Samuel Koza 10/22/17 Samuel Koza 10/22/17

How to Restore Your Leather Handbag

For many, leather handbags and purses can be a wearable piece of art that defines who we are out in the world. And for many... it's a real investment that many of us are willing to make. You'll want to keep it for a lifetime, so here are some excellent tips on how to take care of your investment.

Cleaning your leather handbag/purse

For many, leather handbags and purses can be a wearable piece of art that defines who we are out in the world. And for many... it's a real investment that many of us are willing to make. Though women tend to "invest" in handbags more than men, the men of today carry handbags and leather luxury goods more and more.

Like a diamond engagement ring or collector's watch, when you've invested a lot of money in a handbag, you'll want to make sure it sticks around for a lifetime. But taking care of leather goods can be tricky - and when it's an item you've fallen in love, with much more lies at stake.

So, how do you clean a leather handbag?

The very first place to start is with an ounce of prevention. This should begin the day that you purchase your leather handbag and you should treat your bag with a cream or leather care product designed for it, at least once every 60 to 90 days.

Secondly, regular cleaning should be a no-brainer - even if it's a quick wipe down. For quick, regular cleanings simply wet a damp cloth and remove dust and build up that can damage the bag, it's lining and interior pockets. But once your bag has some age or wear on it, it will typically need a more thorough cleaning by a professional color restoration specialist every few months to keep it like brand new.

“Protecting your handbag can prevent the pentration of grease, staining, and all other spills and mishaps later on. ”

Here are the DIY do's and don'ts.

Once per week - wipe your bag with warm, soapy water. You can mix a small amount of mild liquid soap with warm water and use a soft damp cloth to wipe away any dirt from the outside of your handbag. Make sure to wipe with the grain of the handbag to avoid ruining the leather. If you've ever sanded a board or trimmed a filet, you get the idea. Grain is where it's at.
Avoid the usual household wonder liquids. You should never pull out baby wipes, vinegar or any other 'home remedy' for cleaning or tackling stain removal on your luxury handbag. These products have chemicals (whether occurring naturally or man-made) that can destroy your hard-earned investment.
Ink and pen marks! The key to removing ink marks is to treat them immediately. Your best bet here is to call your local Color Glo Specialist and schedule an appointment. If you're a die-hard or simply unable to, try a special ink removing product for leather and follow the care instructions, making sure to condition the area afterward. Then leave it to dry properly before using the handbag again. If the ink stains are old, do not try to remove these yourself. Seek professional help... you will need it.
Stuff your bag while not in use. If you're a collector of leather handbags or have a few of them that come out on special occasions, then it would behoove you to stuff your bag with terry cloths or some filling material. It will keep its shape for a lifetime.

Keep your handbag stuff when not using it. Photo: Handbag Clinic

Grease Stains. Just wipe them off. Using water or liquid will simply make them a mess to clean up.
On tougher dirt and ground in problem areas, use a professional leather cleaning agent. A good cream does not need to be rinsed (which could damage your bag further). You may find a bit higher investment in good leather conditioning creams, but like most things in life, they will perform far better.

“Use a leather conditioning/cleaning product that is made for the material your handbag is made out of.”

Always use a product designed for use on your particular material. A general leather cleaner will not be as effective on a suede or nubuck interior than a product specifically designed for it. Just do your homework or consult with the manufacturer's recommendations.
Spot testing is key. Always, always spot test a small area that out of sight. You would do the same thing before spraying Scotchgard™ on your brand new fabric couch. You should take the same care with your luxury leather handbag purchase. It's likely you paid more for it than the couch...
Dust bags - use them! If your bag came with a dust bag, then you should probably ask yourself, why? Dust bags are not intended for nice branding and good looking packaging, they are intended to keep your handbag DUST-FREE when they are not being used.

You can always use a pillow case or something similar if you don't have a dust bag.

Sunlight. Don't leave your handbag in direct sunlight. Just like your good furniture, you wouldn't leave in the window in blazing sun every day. The same color fasting will occur.
Do not use saddle soap. It will most likely be too strong for the leather on your bag and could cause it to discolor.
Smelly bags... to forever banish lingering effluvia, put an open container of baking powder carefully inside your bag, place your bag into a dust bag or pillow case and leave it to sit for 24 hours. It should absorb that scent you didn't like.

For the Fashionistas...

You may not have thought of this, or maybe it has affected you already. Do not rock light color handbags with dark clothing. The dye from your dark clothing may run and transfer to the handbag. This is one of the single hardest stains to remove.

If you do end up with a really stubborn stain, try matching a shoe polish to the color of your bag and buffing a small amount over the affected area.

Want to hire a professional?

Samuel Koza 10/3/17 Samuel Koza 10/3/17

How to Clean Your Automobile's Interior Wood Trim

Wooden trim can really bring the class level of your automobile investments to a new level but if its not cleaned and cared for properly (like all other parts of your car) it will begin to look faded and tired, and can leave the overall impression of your interior looking drab.

Cleaning interior wooden trim

Ahh wooden trim... Think classic jaguar. Wooden trim can really bring the class level of your automobile investments to a new level but if its not cleaned and cared for properly (like all other parts of your car) it will begin to look faded and tired, and can leave the overall impression of your interior looking drab.

If your wooden trim is excessively dirty or has been left unattended and it has build up on it, then it should be thoroughly cleaned with a diluted all purpose cleaner and a microfiber towel. Using soft-bristled detailing brushes can also be used to access tight areas, corners and curves. It is important when using an all purpose cleaner that you ensure you thoroughly remove all residue and do not allow it to dry anywhere on the trim.

Next Step

After contaminants, dust, and grime have been cleaned off you will be able to see the true condition of the wooden trim. If it has become oxidized or lightly scratched/swirled over time you can polish it to remove these imperfections.

An all in one polish product made for the paintwork of your car may ideal for polishing wooden trim. A small amount should be applied to a sponge or microfiber applicator pad, then worked into the trim using both circular and linear motions. Once the polish has dried it should be buffed off with a soft microfiber towel.

“An all in one polish product made for the paintwork of your car may ideal for polishing wooden trim.”

While polishing your wood, you should be careful not to contaminate the surrounding trim with polish residue. In fact taping off the trim with painters tape may be a good idea depending on the car.

If the trim has been neglected over a considerable amount of time you may need to repeat the polishing process a number of times until the trim has been restored to a satisfactory standard.

Some classics may have wooden steering wheels.

What do I do now?

You've polished; what now? After polishing, your wooden trim can be waxed with a good quality natural carnauba based product. This will help to protect and seal the trim. It will also bring out the clarity of the grain in the wood and vastly enhance the reflections of the clear coat. The wax should be applied via a sponge or microfiber applicator pad, left to cure, then buffed off with a clean, soft microfiber towel. You'll want to ensure again that you do not contaminate any of the surrounding trim with wax residue or your job will become a bit more involved...

Maintenance is key

After your wooden trim has been cleaned, polished and protected it should be routinely maintained. Owning an automobile is either a passion or a pain for many people and wooden trim can increase your time invested. It needs be properly maintained along with the rest of the interior of your car to keep it looking its best. It should be vacuumed off using a soft brush attachment to remove any dust and loose contaminants, then wiped over with a soft microfiber towel and a detailing spray. Using a detailing spray works very well in maintaining interior wooden trim. You may want to read our other advice on how to clean the interior of your car.

If you find that you have a problem with your trim attracting allot of dust and other loose debris soon after it has been cleaned. This could be due to static that has been created from buffing it with a microfiber towel. A good way to combat this problem is to use an anti-static screen cleaner that is designed to clean computer monitors, mobile phone screens and other similar surfaces. The cleaner should be misted over the surface then lightly wiped over with a fine, soft lint free cloth.

For more reading, check out how to clean plastic exterior car parts.

Want to hire a professional?

Samuel Koza 9/14/17 Samuel Koza 9/14/17

How to Clean Plastic Exterior Car Parts

How to clean plastic car parts

We've talked about how to clean the exterior of your car in the past, and even the leather seats and upholstery. We also covered how to clean your car's interior plastic parts. But what about all the exterior plastic parts that weather the elements?

Your car's plastic will build up dirt and dust naturally just by moving and operating or even sitting there. Your clean natural clean tendencies are simply not enough. By cleaning your car's exterior as well as the interior, you can keep it looking newer much longer. Very good for resale and very good for you as you cruise the strip.

Your car has a lot of exterior plastic (believe it or not), which may require a different approach than the interior of your car. Knowing what to use is key, as plastic can be discolored or adopt a permanent haze if you're not real careful. Many years ago, we had to be careful not to confuse rubbing compound for turtle wax... Well, with today's chemicals and endless options, you'll want to excercise the same caution when clean your car's plastic parts.

