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CGI Ranked in The 10 Best Franchises to Open in 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN. Nov 1st, 2018 – Color Glo International® has been ranked in the 10 Best Franchises to Open in 2018 by Insight Success. Insights Success is “the best business magazine across the globe for enterprises. Being a progress-driven platform, it focuses distinctively on emerging as well as leading companies, their reformative style of conducting business and ways of delivering effective and collaborative solutions to strengthen market share.

Color Glo International® Ranked in The 10 Best Franchises to Open in 2018 by Insight Success® 

MINNEAPOLIS, MN. Nov 1st, 2018 – Color Glo International® has been ranked in the 10 Best Franchises to Open in 2018 by Insight Success.

Insights Success is “the best business magazine across the globe for enterprises. Being a progress-driven platform, it focuses distinctively on emerging as well as leading companies, their reformative style of conducting business and ways of delivering effective and collaborative solutions to strengthen market share.

Selected from hundreds of eligible companies, Color Glo International has made the list of “Top 10 Best Franchises to Open in 2018”. 

The world leader, Color Glo International, specializes in the restoration and repair of leather, vinyl, velour, cloth and hard plastics commonly found in the automotive, aircraft, marine and furniture markets. The company was founded by Everett C. Smith. Everett’s son, Gary E. Smith, is now at the helm of the company. Gary serves as President and CEO and maintains a hand-on approach to running the company while continuing to build and expand the Color Glo brand in the marketplace. 

We are honored by this new and continued recognition for all the hard work that the Color Glo family pours into our franchisees and the success of their operations.
— Gary Smith, President


Color Glo International’s Insight Success article can be found at:

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 the world. Color Glo products are proven every day to offer the correct results and best value every time they are put to the test.

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Mandi Brandon
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Revitalize and Restore with Color Glo International

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How To Care For Your Leather Jacket

A real leather jacket or coat is usually an expensive investment and can take a while for you to source or purchase depending on your tastes. Your leather jacket can last for many, many years if given proper care though. In many cases, you can wash a leather jacket at home if you follow the correct methods.

Wearing and Caring For Your Leather Jacket

A real leather jacket or coat is usually an expensive investment and can take a while for you to source or purchase depending on your tastes. Your leather jacket can last for many, many years if given proper care though. In many cases, you can wash a leather jacket at home if you follow the correct methods.

Know your leathers. It is important to understand the type of leather you are purchasing and to be sure that it is real leather. Many synthetic products can look very similar or in some cases, just like real leather, but the type of cleaning and care will be very different.

How to Care For Your Leather Jacket

Types of Leather Jackets and Coats

Leather jackets (and leather in general) come in several grades and finishes and that makes a difference in how they are cleaned. There are the four most commonly sold types of leather and here they are:

  • Suede: Natural suede leather is created from the soft underside of a split grain animal hide. It has a gentle, nappy finish that is easily stained. There are always very specific care and cleaning steps for suede jackets. This is also true for accessories and furniture.

  • Nubuck: Nubuck leather is similar to suede in appearance, but it uses the top of the animal hide which is finely sanded and buffed to produce the very softest, velvety leather finish. The care techniques for Nubuck leather are similar to suede. The stain removal process often requires treatment by a professional.

  • Aniline: Aniline leather is a full grain leather that has been treated with the chemical aniline. This is the most common type of leather used for jackets and can be very durable.

  • Nappa: This is the cadillac or highest grade leather. Nappa leather is ultra soft and supple. It uses a full grain sheep or lamb hide.

Before You Wear Your Leather Jacket

If you want to keep your jacket looking its best for the long haul, be sure that the leather is properly treated with a leather protector. You can purchase leather protector products in both liquid or spray-on formulas. The protector helps repel water and prevents stains on the leather surface from water spotting and soil. You should really apply protector products on an annual basis. If you use and abuse your leather and wear it often, then a more frequent treatment may be necessary. Then again if you like that tattered “vintage” look as the fads would have it - then by all means beat it up! But if you’d like it to last, then follow a few simple guidelines.

There are several things you should avoid when wearing your leather coat:

  • Full Pockets. You don’t want to stretch your leather out and have it be forever unshapely. So a word of advice is not to cram your pockets full of "stuff" or carry heavy items.

  • Sprays and Perfumes. No good. Do not apply hairspray, perfume, or cologne while wearing your leather coat. You will dry the jacket right out from the alcohol in these products. If you must give an extra spritz before hitting the town, do it while sans leather jacket and wait for it to dry before putting it on.

  • Pins and Accoutrements. As you can imagine, your favorite Elk’s Club pin will leave a permanent hole in your leather jacket - unlike your cotton or blended sport coat. Never attach badges, pins, tape, or stick-on labels to leather.

