoring Conditioner 5.0
✅ Leather Glue 3D
✅ Leather Patch 4S
✅ Suede Eraser 5
✅ Sheepskin Wool Brush 4
✅ Suede Napa Brush 2
✅ Foam 2
✅ Towel 5
How to Clean, Rinse, and Condition the Wool (Fleece Side)
Dry Soil Removal
- Brush wool at an angle in one direction using Sheepskin Wool Brush 4. Vacuum thoroughly.
Cleaning
- Spray Sheepskin Wool Cleaner 5.5, brush gently at an angle, and extract suspended soil using towel folding and changing until the towel shows clean and dry.
Rinsing
- Repeat the same process using Sheepskin Wool Rinsing Conditioner 4.0.
- Allow to dry completely, then brush to bloom.
Conditioning
- Spray Sheepskin Wool Smooth Feel Conditioner S, brush evenly, allow to dry, and brush again to restore softness and bloom.
How to Clean, Rinse, Hydrate, Fatliquor, and Exfoliate the Suede Face
-
Dry Soil Removal
Brush and erase surface soiling using Suede Napa Brush 2 and Suede Eraser 5, followed by vacuuming. -
Cleaning
Apply Suede Soft Cleaner 4.5, brush, erase, and towel-extract until new towel folds show clean. -
Rinsing
Repeat using Suede Rinsing Conditioner 3.0 until residue-free and ready for hydration. -
Hydration
Spray Suede Hydrating Conditioner 3.3 and brush into the structure until the suede plumps.
When gently pressed between fingers, moisture should ooze out. -
Softening Manipulation
Stretch, massage, and flex while relaxed. Towel-extract excess moisture. -
Fatliquoring
Apply Suede Fatliquoring Conditioner 5.0 over damp suede. Allow to dry naturally.
Repeat applications until the final saturation is achieved. -
Final Softening & Drying
During near-dry stage, stake, massage, and flex until fully dry and soft. -
Exfoliation
Use Suede Eraser 5 to remove dry rot, old nap, and worn fibers, restoring a fresh, nappy, finger-writing effect.
The suede is now ready for repair.
How to Repair Suede Rips and Tears
Repairs are performed using Leather Glue 3D, a translucent-drying, flexible adhesive.
Tools
Use tools smaller than the split for control:
- Teaspoon tip
- Flattened bamboo skewer
- Reduced ice-cream stick
- Cotton bud for excess removal
Repair Procedure
-
Split Fit Test
Ensure edges close cleanly with no missing fibers. Prepare donor fibers if needed. -
Glue Application
Apply a thin layer of Glue 3D into the open split. Remove excess. -
Close & Align
Close the split, align edges carefully, smooth the surface, and leave undisturbed to dry.
How to Repair a Suede Hole
Holes with missing fibers require:
- Donor suede fibers taken from hidden areas
- Glue 3D used in conjunction with fiber filling
The repair method follows the same principles as rip and tear repairs.
How to Repair a Weakened Seam or Structural Rip
Seams that carry weight require strength restoration before bonding.
- Increase hydration and fatliquoring to restore tensile strength.
- Use Leather Patch 4S as a sub-patch for reinforcement.
- Apply the patch from the wool side, shaving ½ inch around the edges for direct contact.
- Hydrate and fatliquor through the patch before bonding.
Camouflage (If Required)
A second thin application of Glue 3D may be used to partially press donor suede fibers into the surface.
Practice on scrap material before attempting the final repair.
Edited on April 6, 2024 | February 2, 2026 by Roger Koh.