Your car is made of several types of materials, though most of the parts that are for aesthetics or looks are plastic. Plastic is used because it is easily molded to a desired shape and can be tinted to match the vehicle’s color. It can also be painted to match. Plastic parts range in purpose including:

Molded plastic parts for door panels or quarter panels.
Close-out panels designed to block mechanical parts from view.
Smooth, painted components such as bumper covers and trim areas.
Textured plastic parts.
Soft-touch plastics for attractive interior/exterior finishing.

“A general rule of thumb is painted plastic on the exterior of your car can be cleaned in the same fashion as the rest of your paint.”

Plastic components can (and do) get dirty just like the rest of your vehicle. Common offenders are oil from the road, dust, and debris, and potentially even food, beverages, bugs and more. Plastic may need to be treated differently than the rest of your car depending on its composition and finish.

Clean the textured plastic exterior parts

Textured black plastic on the exterior of your car is typically very rich in color. And whether they are black, grey, or tinted to match the rest of your auto's paint job, they can fade from the sun. Textured black plastic is typically used for parts such as mud guards, unpainted bumpers, windshield wiper cowls and other similar accessories.

You'll notice when this fading has happened because what used to be deep and rich will now appear to have a white tinge or cloudiness to it.

Your plastic can be restored.

Materials Needed

Clean lint-free cloth
Plastic trim cleaner (we recommend a Color Glo product that your local color restoration specialist will use when working on your project).
Trim brush or toothbrush

Step 1:

Apply the cleaner. Apply a quarter-sized drop of trim cleaner directly to the plastic part. Work in small sections just like when you're washing your car. So don’t use a spot of cleaner larger than a quarter and keep your work area tight and controlled.

Step 2:

Brush in the cleaner. Brush the cleaner into the trim with a small, plastic-bristled brush or toothbrush - everybody keeps these around for just this purpose. First spread the cleaner thinly over as large a section as you can with the brush. Then, brush the wetted spot with the brush until the plastic underneath appears un-faded and even. You'll be surprised.. it will come right out.

Step 3:

Wipe the area dry. Wipe the spot dry with a clean, lint-free cloth, removing any remaining cleaner and dirt. And that's it! From here you can read up on how to clean the exterior of your car to bring the entire vehicle back to new.

Want to hire a professional?

Teri Kojetin 9/8/17 Teri Kojetin 9/8/17

An Ounce of Prevention for Your Furniture

We've all heard the saying...“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin was talking about fire prevention in the city of Philadelphia when he coined this phrase, but it’s one that can be applied to any situation.

We've all heard the saying...

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Benjamin Franklin was talking about fire prevention in the city of Philadelphia when he coined this phrase, but it’s one that can be applied to any situation. This philosophy will go a long way if we apply it to the objects that make our body comfortable – that is, the furniture we sit on, such as restaurant and office seating; transportation seating, and yes, even those dentist chairs!

Whether you’re an individual or business, making and keeping these types of seating comfortable is important. However, in this article we’ll focus on homeowners and their furniture.

Furniture problems and preventions

So let’s talk problems and prevention. And if you’re picturing grandma’s plastic-coated furniture, then know there are better solutions. Here are some things you can do to not only keep your seating comfortable but looking good as well. Try to do as much prevention as possible to avoid having to go for the cure. Also, realize that the type of seating material is going to determine the type prevention as well.

Problem: Scratches

Scratches can result from a variety of sources: pet claws and sharp objects being the most common. We’re talking about human-caused scratching and other marks (we’ll deal with pet-related issues in the last point).

Prevention: A large part of the prevention of scratches is simply being mindful of what we have in our hands and how we let that object come in contact with our furniture. A protective coating can help protect tiny scratches, but a deep scratch can only be prevented by carefulness on the part of the person who uses the furniture.

Problem: Stains

Stains can come from a variety of sources. The list is endless: food spills, liquids, ink, bodily fluids, and even water. We think that a quick swipe with a cloth (or our sleeve) solves the problem, but the surface isn’t really clean and residue can remain.

Prevention: Once again, stains can generally be prevented by carefulness on our part. Be mindful of how and where you place things that could stain your furniture. And if you do spill something, clean it up immediately, making sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions so as not to cause further staining.

Problem: Dirt & Dust

Dirt and dust mostly come from constant use and the environment. Sometimes it’s brought in by people and pets, and it’s pretty much always around, and furniture is often the recipient.

Prevention: Since most of this unpreventable, being proactive in keeping the furniture dust free, vacuumed and wiped clean, will stop the buildup of dirt and dust. If you let it build up your furniture will look dingy and clean up will take longer and require more effort.

Basement and lower-level living spaces can naturally cause dust and dirt build up.

Problem: Tears, Cracks & Punctures

Cracks can come from constant use, while tears and punctures are caused by sharp objects coming into contact with the material.

Prevention: There isn’t much we can do about the cracks that occur from constant use. But you can keep the material well-conditioned to prevent dryness that will lead to cracks. As for tears and punctures, once again be mindful of the objects you have in your hands. If you’re carrying something sharp, like a knife, have it in a sheath or make sure the blade is in such a position that it won’t come in contact with the soft material of your furniture. When talking specifically about your leather furniture, you may want to learn how to make your own beeswax leather polish to ensure your expensive investments last a lifetime.

Problem: Fading & Bleaching

Constant use will lead to fading or a worn look in the material, while bleaching is due to the furniture being exposed to direct sunlight on a consistent basis.

Prevention: This problem is actually a fairly easy one to prevent. Simply put, keep your furniture out of direct, constant contact with the sun.

Problem: Pet-Related

Pets can cause a variety of problems: smells, residue, stains, and scratches. Some pets can be trained, but others (like cats) consider themselves the rulers of their domain.

Prevention: We all know that pets have a mind of their own, and generally don’t care about our wishes and how we want them to treat our furniture. In some cases, they can be trained, while in others we may need to use a product that will deter them from damaging our furniture. Take a look at our post on How to Make Your Own Cat Repellent for some natural ways to discourage your pet.

Final thoughts on your furniture

As you can see, most prevention involves carefulness and mindfulness on our part. If we are proactive in the care of our furniture, that will help prevent many of the accidents that can occur. It will keep our furniture looking good and comfortable to sit in. When something does happen to damage your furniture, be sure and take care of it immediately so that more damage does not occur from neglect.

We have several articles on our blog that will give you some good tips on taking care of your furniture:

If your seating has been damaged to the point where a homemade, natural or store-bought solution cannot cure it, then it may be time to turn to our professional color restoration and repair technicians. Find a Color Glo Franchise Location HERE on our website.

Samuel Koza 8/24/17 Samuel Koza 8/24/17

How To Clean Plastic Interior Car Parts

There is more to cleaning a car than just filling up a bucket with mild soapy water, scrubbing it down and rinsing it off. The plastic interior needs to be kept clean as well. Follow our simple tips to dust, clean, and restore yoru plastic car parts.

How to clean plastic car parts

We've talked about how to clean the exterior of your car in the past, and even the leather seats and upholstery. But what about your plastic car parts?

Well, there is more to cleaning a car than just filling up a bucket with mild soapy water, scrubbing it down and rinsing it off. The plastic interior needs to be kept clean as well. Your car's plastic will build up dirt and dust naturally just by moving and operating or even sitting there. Your clean natural clean tendencies are simply not enough. By cleaning your car's interior, you can keep it looking newer much longer, which is good for resale and good for you.

Your car has both interior and exterior plastic, which may require some different methods. You just need to make sure you are using the right products on your plastic interior.

You can keep your classic car or sports car looking this good with a little bit of TLC.

What you need to clean interior plastic

Vacuum the interior first. Before you begin this project, vacuum out your car to remove any debris, dirt, and dust. Your cleaning products of choice will perform much better if you take care to vacuum before getting started. You can avoid scratching your plastic dash and other areas by using the soft brush attachment.

Remove the floor mats BEFORE your start to vacuum.
Take extra care around vents, knobs, and accessories. You can damage these easily if you're not paying attention.

“Vacuum out your car first, to remove any debris, dirt, and dust”

Cleaning the interior

Dust the plastic. Use a soft damp cloth (water only) or soft hand-held dust mop (available in the car care section of any grocery or discount store) to clear away dust. Some people use a vinegar solution for this too. Generally speaking, this should be ok as vinegar is a non-abrasive natural cleaner but depending on the composition of the plastic, you may find that it leaves a residue. With today's composite materials and expensive replacement costs, sticking to water is a great option.

A small, soft-bristled paintbrush works well to clear dust from crevices around the gear shift and hand brake, the radio controls and other tight spaces where dust can settle. You can also use a soft-bristled toothbrush and Q-tips to clean crevices and hard to reach areas.

Tip. If you used a damp cloth, go back with a dry soft cloth to dry the plastic.

Treating stains on plastic

If your plastic is stained, apply a very small amount of mild soap, laundry detergent, or plastic auto cleaner to a damp cloth. If you need advice on what auto cleaner to use, just ask your local Color Glo Specialist.

Never apply any cleaning solution directly to the plastic. Wipe the area until it is clean and follow it up with a clean, dry rag. If you cloth begins to show dirt, turn it to a clean spot otherwise you'll simply be in the business of re-distributing dirt.

