3 Ways To Dull Leather - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Hobbies and Crafts
• Crafts
• Leatherworking

How to Dull Leather Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Washing and Wearing Leather Items 2 Using a Chemical Solution to Dull Leather 3 Trying Abrasive Techniques Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Mallika Sharma

Last Updated: January 1, 2025 References

Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Mallika Sharma. Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 138,027 times.

Leather lasts for years, and the older it gets, the more character it has! Unfortunately, when you buy new leather products, they can sometimes look overly glossy or even cheap. You can try washing and wearing your leather to dull its appearance in a subtle, gradual way. If you want to dull your leather more dramatically, try a chemical solution. For an even more distressed look, try using abrasive techniques.

Things You Should Know

Spray your leather with rubbing alcohol until it’s damp or rub it with a cotton ball soaked in acetone, then let it air dry for a dull, weathered look. Shoe care specialist Carroll Kelly recommends using an “acetone-based cleaner…that knocks off the shine from the manufacturer for a matte finish.”

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Washing and Wearing Leather Items

Download Article

1. 1 Clean your leather item with soapy water. Cleaning your leather may be enough to remove oils or waxes that are making it look shiny.[1] You can make your own leather cleaning solution by combining 16  fl oz (470 mL) of water with a few drops of dish soap. Dip a soft towel or cloth into the solution and then wipe down the leather. Then, dip a new cloth in distilled water and wipe the item again. Dry the leather with a soft, dry towel or chamois.[2]
   • You can also purchase a leather cleaning product if you prefer. Look for a leather cleaning product that will leave a matte finish to get a dull look on your leather item.
   • Wetting the leather with plain water may also be enough to dull it. Moisten a washcloth with water and wipe it over the surface of your leather item for an instant dulling effect.
2. 2 Pull the shine off of a leather jacket by washing and drying it. Put your leather jacket in the washer by itself and add 1 US tbsp (15 mL) of laundry detergent. Run the washer on the gentle cycle using cold water. Wring the jacket out when it’s finished washing, as the washing machine won’t be able to get out all the excess water. Then, transfer it to the dryer and run it on medium heat until it is dry. This should get rid of any wrinkles in the leather.[3]
   • You might need to repeat the process to get the desired look, especially if your leather item is brand new.
   • Your leather jacket may shrink in the dryer. For items that you don’t want to get any smaller, use the no-heat tumble dry cycle.
   Advertisement
3. 3 Wear and use your leather often to break it in over time. Another easy, slow way to dull leather is to wear and use it often. Leather will continue to look duller and more beat up over the years. Speed up this slow aging process by using your leather items as often as you can
   • You can also try wearing your leather item outside on a rainy or snowy day to get it wet.
   • If you have a leather jacket or leather shoes that you want to make look duller, try lending the item out to friends to speed up the process.
Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Using a Chemical Solution to Dull Leather

Download Article

1. 1 Use a wax stripping product to remove a mirror shine. A mirror shine is an ultra-glossy finish on leather. It is a common finish on dress shoes. If you have a pair of shoes or other leather item that has a wax mirror shine on it, then you might need to purchase a special product to get the wax off. Purchase a bottle of leather wax remover in the shoe department of a store or online. Apply the product to a rag or soft cloth and wipe it over the surface of the leather. Continue to apply and wipe the surface until the mirror glaze is completely gone.[4]
   • Mirror glaze can be difficult to remove. Press hard as you wipe down the surface of the leather item.
2. 2 Spray the item with rubbing alcohol to create a dull, weathered look.[5] Fill an empty spray bottle about 1/4 to 1/2 full with rubbing alcohol. Then, spray a light layer of alcohol all over your leather item. Apply enough alcohol so that the item is damp but not drenched. Allow the alcohol to dry completely to give your leather a dull, weathered look.
   • You can also use a toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol to apply it to hard-to-reach spots.
   • Alcohol dries quickly, so you should notice the effect within 5 minutes of applying the product.
3. 3 Apply acetone nail polish remover to remove color and shine. Acetone nail polish remover can lighten or even remove the dyes used to color your leather. Pour a small amount of acetone nail polish remover onto a cotton ball or soft cloth, and rub the cotton ball or cloth over any spots you want to lighten. Focus on areas that might naturally fade first, such as the bottom corners of bags or the elbow creases of jackets.[6]
   • This technique will work differently depending on the quality and color of the dye. You may not be able to completely remove the color on a dark leather item.
   • Chemical methods of dulling your leather may damage and discolor it, so test it first. Apply the solution to an inconspicuous area of the leather before you treat the whole item.
   • They actually sell acetone-based cleaners that you can use for this as well.[7]
Advertisement

Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Trying Abrasive Techniques

Download Article

1. 1 Wipe leather with a textured cleaning cloth to dull the shine. Purchase a container of scrubbing surface wipes that are meant for cleaning counters and other hard surfaces. Then, wipe the leather to dull the shine. Dry off the leather with a soft towel or chamois after you finish wiping it.[8]
   • You may need to repeat this 1 to 2 more times to get the desired effect.
   • You can find texture cleaning cloths in the cleaning supplies section of a grocery store. Look for one that is labeled as “textured,” “abrasive,” or “scrubbing.”
2. 2 Rub leather with steel wool or 220-grit sandpaper for a distressed look. The longer you have your leather, the more scratched up it gets. To give new leather a distressed appearance, rub it gently with steel wool or 220-grit sandpaper. Use back-and-forth motions to rub the leather instead of going in circles, as this will create more natural-looking scratches.
   • Sandpaper may be too coarse for some leather. Try starting with steel wool and moving up to sandpaper if you need it. You can move up to even coarser sandpaper if you want to create deeper scratches.[9]
3. 3 Use a wire brush if you want to create naturally worn spots. Rub a wire brush in back-and-forth and use circular motions in the spot on your leather item that you’d like to age. Go slowly and monitor the amount of distress you’re creating in the leather. Don't rub an area too much or you may puncture the leather.
   • For shoes and boots, focus on the top part of the toe. For bags, scuff up the bottom corners. For jackets, spend some time on the elbow creases.
   • You could also try scuffing up a leather item with another rough item, such as a pumice stone or rough rock.
   • Be aware that using abrasive methods to dull leather may damage it. Test the technique on an inconspicuous area of the item before you treat it all over.
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question

• Question How do you get the shine out of leather? Drew Hawkins1 Community Answer You can dull leather and take the shine out of it by washing it with soapy water to remove the oils and waxes that make it shiny. If it's leather clothing, like a leather jacket, wash and dry it in the washing machine to take out its shine. For leather shoes, use a wax stripping product to rub the shine off of them, or spray them with rubbing alcohol to give them a distressed look. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 10 Helpful 6
• Question Does leather get shiny over time? Drew Hawkins1 Community Answer Generally, no. Leather needs to be polished with oils or waxes in order to become shiny. If you want your leather to get shiny, you need to care for it properly and polish it regularly to build up the oils in the material that make it shiny. You also need to avoid washing it with soap and water, which will strip away the oils. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
• Question How do you make fake leather look old? Drew Hawkins1 Community Answer Both real leather and fake leather, or pleather, can be made dull and given a distressed, weathered look by applying rubbing alcohol. Mix together a solution of half water and half rubbing alcohol and spray it over the surface of the fake leather. Use a clean cloth to rub the surface and make it more dull and worn. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 5

Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

• Keep in mind that you might not be able to undo the effects of removing the shine or distressing your leather. Make sure this is what you want to do with the item before you get started! Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1

Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How toSoften Leather How toDarken Leather How toScuff Up New Shoes How to Get Nail Polish off Leather: Scraping, Cleaning Products & More How to Wash Leather by Hand or In a Washing Machine How toPaint Leather How toCare For a Leather Jacket How toClean Leather Shoes How toSoften Leather Shoes How toShrink Leather How toBreak in a Leather Jacket How toClean Patent Leather How toStretch Leather How toClean a Leather Jacket Advertisement

References

1. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview
2. ↑ https://www.forbes.com/sites/houzz/2016/12/13/how-to-clean-and-care-for-leather-furniture/#67a13f641ff9
3. ↑ http://www.glamour.com/story/style-secret-toss-your-old-lea
4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4_DUbchPBE&feature=youtu.be&t=104
5. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview
6. ↑ https://www.hunker.com/12536081/how-to-take-the-shininess-out-of-faux-leather
7. ↑ Carroll Kelly. Shoe Care Specialist. Expert Interview
8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qCBZdoF91cE&feature=youtu.be&t=29
9. ↑ http://www.artofmanliness.com/2009/12/08/tips-for-breaking-in-a-leather-jacket-the-schott-nyc-jacket-giveaway/

About This Article

Co-authored by: Mallika Sharma Certified Leather Care Technician This article was co-authored by Mallika Sharma. Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom. This article has been viewed 138,027 times. 20 votes - 84% Co-authors: 10 Updated: January 1, 2025 Views: 138,027 Categories: Leatherworking Article SummaryX

To dull leather, try spraying a light layer of rubbing alcohol over your leather piece to give it a dull, weathered look. Alternatively, pour a small amount of acetone nail polish remover on a soft cloth and rub the cloth over any spots you want to lighten on the leather. You can also rub your leather with steel wool or fine-grit sandpaper in back-and-forth motions to create a distressed look. Cleaning a leather item with soapy water can also dull its shine! For tips on using a wax stripping product on leather, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish German French Dutch Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 138,027 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Mallika Sharma Certified Leather Care Technician Co-authors: 10 Updated: January 1, 2025 Views: 138,027 84% of readers found this article helpful. 20 votes - 84% Click a star to add your vote

Quizzes & Games

What Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizTake QuizWhat’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take QuizWhat's My Clothing Style Quiz (For Men)Take QuizWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toSoften LeatherHow toDarken LeatherHow toScuff Up New ShoesHow to Get Nail Polish off Leather: Scraping, Cleaning Products & More

Trending Articles

Am I Good at Flirting QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizRank My Attractiveness Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Watch Articles

How toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?How toWear a HoodieHow toChiffonadeHow toMake a Fabric RoseHow toConfront a Bully

Trending Articles

What Is My Intelligence Type Quiz210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackDepression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?Am I Autistic Quiz

Quizzes & Games

What Should I Wear Today QuizTake QuizMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouTake QuizWhat Perfume Note Am I QuizTake QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizFinish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWhat Color Should I Paint My Nails QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Hobbies and Crafts
• Crafts
• Leatherworking

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Level up your tech skills and stay ahead of the curve

Let's go! X --481