Leather can have either a glossy or matte finish, and which one is better depends on your personal preference and the intended use of the leather item. For example, modern leather car interiors typically feature a matte finish, while most leather shoes tend to have a glossy shine. However, daily wear and tear can cause matte leather to become shiny over time, especially in high-use areas like the driver's seat in cars.

The good news is that you can restore the original matte finish or even change a glossy leather item to a matte one, or vice versa. Here’s how to adjust the finish of leather and keep it looking its best.

How to Change Leather from Glossy to Matte or Matte to Glossy

Step 1: Clean the Leather Surface
To reduce the gloss on pigmented leather, start by cleaning the surface with Geist Rapid Leather & Vinyl Cleaner and a Geist Leather Cleaning Brush. This cleaning process will naturally reduce some of the shine. If the desired matte finish is achieved through cleaning alone, protect the leather with Geist Dye & Friction Blocker (3-6 months durability) or Geist Repel (12+ months durability) to maintain the finish and protect the leather from further wear and tear.

Step 2: Degrease the Leather
If cleaning doesn't remove enough gloss, the next step is to degrease the leather surface. Use Geist Degreaser D1 to completely dull the leather's surface. Degreasing will effectively remove oils and grease, which contribute to the leather's shine.

Step 3: Apply a Matte Finish
If additional dullness is required, or if you want to change the leather from glossy to matte, apply Geist Easy Colour Restorer Neutral Matt. This product allows you to adjust the level of gloss and can be applied using a sponge or a spray gun for a more even finish. Keep in mind, it’s easier to make leather glossy than to reduce shine. If you're working with large areas or want a perfectly uniform finish, we recommend seeking professional help, as a specialist can spray the product for a more even application.

Step 4: Protect the Leather Finish
To maintain a new matte finish, protect the leather with Geist Dye & Friction Blocker or Geist Repel. These products will help prevent further wear, shine, and damage to the surface of the leather.

The Science Behind Leather Gloss and Matte Finishes

If you look at leather under a microscope, you'll notice that the surface's texture plays a significant role in its gloss level. Matte leather has rougher, more defined edges that reflect less light, creating a dull finish. In contrast, smoother surfaces reflect more light, making the leather appear shinier. This explains why polishing or buffing leather increases its shine—by smoothing out the surface, you're reducing the shadows that would otherwise create a matte look.

By following these steps, you can easily restore or change the gloss level of your leather items, whether you prefer a shiny or matte finish.