Tip. Always apply any cleaner to an inconspicuous spot to test how it may react to your plastic.

Keeping your shine

Apply a protectant. Once your plastic is cleaned, you should apply a protectant. For DIY'rs, you can visit the automotive section of of any larger retailer or auto parts store to get some advice on what might be a good option. Always apply sprays or chemicals to your cloth or rag vs. directly on the plastic. You'll avoid spots and over-treated areas. Replace your cloth or applicator as necessary.

Use a polish. To add some shine to your plastic, use a plastic polish. Or you can use some natural products such as olive oil or boiled linseed oil. Put some oil or polish on a soft cloth and then rub it into the plastic. Then use a clean soft cloth to rub away any excess product. Boiled linseed oil can be purchase from a hardware or paint store. You can find your favorite strength of virgin olive oil at your favorite grocer.

Tip. If you find a good all-in-one product that you like, you can cut down the amount of products you use and potentially some cost. They are out there.

Need to hire a professional?

Samuel Koza 8/8/17 Samuel Koza 8/8/17

How to Clean Velour Upholstery

We can't help it, we love velvet and velour, especially nice grays or deep blues. But you struggle to help it retain its luster or keep from being a hair and dirt trap. Here's some advice on how to clean your velour.

How to clean velour and velvet

We can't help it, we love velvet and velour, especially nice grays or deep blues. But you struggle to help it retain its luster or keep from being a hair and dirt trap.

The velvety appearance of velour (and velvet) makes it an elegant, beautiful choice for upholstery. But it does require some extra care to keep it looking beautiful and luxurious. With dirt and dust, the fabric loses its soft touch and becomes stiff and dull looking. You may also notice slicked wear spots over time where your head or face often sits.

There is some hope. Check out these tips on how to clean velour upholstery for new looking furuntire all the time.

What you need to clean velour

First thing is first. You need to round up some basic household supplies. Gather these items:

Soft brush
Vacuum with brush attachment
Bucket
Water
Mild liquid soap (Ex: Woolite Upholstery Soap or mild dish soap)
Ammonia
Muslin fabric
Suede brush

Steps to cleaning velour upholstery

Use your brush. Your starting point is to remove as much dirt as possible by brushing it away with your soft brush.
Loose dirt and visible dust can be removed by using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
Fill up a bucket with warm water.
Add a small amount of mild soap and stir the water. Do not agitate the water to form suds, just mix in the soap nicely to create a soapy liquid. Add a few drops of household ammonia for extra cleaning power if you think you need it. Up to you.
Muslin fabric is a special type of material and is gentle to keep from damaging the soft fibers of the velour.
Dip the fabric piece into the soapy water and wring it out completely. Wring it out until it just feels damp - excess water will not be your friend here.
Rub the moistened cloth over the surface of the upholstery. Use a back and forth motion as you are cleaning. "wax on, wax off..."
Repeat as necessary until the surface is clean.
Change the cloth and water as necessary to keep working with clean materials.
Once the surface is clean allow it to dry completely.
Brush the surface with a suede brush to restore the soft texture.

“Wring it out until it just feels damp - excess water will not be your friend here.”

Velour tips and advice

Do Not... clean velour with high heat cleaners. An example of this is a steam cleaner. The heat can (and will) damage the material and cause discoloration.
Do ask advice... Velour is a sensitive fabric and is often best left to cleaning and color restoration professionals. If your piece is very soiled or you just don’t want to risk damaging the surface, hire a professional who is experienced with velour.
Choose wisely. When choosing a liquid soap, avoid those with additives and color. A clear soap is the best option.

Lastly, about your velour

If it's hairy and fuzzy...
Vacuum any accumulated dust or dirt with a special upholstery attachment for velvet - this may or may not come with your vacuum. This will also remove any fuzz that has formed on the surface of the fabric. Run your vacuum attachment back and forth until the surface is clean.

Remember the days of pantyhose trickery? It works here to. If you don't have the proper attachment for your vacuum, then place a piece of pantyhose over the nozzle and start lightly vacuuming your velvet or velour. Fuzz be gone!

If you've spilled...
The number one thing you should do in a hurry is blot. Find a clean, super-absorbent cloth or paper towel and let it soak up the excess liquid. Do not dab or rub the area - you'll just work it deeper into the fibers. Its very likely you can just leave the cloth in place and it will absorb most of the liquid and it can then air dry. A spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide may get any excess staining out just by spraying and letting it sit, but be warned, you should color test an area that is out of sight first.

If your velvet or velour has lost its sheen...
Try directing a steamer at the reverse side of the matted areas to make the fibers fluffy again. Then dry brush the area, making sure the pile is going in the same direction.

Need to hire a professional?

Mandi Brandon 7/25/17 Mandi Brandon 7/25/17

CGI Named Top Global Franchise By Entrepreneur 2017!

Press Release. Color Glo International Named a Top Global Franchise By Entrepreneur Magazine for 2017!

Minneapolis, July 25th, 2017 - Color Glo International, the world leader in restoration and repair of leather, vinyl, velour, cloth and hard plastics, announced today that it was recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Top Global Franchises list. This list recognizes the top 200 franchisors that are seeking franchisees outside of the U.S., based on data submitted for Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® ranking. Color Glo International was ranked #106.

“What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become when you achieve your goals.”

— Gary Smith

“The companies on our Top Global Franchises list are overcoming logistical challenges and cultural differences to bring their products and services—and their franchise opportunities—to people all around the world,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur.

Entrepreneur’s 2017 Top Global Franchises were determined by adjusting the company’s Franchise 500 formula to give extra weight to international size and growth. Other areas evaluated by the formula include costs and fees, franchisee support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. Color Glo International’s position on the ranking shows that it’s a franchise opportunity with worldwide appeal.

To view Color Glo International in the full listings, visit https://www.entrepreneur.com/franchises/topglobal and navigate to page 3. The list can also be seen in the July/August issue of Entrepreneur, available now on newsstands.

About Color Glo International

Color Glo International is the World Leader in restoration and repair of leather, vinyl, velour, cloth and hard plastics commonly found in the markets of Automotive, Aircraft, Marine and Furniture. Formally incorporated in 1975 Color Glo began franchising in 1982. Today in hundreds of markets throughout world. Color Glo products are proven everyday to offer the correct results and best value every time they are put to the test.

Contact Us

Gary Smith Scott Smith
Gary@colorglo.com Scott@colorglo.com

Samuel Koza 7/6/17 Samuel Koza 7/6/17

How To Clean the Exterior of Your Car Like a Pro

When it comes to washing your car, its a love/hate relationship. But as simple as washing your car may seem, there are some things to watch for so that you don't accidentally scratch or degrade the finish. Check out these tips.

How to wash your car

When it comes to washing your car, its a love/hate relationship. You either enjoy your vehicle as a hobby and it is your pride and joy or you hate the thought of even cleaning a floor mat and just assume it rot where it sits. So here are some tips for the enthusiast to clean your car's exterior like a pro.

Are there general guidelines I should follow?

Yes. If you're in the category of enthusiast and washing your car is chicken soup for your soul, then you know there are some things you need to think about. Washing your car can be easy and enjoyable and regular washing helps a new paint job keep its luster. But as simple as washing your car may seem, there are some things to watch for so that you don't accidentally scratch or degrade the finish. Below are some basic car-washing tips.

Shade is your friend. Your vehicle’s surface needs to be cool. If the car is hot, the soap suds will dry too quickly, staining the surface and requiring another wash. Enjoying washing your car goes as far as doing it one time on your afternoon off.
Pre-soak. Pre-soak your vehicle to remove grime, bug shrapnel, and heavy contaminants like rocks, water bottles, McDonald's wrappers and bunny remains.
DO use mild liquid soap and a soft car wash mitt or some other towel designed to respect your paint job's luster. Renew your water regularly.
Patience young Jedi. Many times, we just soap up the entire car and get to work. Negative ghost rider - wash one section at a time, and then rinse it off. You should start with the roof of the car, then proceed to the hood and the rear. It makes perfect sense to go top-down rather than create more work for yourself.

