Saphir Bordeaux Suede Spray 08 – 200ml Rénovétine Colour Reviver for Suede and Nubuck

Description

Saphir Bordeaux Suede Spray 08 – bring deep wine colour back to tired suede

Bordeaux suede is a wonderful thing when it is fresh and a sorry sight when it is not. The deep wine tone is what you bought the shoes for, and it is exactly the tone that sunlight, rain and brushing quietly strip away. Saphir Bordeaux Suede Spray 08 is the 200ml aerosol that puts it back.

This is the Rénovétine spray from Saphir, a French house that has been making leather and shoe care since 1920 and is used in more than fifty countries. It is designed to refresh, protect and care for suede and nubuck in one pass: the pigment restores the colour, the formula nourishes the fibres, and the finish stays matte and soft rather than turning shiny or crusty.

An aerosol is the right delivery method for a napped surface, because a spray reaches down between the fibres in a way that no cloth can manage. That is what makes the difference between suede that looks revived and suede that looks patched.

Why choose this bordeaux suede spray?

• Restores and deepens the colour. The pigment load is aimed at bringing a faded bordeaux back to its original depth rather than painting a new shade over the top. Two light passes give a far more natural result than one heavy one.
• Nourishes the fibres. Suede dries out just like smooth leather does, and dry fibres are what make an old shoe feel brittle and look grey at the edges.
• Keeps the nap soft and matte. The formula is built to maintain that velvety hand and the flat, non-reflective finish that suede is supposed to have. Brush the nap up afterwards and the texture comes straight back.
• Light protection against dirt and damp. You get a modest barrier against water and grime, which buys you time to wipe a splash off before it becomes a stain. It is not a substitute for a dedicated waterproofer, but it helps.
• Even coverage from an aerosol. Spraying from a short distance lets you cover a whole boot uniformly, including the awkward areas around the eyelets and the heel.
• Works well beyond footwear. Bags, jackets and accessories in bordeaux suede respond just as well as shoes do. A 200ml can goes a long way across a small collection.

How to use the Saphir Bordeaux Suede Spray 08

A good bordeaux suede spray job is about preparation and light passes rather than emptying the can in one go.

1. Brush the suede thoroughly with a suede brush to lift the nap and clear out dust and dried mud.
2. Make sure the surface is completely clean and dry, and mask off any smooth leather trim or light soles.
3. Shake the can well and test the spray on a hidden area such as the inside of the tongue.
4. Hold the can a short distance away and spray evenly across the whole surface in steady sweeps.
5. Let the first pass dry and add a second only if the colour still looks uneven.
6. Brush the dry suede lightly with a suede brush to restore the texture and even out the finish.

My tip as a shoe specialist

Do the whole shoe, never just the faded patch. Suede takes pigment differently depending on how worn each area is, so spot-treating a pale toe almost always leaves you with a halo you can see from across the room. Work outdoors or in a well ventilated room, keep the can moving so it never puddles in one spot, and brush before and after for the most natural finish. If your pair has smooth leather trim, a strip of masking tape saves an awful lot of regret.

Specifications

At a glance

• Volume: 200ml aerosol
• Colour: Bordeaux 08, a deep wine red
• Type: Colour reviver and conditioner for napped leather
• Suitable for: Suede and nubuck shoes, boots, bags and accessories
• Not suitable for: Smooth leather and patent leather
• Applicator: Aerosol, sprayed from a short distance
• Finish: Matte, soft nap
• Brand: Saphir, France, established 1920
• Price: £14.99

Frequently asked questions

Will it stiffen the suede?

Not if you keep the passes light. The formula is designed to nourish the fibres, and a quick brush once it is dry lifts the nap straight back to soft.

Can I use it on nubuck too?

Yes. Nubuck is simply a finer napped leather, and it takes this spray just as well as suede does. Brush it afterwards with a soft suede brush rather than a stiff one.

My boots are more of a burgundy than a bordeaux, will it work?

Almost certainly, because these two names describe much the same corner of the colour wheel. Test on the inside of the tongue first and look at it in daylight before committing to the whole boot. Remember that suede revivers deepen a colour and never lighten it, so going from bordeaux to something paler is not on the cards. If your pair sits closer to a bright red, the red shade in this range is the better match.

Where can I buy the Saphir Bordeaux Suede Spray 08 in the UK?

You can order the Saphir Bordeaux Suede Spray 08 directly from Shoespecialist.co.uk. We offer free delivery on orders over £50, same-day dispatch when you order before 5pm, and a 60-day return policy. The full Rénovétine colour range is in stock, so there is a match for most suede in your wardrobe.