Scuffs on Leather
A scuff on white leather is usually dirt pressed into the finish, or the finish itself rubbed off. The first comes out; the second needs a little color put back.
Overview
How often
When it happens: a fresh scuff comes off easier.
What you'll need
- Jason Markk Premium Shoe CleanerThe damp-wipe step: most scuffs are dirt on the finish
- Angelus Acrylic Leather PaintMatched color where the finish is gone (smooth sneaker leather)
- Angelus Micro Detail Brush SetFine brush for the touch-up
- Jason Markk Premium Suede Cleaning KitEraser and brush for scuffs on suede and nubuck
- Bickmore Bick 4 Leather ConditionerThin coat on the area once dry so it doesn't look flat
Picked for the material, not paid for. Test anything new on a hidden spot first.
Step by step
Step 1: Suede and nubuck: dry first
No water. A suede eraser on the mark, then brush the nap back up. Brass brushes are for suede only, with a light hand; crepe or soft nylon on nubuck and synthetic suede.
Only for Suede, Nubuck, Synthetic suedeStep 2: Smooth leather: wipe first
Smooth leather only: a damp microfiber with a drop of cleaner. Most scuffs are dirt sitting on the finish and lift right off.
Skip for Suede, Nubuck, Synthetic suede, FoampositeStep 3: Melamine, lightly
Still there? A damp melamine sponge (Magic Eraser), light pressure, small circles, on smooth, unprinted leather only (not soft nappa, oiled leather, patent or Foamposite). Test a hidden spot first and stop as soon as the mark goes. Not cordovan, dress calf, metallic or exotic skins either: those take cream polish or a specialist.
Only for Full-grain leather, Tumbled leather, Synthetic leather (PU-coated)Step 4: Color back on
Smooth leather only. If the leather shows through, the finish is gone: a matched leather paint (Angelus) in thin coats with a fine brush, drying between coats. Not cordovan, dress calf, metallic, patent or exotic skins: those take cream polish or a specialist.
Only for Full-grain leather, Tumbled leather, Synthetic leather (PU-coated)Step 5: Condition
Once dry, a thin coat of conditioner on the area so it doesn't look flat next to the rest. Smooth real leather only: never on suede, nubuck, synthetic, cordovan, dress calf, metallic, patent or exotic skins.
Only for Full-grain leather, Tumbled leather, Nappa / soft leather, Oiled / Crazy Horse leather
What to avoid
- Melamine (Magic Eraser) on suede, nubuck, patent, printed or painted areas, or Boost and ZoomX midsoles
- Scrubbing hard: melamine is a fine abrasive and takes finish off with the mark
- Acetone or nail polish remover