Next, clean the upper quarter panels, then move to the lower areas, including the rocker panels. The lower area of your car will always have extra "stuff" on it and the longer pre-soak as you work your way down will help eliminate this crud. The top to bottom sequence is also important because you run the risk of having small pieces of debris adhere to the mitt or sponge which may scratch your vehicle.
Hose off your mitt! This is the toughest piece of advice because it is a human diligence requirement. We all want to just put the mitt or cloth back in our water and rinse it there while soaking up some more soapy water. This is bad! Always hose off your mitt or sponge before putting it back in the wash bucket to re-soap. Start with clean water and end with clean water. Dipping your dirty mitt into your bucket, just helps you apply the grime right back onto your automobile. If you've every wondered why the car is streaking while you're washing it, this may be your answer.
Rinse, rinse, rinse. Rinse your vehicle thoroughly and all over. When you feel satisfied and think you're finally done rinsing, go ahead and rinse it one more time.
Rims and tires. Your car washing drawer should have a few different mitts and cloths in it. We heavily suggest using a different mitt to clean the tires and rims of your car then the body. Using a separate mitt for the wheels will reduce the chance that you’ll scratch the car’s paint with brake dust and dirt you pick up from the rims. You'd be surprised how many people just use the same water and same mitts for washing and rinsing everything. You might as well drive right to the auto body shop when you're done.
Wheels. Ahhh, your pride and joy. Be very cautious when cleaning wheels, especially if you’re using a spray-on wheel cleaner. Wheels can be extremely hot if the car has just been driven or sitting in the sun. When you spray wheel cleaning chemicals on hot metal, the chemicals will vaporize and you will inevitably inhale them. Needless to say, this is not good for you health routine and depending on temperature and the chemical, you could cause some damage to products like Chrome or special coatings.
DON'T buy the pricey automotive cleaners. Instead, use a mild, liquid soap that is well diluted. This will accomplish everything you need, such as removing dirt, grease, and films without damaging plastics or other materials. Some people use household soaps but you also need to be careful to not use a harsh detergent. Stick to mild soaps and if possible find one that is safe for cars. The huge benefit is that it will cost you pennies over the heavily marketed auto detailing brands.
The drying process. Dry your vehicle immediately to prevent water spots. Chamois work very well and can help you move quickly through a vehicle that may have the sun on it.

What's next after I wash my car?

You should follow your wash process by waxing and cleaning the windows both inside and out. Applying wax to your car is like putting sunscreen on your skin. It adds a layer of protection from UV rays to prevent fading, as well as anything that may land on the paint.

You will be able to preserve your high gloss finish for a much longer span of time. You can find wax in a carnauba or polymer form. Both types of wax perform the same, but a polymer wax won't haze as it dries and can usually be wiped off soon after applying. The choice between using carnauba or polymer wax is similar to choosing synthetic or regular engine oil. A polymer is a bit more expensive but is easier to apply and some say performs better.

For the glass, the rules are pretty simple. Stay away from what you inherently want to do which is to grab Windex and other household glass cleaners. They can contain ammonia which can damage your car's window tint. Use an auto window cleaner for best results and wipe down twice to ensure the cleaner is removed. In a pinch, you can use a diluted white vinegar solution as it's a natural, low-cost, healthy household cleaner that should be fairly streak-free.

Last thoughts and tips...

Don't... move your sponge or mitt in circles. This can create light, but noticeable scratches called swirl marks. Instead, move the sponge lengthwise across the hood and other body panels. If you drop your sponge, rinse it thoroughly. Never reapply a sponge that has hit the ground or gone into polluted soapy water. Take that extra time to change out your bucket.

Maintain a shine. If you're going to lose sleep at night because the thought of pulling your freshly waxed car out to run an errand or (God forbid) go to work, then you may want to keep some supplies on hand to maintain your shine. There are several spray mists out there designed to remove daily debris and keep your wax job in top form. Toss this and a micro-fiber cloth in the trunk and you're armed and ready.

Headlights

For headlights that are sun-faded, full of crud, or just plain old, you can check out our guide on "How To Restore Your Car Headlights to New".

If your car is nearing that "vintage" stage or you just can't bear to part with it, but it's an eyesore, you may want to recondition it. You can read about the difference between detailing and reconditioning your car.

Samuel Koza 6/20/17 Samuel Koza 6/20/17

Should I Use Silicone Based Conditioners In My Auto Interior?

Top 4 Tips For Cleaning Marine Vinyl Interior

Marine grade vinyl is a type of vinyl that you should want in your vessel to withstand time, torture, and sun. The problem is that not all boats come with it. Check your sales guy.

Should I be careful when cleaning my boat?

Yes. Yes, yes and yes. You probably read our article on how to Bring Your Boat Interior Back to New, where we reminded you of the acronym B.O.A.T. ... But our Color Glo Specialists wanted to make sure you know the Top 4 Tips for keeping your boat interior in good shape.

You work hard to buy a boat and work harder to keep your boat looking good. You routinely put it in and take it out of the water, wash it, apply wax, and do your best to ensure it remains the boat of your dreams. Then it happens; one of our friends (hopefully invited) spills their adult beverage all over your well-kept carpeting, or they spill a cleaner or bleach on our vinyl seats and seams.

Proud boat owners know this feeling well and have learned to keep their watercraft "in the family" due to it. Boat ownership is exhausting as much as it is rewarding, so we thought we give you a few more tips on how to ensure your work pays off in the end.

Check your grades of marine vinyl.

Vinyl upholstery fabrics come in different grades, but this grade does not reflect fabric quality; it refers to the price it cost to make the fabric. You cannot find consistency in the vinyl fabric grading process because each manufacturer sets its own grades, much like tire manufacturers rate tires for speed without government or industry standards. So buyer beware...

Some boat interiors take a little more "TLC" than others...

Price grades range from "A" to "F," with the "F" grade representing the pricier fabrics. Rather than selecting vinyl upholstery fabrics by grade, choose the type of vinyl upholstery material you need according to its intended use.

Marine grade vinyl is a type of vinyl that you should want in your vessel to withstand time, torture, and sun. The problem is that not all boats come with it. Check your sales guy.

Cleaning your vinyl the right way

You might be tempted to spray bleach on your boat interior seats or use other harsh chemicals to try and mitigate some crude. JUST SAY NO.

Brenda from Great Lakes Color Glo in Michigan give us the scoop on great marine interior cleaning advice.

The process can be very simple if you take the time maintain your boat after each and every use. Just remember these quick tips.

Clean off the vinyl with a damp cloth first, removing salt, grime, dirt, and other debris.
Apply a thin layer of Vinyl cleaning material, such as the Color Glo Vinyl Clean that Brenda recommended above.
Rinse with fresh water, dry, and repeat as needed.

If you have deep mildew stains or other mold problems from improper care, a good firm brush may be needed along with a water/ammonia solution to break up the mildew growth.

How about UV protection?

Today, its a sales benefit as many people are aware they need UV protection - not only on their vinyl but our skins and everything else in our lives. The sun will beat your marine interior down and chew it up. So the question to ask is simply this:

Does my boat interior come with a high-grade vinyl that has UV protectant manufactured in?

If they answer is yes, then you're in really good shape by the time you've gotten to this question. If it doesn't, it's not the end of the world. You can still have high-quality interiors but have to use a Color Glo product to ensure your vibrant boat colors stay in check. Just contact your local Color Glo Specialist for advice.

Choose your personal UV block with caution!

What you put on yourself will transfer to your precious craft. Choose your sunscreens and sun oils wisely as some will stain or leave oily marks in your vinyl, which can be very difficult to remove. In today's market of more health-conscious consumers, your options for organic products, oil and paraben-free products and creams that boast not being greasy are numerous.

Choose wisely for the health of your skin and your boat's skin.

Lastly... Vinyl seats and covers on your boat are susceptible to drying, fading, and cracking. The sun, water, and regular wear and tear all age vinyl very quickly. Any vinyl on or in your boat should be regularly cleaned and protected to maintain it over the service life of our boat.

The worst enemy to vinyl is extended exposure to the sun's rays and dirt and grime/sand/dirt build-up. UV rays from the sun fade and dry vinyl out. Dirt and grime retain moisture on the surface and together cause the protective topcoat on vinyl to deteriorate, cause mildew or other mold problems.

The best advice we can give is to treat the boat like your own body. You clean it every day (hopefully) and brush your teeth. After every use of your boat, bring its livelihood back to new by brushing off seats and rinsing them, cleaning the interiors and exteriors and storing it with a cover to protect it from the elements.

Happy Boating!

Top 3 Questions to Ask Before Buying Leather Furniture

Samuel Koza 5/22/17 Samuel Koza 5/22/17

What should I ask when buying leather furniture?

How is the leather finished?

Long-term usage is the first place to start; what usage patterns will your leather furniture see? If you have children and pets and the furniture is placed in a high-impact area with food, beverages, etc., this may cause a buying decision. If your leather furniture is more likely to be the centerpiece of a luxury home or single loft, then you may make a different buy decision.

Leather is incredibly durable and if you know How To Take Care of Your Leather Furniture, it can provide many, many years of comfort and elegance. However, the right type of leather should be selected based upon how you expect the furniture to be enjoyed. As leather furniture repair and restoration professionals, Color Glo specialists often hear from their clients how their salesperson or designer never told them the leather would stain, fade, tear, etc. You can avoid these problems by asking a few questions and knowing your leather beforehand. Some of the best interior designers are also brushed up on their leather/fabric knowledge and can guide you through this phase.

Finished.

Leather that is both dyed and pigmented is referred to as "finished". Finished leather is colored with the same aniline dye as unfinished leather, however, these hides go through a secondary coloring process. A pigmented coating (which is referred to as "finish") is applied, that has undergone some chemical engineering specifically for leather. It allows the leather to breathe and expand and is very different from the pigment in say, a wall paint.

