Suede and nubuck can be protected, but the routine has to be careful. Start with clean, fully dry material, use dry suede care first, apply protector evenly, and let the material air dry before wear.
The short answer: use Repel Spray on clean, dry suede or nubuck to help guard against liquid and dirt. Do not treat any suede protector as guaranteed waterproofing, and always test carefully on dyed or delicate suede.
The Routine
- Brush dry suede first with the Premium Suede Cleaning Kit to remove loose dirt and revive the nap.
- Use the suede eraser on dry marks, then brush again.
- If the shoe needs a fuller clean, follow the suede cleaning guide before applying protection.
- Once the material is clean and fully dry, apply Repel Spray evenly across the suede or nubuck.
- Let the material air dry completely before wearing.
- Use Repel Refill when your Repel bottle runs low.
Best For / Not For
Best for
This routine is best for clean, dry suede and nubuck shoes, boots, hats, and bags that need a protective step before wear.
Not for
Do not use this as a shortcut for dirty, wet, stained, or damaged suede. Do not use Repel on unsealed leather or vegetable-tanned leather. Do not use Quick Wipes on suede or nubuck.
Step 1: Clean and Dry the Suede First
Protector spray should go on clean, dry material. If loose dirt, old marks, or buildup are still on the surface, start with a dry suede routine: brush, erase, then brush again.
For a fuller clean, use suede-appropriate care with light pressure and test first, especially on dyed suede. The Ready-To-Use Foam Cleaner or Quick Clean Kit can fit a controlled routine when dry care is not enough, but suede should never be soaked or scrubbed aggressively.
Step 2: Apply Repel Evenly
Apply Repel Spray evenly across the suede or nubuck. The goal is consistent coverage, not soaking the material. Work in a ventilated area and give delicate or dyed suede extra caution.
Repel is water-based, VOC-free, and made without PFAS, PFOA, or PFCs per current product language. It helps guard most absorbent materials against liquid and dirt, but it should not be positioned as guaranteed waterproofing.
Step 3: Let the Material Air Dry
Let the suede air dry fully before wearing. Do not use direct heat to speed up drying. Once dry, lightly brush the nap so the surface looks even again.
Step 4: Keep Suede Care Separate from Quick Cleanup
Quick Wipes are useful for fast cleanup on compatible materials, but they are not the right tool for suede or nubuck. Suede needs a material-specific routine because the nap can mat or stain if cleaned incorrectly.
Products Used in This Guide
- Repel Spray - protective step for clean, dry absorbent materials.
- Repel Refill - refill path for routine protection.
- Premium Suede Cleaning Kit - dry brush and eraser care for suede and nubuck.
- Suede Care Bundle - full cleaning and protection routine for suede care.
- Ready-To-Use Foam Cleaner - controlled fuller-clean option when dry care is not enough.
- Quick Clean Kit - foam plus Delicates Brush for careful cleaning.
Recommended Jason Markk Routine
For suede and nubuck, keep the routine simple: dry care first, controlled cleaning only when needed, protect after the material is fully dry, then brush the nap back up after drying.
If you want one purchase path, start with the Suede Care Bundle. If you already have suede tools, add Repel Spray and Repel Refill for replenishment.
FAQ
Can suede be protected from water and stains?
Yes, suede and nubuck can be protected with the right routine. Apply Repel only after the material is clean and fully dry, and do not treat protection as guaranteed waterproofing.
Should I clean suede before using protector spray?
Yes. Brush away loose dirt, use a suede eraser on dry marks, and make sure the material is fully dry before applying Repel.
Can I use Repel on nubuck?
Repel can be used on most absorbent materials, including suede and nubuck, after the material is clean and fully dry. Test carefully on dyed or delicate materials.
Does suede protector make shoes waterproof?
No. Do not treat protector spray as guaranteed waterproofing. Repel helps guard against liquid and dirt, but suede still needs care and cleanup after wear.
Can I use Quick Wipes on suede?
No. Do not use Quick Wipes on suede or nubuck. Use the Premium Suede Cleaning Kit and a suede-specific routine instead.