Suede, a sort of leather finish, is created from the hide of cows, sheep, deer and goats. This end is commonly used on leather used to upholster furniture pieces such as sofas and chairs. New suede includes a uniform, factory-made appearance, but you may prefer a more classic design. It can take decades for leather to look worn. If you don’t want to wait, then hasten the process by distressing the suede yourself. Distressing softens suede also gives it a weathered, lived-in look.
Fill a spray bottle with a mixture of one part lukewarm water and one part rubbing alcohol. Thoroughly mist the suede product. Allow the alcohol dry, then spray again.
Wrap a cloth around the head of a hammer. Gently hit on the suede with the hammer to soften it. Instead, set a small, heavy ball at a tube sock, then attack the suede with it.
Run a sheet of 220-grit sandpaper above the surface of the suede. Apply more pressure where the object would wear down with time. For example, to distress a chair or other furniture, focus on the headrest, back and the top of the seat. On boots and shoes, distress the toes, heels and seams. On a bag or bag, the bottom, corners and handle would wear out first.
Wipe the suede item with a moist cloth to get rid of debris and dust. If the item doesn’t look distressed enough, then continue to mud.
Scrape places with a wire brush, if desired, to make them look even more distressed.
Spray the item with rubbing alcohol again, then blow-dry it with warm air. The heat will give the suede a mottled, lightened look.
Mist the item with a thin layer of spray-on suede sealant when you are satisfied with the distressed appearance. This protects the item from additional damage.