Buffalo Aniline Finished Leather

Buffalo Burnished Finished Leather

Pigmented leather finishes are opaque, creating a colored film on top of the hide. The color coating is then augmented with a clear coat forming its primary protection. This clear coat also dictates the sheen, from the scale of gloss to matte. High-end finished leather may not feel as soft and supple (or luxurious) as unfinished leather, but it will be able to withstand the high-impact areas of your active household. Finished leather is much easier to clean, and fades very slowly, providing years of beauty without notice of wear.

Here are some types of finished leather:

Aniline Finished: The most natural of finishes, colored mainly through the dying process, and light if any, extra finish is applied. This leather has a soft natural and luxurious feel. It is recommended for formal, light soiling areas only.
Antiqued: Leather that is finished with one color over another (usually darker over lighter) so as to create rich highlights and an artificially aged appearance.
Semi-Aniline: Aniline leather to which a matching pigment layer is added to even out the color and add protection.
Pigmented Leather: Leather that has been spray or roller coated with a flat surface color on top of or instead of the usual dye finish. The leather is usually pigmented to add durability and hide natural blemishes. This type of leather is uniform in appearance and very resistance to wear. Recommended for high wear areas.
Embossed Leather: Leather that has been "stamped" with a pattern applied by extreme pressure in a press to give a unique design or imitation of full grain characteristics. Sometimes leathers are embossed to make them appear to be another leather, such as embossing an alligator pattern into cowhide.
Hand Antiqued: Also known as "hand rubbing". The process of skilled craftsmen hand-rubbing a contrasting color onto the surface of the leather to accentuate the natural grain and embossing.
Oil or Wax Finish: Leather whose surface has been applied with oil or wax to create a soft pliable finish

Unfinished.

If you choose leather that is colored only with dye, then there is no protective coating. It is sometimes referred to as “pure-aniline” leather. The color of this leather is rich and deep and the dye penetrates deep into the leather. Often, these pieces are soft and supple to the touch, and the leather's natural beauty is accentuated by the dye, creating that feeling of luxury.

Black Corrected Leather

Nubuck Leather

Only the finest leather hides can qualify to be unfinished, so unsurprisingly, it’s the most expensive category. The downside, however, to unfinished leather is that is stains easily, can tear more easily and can fade in very rapidly in some cases. So the question remains, "What does usage look like in your home?"

There are only 3 types of unfinished leather with variations of what has been done to the surface.

Full Grain Leather: This is leather in its most natural form with its surface left untouched by sanding or buffing.
1. Full-grain leather can be embossed or dyed without damaging the natural fibers.
2. Less than 20% of all hides are suitable for use as full grain leather.
3. This type is expensive and is used only for the highest quality leather finishes.
4. - Full grains vary based on different origin, thickness, and tanning process.
Corrected Grain Leather. The surface of the leather has been sanded to minimize natural imperfections.
1. It can also be dyed and embossed with an artificial grain.
2. This is the most common type of leather used.
Nubuck. Nubuck is brushed grain sueded leather. It has been lightly buffed or sanded to produce a very fine, soft leather with a textured, suede-like appearance.

How is it constructed? Is the leather top-grain leather?

Budget is key, we know... Sometimes price just dictates where we land. Top-grain leather is will definitely be on the top of the heap when it comes to cost but it will be the most durable. So if your home analysis sits in the high-traffic category, you may want to justify the price of top-grain leather for your furniture.

Top-grain is the epidermis of the skin which offers the vast majority of the hide’s durability. Split-hide leather (leather “split” from the epidermis) won’t stand up to the test of time in an active household. As a lower grade it is generally more affordable if your budget is dictating it. If you want your piece to potentially last a lifetime, then you must save pennies for top-grain leather.

Construction of the furniture is also a key point. We've all owned low-budget furniture at some point in our lives and the first thing to happen is the frame starts to wobble and pull apart. Pressed wood frames, cheap construction, and poorly machined templates will equal a short-term saving and long-term struggle. Furniture solutions like Ashley and Ikea, though wonderful for many applications, are not the best solutions when it comes to permanently adorning your home.

Lastly, is it all leather?

You heard that right... is it actually all leather? Or did the manufacturer sneak in some vinyl? Vinyl has a handful of fancy name derivatives like leatherette, leather-mate, leather–match (and there are more) is synthetic. It is not the real deal and it won't stand the test of time like the real deal.

It's less expensive than leather, but it won't feel or wear like real leather. The durability will not be there, nor will the luxurious touch and fell of a fine leather furniture piece. And yes, you guessed it; some manufacturers will sip some vinyl into various pieces to drive down their cost.

So the key to buying leather furniture for your home is to know what you're looking at. With so many options, like every other category in life these days, you have to be educated on what you're spending your money on. Just remember these three questions when shopping for leather or when working with an interior designer and you should get steered in the right direction:

How is the leather finished?
How is the leather and furniture piece constructed?
Is it constructed of all leather?

Types of leather information found at Helvetia

Mandi Brandon 4/24/17 Mandi Brandon 4/24/17

COLOR GLO INTERNATIONAL NAMED A TOP 100 BY FRANCHISE GATOR FOR 2017!!!

Our focus is restoring and repairing common defects such as worn and faded interior components such as leather upholstery, headliners, burns and broken plastic or composite molding. These problems are found in the interior of every automobile, RV, truck sports vehicle, plane or boat in use today.

Franchise Gator just released their Top 100 Franchises for 2017 and Color Glo is listed among them!

Industry: Franchise

APRIL 24, 2017

At the core of it, franchising is about risk reduction. You join a franchise because it provides a heightened chance of success as a business owner. The Top 100 has been designed, with the assistance of The Educated Franchisee, to measure the quality of a franchise system over time. Rankings are mostly based on a formula created from various pieces of the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that focus on financial stability, growth, transparency, engagement, continuity and sustainability. Hundreds of FDD's were studied this past year in an effort to bring you this ranking.

We also focused on evaluating franchise opportunities that fit the mold of what a typical Franchise Gator visitor seeks. That meant taking investment range and industry into account to create what we feel is truly a unique rankings list. So if you are looking for some of the more high ticket, recognizable names in franchising and don't see them, that by no means is a discredit to that franchise system. It simply means they were not part of our evaluation process.

Franchise Gator would like to thank the following people who's insight was invaluable and instrumental in the production of Franchise Gator's Top 100:

Rick Bisio - The Educated Franchisee
Eric Stites and Associates - Franchise Business Review
Thomas Scott - Brand Journalists

To view the Top 100 Franchise Gator Franchises for 2016 click HERE

To learn more about Color Glo international click HERE

About Color Glo International

We initially began our franchising in the United States and have since then expanded into Canada and 50 countries world wide.

Samuel Koza 3/24/17 Samuel Koza 3/24/17

Bring Your Boat Interior Back to New in 2023

Keeping your boat in tip-top condition both inside and out, not only will make you look like a superhero on the water but it will speak volumes when you're ready to sell it and upgrade to your 52-foot cigarette runner.

Marine Interior Restoration Guide

Spring is upon us and you may ask yourself, "how do I make my boat look newer than my neighbors?"... Vanity we know, but the truth is that many boat owners love to showcase their watercraft much like sports car owners do. Keeping your boat in tip-top condition both inside and out, not only will make you look like a superhero on the water but it will speak volumes when you're ready to sell it and upgrade to your 52-foot cigarette runner.

Your concerns, like many, rest with the cost of restoration. We all know the age-old acronym that boat owners pull out at house parties and dockside conversations:

B - Bring
O - Out
A - Another
T - Thousand

So, plunking down another thousand to restore the interior doesn't make sense for a lot of people. It’s a durable craft, designed to be used - use it. We're here to tell you that your two biggest concerns can be satisfied today. You don't have to spend your precious weekend hours learning to become a marine interior restoration specialist while missing precious lake time in spring NOR do you have to spend thousands. Color Glo specialists are speedy and have your pocketbook in mind since you're already down a few bucks.

Boat Restoration Inspiration

Just look at the pudding. The proof is in it. These are Color Glo marine restoration projects where boats have been brought back to life. Quickly and affordably.

BEFORE

AFTER

Boat Seat Repair can be done for marine plastic, vinyl, various fabrics, and upholstery. If you have cracks, rips, holes, scratches, fades, stains, or burns in your boat's interior, then restoration is a great option for you. Our professional mobile franchisees come to you, to repair damaged and dirty leather, plastic, and vinyl on all types of boats, yachts and personal watercraft, and even your 52-foot, cigarette runner.

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Save Money and Time With Color Glo

Make that old boat, camper or RV look like new again! Color Glo can Restore, Repair, Clean as well as renew or often change the color of Leather, Vinyl, Cloth, Velour, Woodgrain, Fabric, Hard Plastic & Carpet used on Motorcycles, ATVs, Boats, Jet Skis, Motor Homes, Campers and much more!

Color Glo can restore all the interior of your beautiful and hard earned watercraft and recreational vehicles. Whether it be vinyl, boat carpet or even hard plastic, we can make the interior of your boat look new again. Who knows... you may even find our products make your boat look even better than new! Color Glo specialists can perform these services:

Seats and beds repair.
Boat tops restoration.
Engine enclosures restoration.
Mildew removal.
Woodgrain restoration.
Hard plastic repair

View More Photos

How To Avoid Boat Interior Restoration

Eventually, you'll need to either put serious elbow grease and free time into your boat or employ someone to provide boat restoration services. You can't avoid it, but you can prolong it. Here are some great tips to keep your boat in "like new" shape for yourself, for you drooling lake neighbors, or for resale.

Clean the Carpet of Your Boat. So many boat owners never think to clean the carpet of their boat after every use. Think about it... not only do we drag our dirty feet on it, but also drip fish slime, spill salted plastics, and scents, and of course, spill cocktails, food, and other "stuff" all over it. It takes tremendous abuse.
Clean your live wells! Your live wells are a breeding ground for the stench, stains, and the occasional manhunt for that unknown odor. You must routinely clean them for the health of stored fish (and the boat owners’ experience). DO NOT use strong detergents, bleach or other chemicals that can have a detrimental effect on the fish you place in there. You'll want to remove filter screens and such, but a nice baking soda and hot water mixture will work magic.
Make sure to clean boat bilges. Just follow your manufactures instructions, but this is something that can fail when you need it most if in an unkept condition. It can also cause a stink on your boat. That's no good for the weekend frolicking with friends.
Your console. For plastic and glass, simply use Windex or a similar spray cleaner. For electronic gauges, graphs, and other more sensitive plastic surfaces, use a vinegar-water mixture followed by a soft cloth. Presto!
Boat hull, outboard engines, and trailer. These items take an extraordinary beating from the water, the sun, and other debris that hits them at full speed along the way. A very simple thing that keeps your boat looking like new is keeping soft clothes to wipe the boat down immediately after use. When coming out of the water, use a hose or power sprayer to wash your craft and trailer thoroughly. Consult your manufacturer on types of wax or finishing products to give your boat that brand-new glisten.
Vinyl boat seats. Lastly, your boat seats get abused by your excursions, your family, and your friends. The sun also will wreak havoc on them causing them to dry out and crack, just like our skin. The opposite issue of mildew and mold can occur when the surface is not allowed to breathe properly. There are various products you can employ to condition your seats, even household cleaners like dishwashing soap can be great for cleaning them. As always we suggest you consult your specific manufacturer's brand guidelines to get the longest possible lifespan before you give Color Glo a call to do restoration work.

From faded and worn to brilliant and new. Bring your boat back to life with Color Glo.

Need a Color Glo Specialist?

Find a Franchise

Samuel Koza 2/20/17 Samuel Koza 2/20/17

Auto Reconditioning vs. Auto Detailing. What's the Difference?

What’s the difference between auto reconditioning and auto detailing?

Auto detailing is the complete cleaning and preservation of a vehicle. However, auto reconditioning takes that concept further. The definition of Auto Reconditioning is to repair, restore and renew your vehicle back to pre-accident condition. In many cases, automotive reconditioning is done on-site at your home or office, rather than in the high-cost environment of a body shop.

Auto Reconditioning. Color Glo International — Auto Reconditioning

Bring vintage back to life.

Dents, dings, bumpers, wheels, and "fender bender" repairs are all independent services that can be handled quickly, efficiently and cost-effectively without you being away from your vehicle or your business.

Auto reconditioning not only means fixing cosmetic problems for your vehicle but also can offer services that help prevent future damage. Examples of these services might be clear bra protection that helps keep scratches, chips and other debris from damaging your automobile's paint.

Auto reconditioning for resale

Separate yourself from the masses. When it comes to the resale of a used vehicle, auto reconditioning separates the players from big bosses. Most automobile dealerships that take vehicles on trade ensure that pre-owned trade-in vehicles are inspected thoroughly for mechanical and aesthetic problems before potential customers have an opportunity to see them. Reconditioning an automobile will help you stay ahead of the game and retain some value.

Today, now, more than ever, clean reconditioned vehicles and boats are selling at premiums. The average price of a new car now sits at over $30,000 - a price not reasonably entertained by much of society, so reconditioning is more popular now than ever. This is why so many used car managers are hiring auto reconditioning companies to perform various reconditioning services, such as headlight restoration, plastic trim restoration, cigarette burn hole repair, rock paint chip repair, vinyl and leather repair, carpet dying and odor removal services.

Consumers are displaying a preference for pre-owned vehicles. They also are keeping their new cars longer. TheFiscalTimes.com wrote an article in 2015 "Why Americans are keeping their cars longer than ever", which indicates that by the year 2018 the average age of cars being owned on the road will be over 11 years. Savvy auto traders know that auto reconditioning services will help increase trade-in and resale value for formerly owned vehicles.

Here's a list of some of the top new cars owners keep for 10 years.

Is reconditioning for you?

Yes. Here's a simple rule: Every used car and boat on the road or water is a potential candidate for reconditioning. In days past, the general attitude was that reconditioning was for vintage vehicles. With the continued increase in the average price of new automobiles and watercraft and the increased length of time that owners keep their vehichles longer - reconditioning your car or boat will only aid in your ability to either sell or keep your babies longer.

Color Glo International specializes in the reconditioning and refurbishing of automobiles, watercraft, furniture, medical equipment and more. Chances are that a Color Glo specialist is near you through one of our Color Glo Franchise outlets. Call them today for a quote.

auto reconditioning by Color Glo International. — Color Glo International

Automobile Reconditioning Specialists

Interested in buying a Color Glo International Franchise?

Learn More

Mandi Brandon 2/7/17 Mandi Brandon 2/7/17

Color Glo International named A World Class Franchise for 2017! - 7 years running!!!

The survey asked Color Glo’s franchise owners to rate their franchisor through a series of questions in categories such as overall quality, growth potential, support and communication.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 24, 2017

Color Glo® Certified as a 2017 World-Class Franchise®

By The Franchise Research Institute®

LINCOLN, NE (January 24, 2017) – Color Glo® has received World-Class Franchise® certification from the Franchise Research Institute®.

The recognition comes after an independent franchisee validation survey conducted by the Franchise Research Institute, in which 74% of all Color Glo franchisees participated. The survey was designed to determine the quality of 10 key metrics crucial to franchisee success within the Color Glo franchise system.

"Using confidential surveys to analyze franchisee opinions is vital to building a successful franchise brand," said Jeff Johnson, Founder and CEO of the Franchise Research Institute. “Color Glo has relied upon our comprehensive, unbiased, third-party research to obtain honest feedback from their franchisees, in order to help maximize franchisee sales and profitability.”

The survey asked Color Glo’s franchise owners to rate their franchisor through a series of questions in categories such as overall quality, growth potential, support and communication.

Among the responses received from Color Glo’s franchisees:

99% gave a positive rating to the overall quality of the franchisor.
100% gave a positive rating to the overall communication between home office personnel and franchisees.
100% gave a positive rating on how the franchise business compared to the local competition.
100% gave a positive rating to the quality of products and/or services received from the franchisor.
99% gave a positive rating to the long-term growth potential for the franchise business.

"We are thrilled to be ranked once again among a group of esteemed franchisors - most importantly, by our own franchisees! The Franchise Research Institute truly is first class and the results they provide prove that hard work does pay off! Our franchisees feedback is overwhelmingly positive!" - Gary E. Smith, President, Color Glo International

Color Glo’s franchise satisfaction results are available at:

www.WorldClassFranchise.com/ColorGloReport

About the Franchise Research Institute®:

The Franchise Research Institute is a Franchise Performance Measurement firm headquartered in Lincoln, Nebraska. FRI is the original auditor of franchisee validation and does NOT sell leads or advertising. FRI’s World-Class Franchise® opportunities must demonstrate that they are endorsed by their franchise owners through FRI’s scientific, confidential, third-party surveys.

For more information contact: Mike Miller, Project Manager, Franchise Research Institute,

800-410-5205 or Mike@FranchiseResearchInstitute.com.

Samuel Koza 2/6/17 Samuel Koza 2/6/17

How to Clean Upholstery Tips and Tricks

Like many homeowners, you have upholstery all over your house. If you want your home to stay clean, beautiful and well cared for, then learning to how to clean your upholstery can be very important.

How To Clean Upholstery

Like many homeowners, you have upholstery all over your house. If you want your home to stay clean, beautiful and well cared for, then learning to how to clean your upholstery can be very important. Let's face it... no matter how careful you are with your upholstery and furniture, accidents do happen. If you have children and / or pets, then they happen more often than you'd like to admit.

Spills happen very quickly, and when they do time is of the essence. Even if you live a pristine lifestyle and never spill that glass of red wine on your furniture; dirt, dust, and general wear and tear will begin to show from regular use.

So behold, a "How To Clean Upholstery" guide to help keep your home clean and beautiful. The focus of this article is mainly on fabric upholstery. For tips on how to clean leather furniture or suede, you can read our article on How To Care For Your Leather Furniture.

Before Cleaning Your Upholstery Make Sure To Vacuum It

First thing is first; vacuum your upholstery. Over a very short period of time, your upholstery can begin to look dingy or develop spots or stains. Doing a thorough vacuuming will remove the dirt and dust which, when wet, can further dirty your nice chairs or couch. Use an upholstery attachment to get into all the cracks and crevices, and to thoroughly clean all the cushions.

If you have pets, then work to remove as much pet hair as possible. Sometimes, vacuums do not remove pet hair entirely so it may be necessary to get a pet hair remover product, such as tape rollers, Swiffer products or even the Bissell Handheld Pet Hair Eraser.

Image: www.houseforsix.com

Next, dust your upholstery with baking soda

You heard that right. Go to the pantry and grab a box of household baking soda and dust the entire piece with it. Remove the cushion(s) and dust those separately. You should leave it sit for at least 30 minutes, but if you've got some errands to run and can let it sit for a few hours then you'll be in a better shape.

When you come back, pull out the vacuum with your upholstery attachment and vacuum the piece entirely again.

Image: www.houseforsix.com

What Upholstery Cleaners Should Be Used To Clean Your Upholstery?

You need to know what types of upholstery cleaners should be used on your upholstery. This is largely dependent on two things: (1) the type of fabric the upholstery is made of; and (2) the type of spill or stain on the upholstery.

Upholstery fabrics can vary widely from wool to cotton, silk, acetate, linen, olefin, rayon and even acrylic (including blends of these fabrics as well). In addition, different upholstery fabrics have been dyed with different colors, in different ways, and the age of your upholstery should also be taken into account.

*** Very Important Note, if you have very old upholstery, antique upholstery or it is very valuable, I would suggest calling in a professional fabric restoration specialist.

Hopefully, you've followed instruction and not removed the upholstery's tag. The first step is to look at the tag for instructions specific to your piece.

The Secret Recipe to Upholstery Love

Now... we do recommend doing the above, but as a general rule from experts across the internet this simple solution is a sure win for most upholstered chairs and couches. Try this recipe:

2 Cups of Water
1/4 Cup Laundry or Dish Soap
Splash of Vinegar if you piece has tough stains or odors

Now grab your standard hand mixer from the kitchen and beat the mixture on low for 30 seconds to a minute until its frothy. It might look like that egg white frosting you put on your angel food cake. If you don't have a mixer that's ok, you'll simply shoulder therapy when you're finished doing it by hand.

Image: www.houseforsix.com — Image: www.houseforsix.com

Round up Some Help

Now, gather the neighborhood kids and get to scrubbing. The key to this mixture is to grab just the bubble and avoid the liquid on the bottom of the potion. Scoop the bubbles out with your hands and apply to the upholstery.

After you rub your upholstered piece down in the foamy bubbles, wipe the whole thing with a wet rag. To eliminate any lingering soap or dirt, rinse out your rag and repeat.

Place the piece someplace to dry that is out of the way (maybe the garage or basement). Replace any cushions after it has dried. You'll love your fresh and clean chair or couch as if it were brand new!

Need Professional Help With Upholstery Restoration?

Mandi Brandon 1/24/17 Mandi Brandon 1/24/17

Color Glo International Selected a Top 100 Franchise by Franchise Gator!

Edina, Minnesota - January 24, 2017 - Franchise Gator has chosen Color Glo International as a Top 100 franchise for 2017.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 24, 2017
Contact: Gary E. Smith and Scott L. Smith
Phone: 952-835-1338
Email: info@colorglo.com

Color Glo International Selected a Top 100 Franchise for 2017 by Franchise Gator

Edina, Minnesota - January 24, 2017 - Franchise Gator has chosen Color Glo International as a Top 100 franchise for 2017. The online franchise directory developed the Top 100 ranking as a way for prospective franchisees to identify opportunities with strong growth potential that are also affordable investments for the average franchise buyer.

Franchise Gator ranked Color Glo International as the number 40 franchise opportunity overall. The ranking is developed using a formula based on several criteria including financial stability, growth, sustainability, profitability, transparency and franchisee satisfaction.

“Each opportunity on the Top 100 list has demonstrated strong growth potential coming into the new year,” said Eric Bell General Manager at Franchise Gator. “Not only are these opportunities among the very best in the industry, they also offer a solid investment for the everyday franchise buyer.”

Color Glo International is the world leader in restoration and repair of leather, vinyl, velour, cloth and hard plastics commonly found in the markets of automotive, aircraft, marine and furniture. Formally incorporated in 1975, Color Glo began franchising in 1982, and is currently in hundreds of markets throughout world. Color Glo products are proven everyday to offer the correct results and best value every time they are put to the test.

We initially began our franchising in the United States and have since expanded into Canada and over 45 countries worldwide. Our focus is restoring and repairing common defects (such as worn and faded interior components) including leather upholstery, headliners, burns and broken plastic or composite molding. These problems are found in the interior of every automobile, RV, truck sports vehicle, plane or boat in use today.

We are thrilled and honored to be named a Top Franchise once again by the elite Franchise Gator!!!

Interested in becoming a Franchisee?

Learn More

About Color Glo Int'l.

After years in the automotive reconditioning industry, C. Everett Smith was not satisfied with the quality of existing products. So when he started Color Glo, he opened his own research and development labs and hired chemists to develop a proprietary line of restoration and repair products. Color Glo's original eight products have now grown to over 100. Color Glo franchisees use these products to clean, repair and re-dye leather, vinyl, fabric, carpet, plastic, fiberglass and other materials. They serve both residential and commercial customers, including the automotive, marine and aviation markets.

Samuel Koza 1/16/17 Samuel Koza 1/16/17

COLOR GLO INTERNATIONAL AMONG 2017 TOP FRANCHISES FROM ENTREPRENEUR'S FRANCHISE 500 LIST

Color Glo International was recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first, best, and most comprehensive franchise ranking.

Color Glo International Press Release

Edina, Minnesota – Color Glo International was recently ranked in Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500®, the world’s first, best, and most comprehensive franchise ranking. Recognized by entrepreneurs and franchisors as a top competitive tool of measurement, the Franchise 500® places Color Glo International as #308 for its exceptional performance in areas including financial strength and stability, growth rate, and brand power.

Color Glo International Top Franchise Award 2017

Entreprenuer.com

“We spend months gathering and crunching data in order to produce the Franchise 500 ranking. We’re proud of the result and the way it continues to be a resource for the franchise community,” says Jason Feifer, editor in chief of Entrepreneur.“ Like every industry, franchising is ever-evolving and must smartly react to new technologies and consumer demands. We know it takes a lot to stay competitive, and are excited to celebrate those that do it best.”

“In order to reflect the evolving business world at large, we at Entrepreneur continue to evolve our annual ranking, too,” says Ryan Shea, president of Entrepreneur. “We’ve developed new ways to measure and analyze our collected data as new critical data points come into play. We take into account pertinent factors such as social media presence and financing availability, which have become increasingly important in today’s economy. The result is a more complete and relevant Franchise 500® that can serve as a valuable resource for our readers.”

The key factors that go into Entrepreneur’s evaluation include costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength, and financial strength and stability. All franchises are given a cumulative score based on more than 150 data points, and the 500 franchises with the highest cumulative scores become the Franchise 500® in ranking order.

Over its 38 years in existence, the Franchise 500® has become both a dominant competitive measure for franchisors and a primary research tool for entrepreneurs. Color Glo International’s position on the ranking reinforces its strength in the industry.

To view Color Glo International in the full ranking, visit www.entrepreneur.com/franchise500. Results can also be seen in the January/February issue of Entrepreneur available now on newsstands.

About Color Glo Int'l.

Samuel Koza 1/2/17 Samuel Koza 1/2/17

The Fascinating History Behind Leather Couches

The leather seat, whether chair or couch, also has a long and fascinating history. Did you know it has been present in homes for thousands of years? This blog post originally appeared on BuildDirect.com and was written by Anabelle Bernard Fournier

This blog post originally appeared on BuildDirect.com and was written by Anabelle Bernard Fournier

Leather Couches: A Tour Through History

Imagine entering a living room with dark, naturally-colored leather couches. The effect is immediate: you have a sudden desire to run your hand along its cool, smooth surface. The leather gives in under your touch and makes that squeaky, satisfying sound. Yes, it’s real. And you want to stay in this luxurious, inviting room forever.

Leather has been used for thousands of years for clothing, armor and even as material for building tents in nomadic tribes. The techniques for transforming raw animal skin into supple material that was easily dyed, sewn and worn or upholstered have existed for just as long. It’s an ancient art, full of history and traditions.

The leather seat, whether chair or couch, also has a long and fascinating history. Did you know it has been present in homes for thousands of years?

There is proof that the throne of Arabian rulers was made of leather. Sitting on leather was his privilege and a sign of power and wealth.

In Roman society, you could find in the wealthiest and most powerful patrician homes leather lounge chairs. The men would lie back in them while they ate, drank and conducted business, while the women would sit on regular plain wood chairs.

Because of the amount of work involved in making leather, the material was reserved only for the elite. It was very expensive, and possessing a piece of leather furniture was considered a status symbol.

Leather Couches - Medieval times to the industrial revolution

This rather long period of time sees leather used in an increasing amount of household objects, including chairs and couches. The increase in trade between Europe and Asia and the discovery of America brought new kinds of furs and hides to Europe, increasing the interest in leather.

However, the leather-making process remained tedious and expensive, and leather furniture remained a luxury reserved for the rich. You would find leather-covered couches in the households of royal families, kings, and noblemen. Ordinary people would still have access to leather in the form of clothing and small accessories, but the furniture was out of their reach.

The industrial revolution and leather furniture

We all know what happened during that time: new machines increased production, and new techniques made the fabrication of everyday objects easier and cheaper. People started to give up making their own household items, as they used to do before and started buying them from manufacturers instead.

Leather didn’t escape industrialization. Although some steps still need to be done by hand, the discovery of new dyes and tanning techniques contributed to an explosion of leather goods, including furniture.

During the 19th century, the leather sofa began making its appearance in common, middle-class households. The leather seat was no more reserved for the rich and influential.

The leather couch became a symbol of comfort and “homey-ness”; a home without at least a small leather chair or sofa was considered unsuitable for receiving people. The addition of new colors and new hides made it easier to use leather furniture in a variety of décors. And the Victorians were avid home decorators!

The 20th century

As the 20th century progressed on, technology advanced and trade increased even more between countries. The leather couch remained an essential manly piece of furniture, usually in the form of the man’s easy chair, where he would sit after a long day of work. Leather couches served as the center of the living room, where the family would gather to listen to the radio, and later, to watch television.

In the 1960s, leather couches became a trend. Clothing and furniture designers began to use leather more widely, and leather appeared in colors such as white and bright green and red. The famous pod chair often had a leather lining inside. A home was not trendy unless it had a leather couch.

Leather couches and furniture today

Since then, the leather couch has retained its reputation of a premier, luxury piece of furniture. Leather furniture gives an instant boost of luxury and comfort to any living room and is still perceived as a status symbol, despite its democratization and cheaper prices.

Today, leather couches come in a variety of colors not previously imaginable: pinks and purples and turquoises and oranges. They are now as versatile as fabric couches and will fit any style and any décor. However, too much leather can look severe; you can soften it by using throw blankets and pillows in complementary or accent colors. Or you can hire an Interior Designer.

Do you have old leather couches, chairs or leather furniture that needs to be repaired? Contact the leather and fabric restoration specialists.

Samuel Koza 12/22/16 Samuel Koza 12/22/16

How to Make Your Own Beeswax Leather Polish

If you want to take care of your leather aging leather furniture, or better yet you really love your leather shoes, wallets, purses, and boots - especially if you have a problem with boots... then you'll need a good, organic, home-made waterproofing and leather balm to help maintain your leather goods to last a lifetime.

DIY Beeswax Leather Furniture Polish

Leather, of course, comes from a once living animal. Just like our skin, it can dry out, crack, tear and have damage based on how its taken care of. You can use a waterproofing spray to delay the inevitable degrade of leather that happens through vicious cycles of wet / dry, cold / hot, etc. But eventually, your furniture, boots, purses or what have you is going to need some love.

Make your own leather polish & conditioner

If you want to take care of your leather aging leather furniture, or better yet you really love your leather shoes, wallets, purses, and boots - especially if you have a problem with boots... then you'll need a good, organic, home-made waterproofing and leather balm to help maintain your leather goods to last a lifetime.

Tools

Measuring spoons
Tins or cups for your polish
Pyrex measuring cup
Small pot
Small aluminum pie plate (optional)
Wooden spoon

Ingredients:

Beeswax - solid
Mineral Oil or Castor Oil
Coconut Butter
Olive Oil or Sweet Almond Oil

Step 1

Setup is really easy. Flatten the small pie tin and punch holes into it (if you opt to do this). This allows bubbles to pass through it and it keeps your preparation from burning (the pyrex sitting directly on the pan bottom could cause burning). Next, fill the pot so that the water just cover the pie tin by 1/4 of an inch. Then set your Pyrex cup on top of the tin.

Ratios. Ingredients are broken down into three categories; solid, semi-solid and liquid. The ratio of each depends on the consistency of polish you are trying to create. A safe mixture ratio would be 2-1/2-1/2 liquid to solid and semi-solid respectively, however you can change it up depending on your application.

If you want a softer polish (say for furniture), you can increase 3-1/2-1/2 or even as much as 4-1/2-1/2 however, I wouldn't go much softer than that. The more beeswax / butter means a firmer mixture, while more oil means softer. It's your choice really...

Step 2

NOW, Add the beeswax and coconut butter. If you need a measurement to start with you can use a one-to-one ratio such as: 1/4 cup of beeswax and 1/4 cup of coconut butter.

Keep stirring then slowly add your almond oil or olive oil (1/4 cup). It will cool the mix causing lumps so add it slowly allowing the mixture to re-melt. When it's fully blended, you can start adding the mineral oil (1/4 cup). It's a thicker oil, so you'll need to really blend it.

Image: homefarmer.co.uk — Image: homefarmer.co.uk

You'll need to keep the heat on your preparation for another 5 minutes or so. Make sure that is DOES NOT BOIL. If you see some steam rising from the mixture, you'll want to reduce the heat and continue to stir. If you think too much steam has gathered on the outside or top of the Pyrex cup, just wipe it off and keep going.

Pouring Your Mixture

Get your tins or cups ready by removing the lids and lining them up. Pour mixture directly from the Pyrex cup into your tins, filling them just below the lip of the container. You may want to find plastic cups or creative containers at your local craft store or dollar store.

That's it!

Now, just let the mixture cool down. This concoction will work on a variety of materials and is very long lasting. This is actually the base mixture for common things you use, like lip balm, oiled canvas, waxed leather and more. It really boils down (no pun intended) to the ratios inside your mixture.

Experiment. Have fun. Save Money. And if you need to clean your leather furniture first, then visit this post: How to care for leather furniture.

Just look how this boot cleans up with a little home-made beeswax leather polish.

Image: instructables.com — Image: instructables.com

Lastly, we found this gent over at Hands on History who gives us a nice video walk-through of how you can make this preparation yourself. His focus is medieval so he's a lot fun!

Cleaning your leather handbag/purse

So, how do you clean a leather handbag?

Here are the DIY do's and don'ts.

For the Fashionistas...

Want to hire a professional?

Cleaning interior wooden trim

Next Step

What do I do now?

Maintenance is key

Want to hire a professional?

How to clean plastic car parts

Clean the textured plastic exterior parts

Materials Needed

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Want to hire a professional?

We've all heard the saying...

Furniture problems and preventions

Problem: Scratches

Problem: Stains

Problem: Dirt & Dust

Problem: Tears, Cracks & Punctures

Problem: Fading & Bleaching

Problem: Pet-Related

Final thoughts on your furniture

How to clean plastic car parts

What you need to clean interior plastic

Cleaning the interior

Treating stains on plastic

Keeping your shine

Need to hire a professional?

How to clean velour and velvet

What you need to clean velour

Steps to cleaning velour upholstery

Velour tips and advice

Lastly, about your velour

Need to hire a professional?

Press Release. Color Glo International Named a Top Global Franchise By Entrepreneur Magazine for 2017!

About Color Glo International

Contact Us

How to wash your car

Are there general guidelines I should follow?

What's next after I wash my car?

Last thoughts and tips...

Headlights

Top questions about cleaning leather

Starting With The Basics

"In Our Opinion", based on experience

About cleaning leather interior

So let's get to it

Leather Care

Color Glo International specializes in leather cleaning and refurbishing.

Silicone dressing for automobile interior.

A few tips on auto leather conditioners

Motor On!

Should I be careful when cleaning my boat?

Check your grades of marine vinyl.

Cleaning your vinyl the right way

How about UV protection?

Choose your personal UV block with caution!

Happy Boating!

What should I ask when buying leather furniture?

How is the leather finished?

Finished.

Unfinished.

How is it constructed? Is the leather top-grain leather?

Lastly, is it all leather?

Franchise Gator just released their Top 100 Franchises for 2017 and Color Glo is listed among them!

Marine Interior Restoration Guide

Boat Restoration Inspiration

Save Money and Time With Color Glo

How To Avoid Boat Interior Restoration

Need a Color Glo Specialist?

What’s the difference between auto reconditioning and auto detailing?

Auto Reconditioning

Bring vintage back to life.

Auto reconditioning for resale

Recondition for Resale

Collectors and enthusiasts pay top dollar for reconditioned vehichles.