  • Alterations. It goes without saying - have a professional do any size alterations or attach any emblems or embroidery to the leather surface. Holes caused by incorrect stitching or poking will be almost impossible to remove. Let’s call it impossible :-).

How to Clean Your Leather Jacket

Generally speaking, you can wipe away most soil with a clean, damp cloth if your jacket has been properly treated and protected. Some stains like ink from a pen or even mildew require specific treatments though.

You might find one fall, when pulling your leather jacket out of the closet, that the inner lining is soiled with body oil or perspiration. What to do? If the coat is expensive or brand new you may want to head to a professional leather cleaning expert. Not every cleaner has the credentials however to clean leather jackets. Check them out first so it doesn’t get destroyed. If the inner lining is made from a washable fabric, you may be able to simply clean it at home. The product will likely clue you in.

You should never wash suede or nubuck garments yourself though. Hand-washing is only appropriate for aniline leather finishes only. Before doing this, test the color-fastness of the leather using a clean, white, wet cloth on an interior spot of the leather. If color transfers to the cloth, the dye is not stable on the leather and you should not proceed.

If you decide to DIY wash your leather jacket at home, you will need to be prepared to devote several days to the process. Afterwards you’ll need to properly condition the leather to bring the luster and life back into it. Leather is much like your own skin. If you dry it out with harsh soaps, it will crack and feel stiff.

How To Care For Your Leather Jacket

Hand Washing Your Leather Jacket

Empty all pockets (common sense right?) of the jacket and turn it completely inside out. Fill a large sink or plastic container with lukewarm water. Add a small amount of a gentle liquid detergent recommended for hand washing delicate items (Woolite is a good example). Swish it up and make it soapy.

Submerge the leather jacket completely and swish through to be sure the lining is wet through and through. Squeeze the solution through the lining and allow it to soak for ten minutes or so. If there are stubborn stains present, use a soft bristled brush to help lift those away.

When it is time to rinse the jacket, lift the jacket out of the soapy solution. Simply squeeze out the excess moisture - you don’t want to wring it. Fill the sink with clean water and rinse it out thoroughly. You may have to change the water several times to remove all of the soap and soil.

Once you’re done washing the jacket (or coat), turn it back right-side out and hang over something to air dry. Make sure to use a sturdy wooden or padded hanger to prevent creases in the shoulders. Obviously you don’t want to hang it in direct sunlight or neat a furnace or heater. It will probably take a couple of days for your leather jacket to dry completely.

The next step is to completely condition the garment until it is once again soft and supple. Be sure that you use a good quality leather conditioner.

How to Store Leather Jackets

Storing your coat properly will prevent many leather problems. Pull out that same sturdy hanger and store it in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight. Avoid any location that has excessive moisture-even a closet near a bathroom where steam may be present. If you are concerned about dust, cover the coat with a cloth garment bag or cotton sheet. Do not store your leather jacket or coat in a plastic bag that could trap moisture and promote mildew.

I wouldn’t iron if I were you…


Do you have a leather jacket that needs more than cleaning? Rips, tears or scratches?

Color Glo international and Color Glo franchisees world-wide are specialists in color restoration and repair of leather garments, accessories and furniture. Color Glo specialists are available to help restore, clean or re-dye your valuable property. We offer an on-site service safety and convenience, eliminating the downtime of transport and ensuring our best work. Our work is permanent and environmentally safe. Color Glo specialists use non-flammable, odorless, water-based products that dry quickly.

Keep your investment for years to come. Revitalize. Restore. Save money. Contact us today for more information.

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How to Choose the Right Colors for your Leather Furniture

Do you intend to purchase a piece of leather furniture but you’re not sure which color will perfectly suit your room’s needs? If yes, the various tricks on how to choose a color for your leather furniture discussed below will with no doubt be very crucial to your room needs.

Choosing the right colors for your leather furniture

Do you intend to purchase a piece of leather furniture but you’re not sure which color will perfectly suit your room’s needs? If yes, the various tricks on how to choose a color for your leather furniture discussed below will with no doubt be very crucial to your room needs. In addition to a leather piece of furniture providing a suitable place to relax, there are several merits that this piece of furniture carries along. For instance, a quality piece of leather furniture, such as couch, can make your living room more appealing to your family members as well as to any guest who visits you. In order to make your room pop it’s important to choose the right color for your leather furniture.

How to Choose the Right Colors for your Leather Furniture

Look for Inspiration

Before choosing a color for your leather furniture you should browse through several interior design magazines to find some ideas on possible colors. Interior design magazines will give you some useful hints on selecting the right colors and provide pictures of different leather furniture designs which are currently trending. You can also visit several home décor shops and furniture stores in your area to see which color will best complement your home.

Consider Colors that Complement your Existing Furniture

One of the most appropriate tricks for choosing a color for your leather furniture is basing it on the colors you already have in your room. For instance, if you have a lot of blue in the room with paintings, rugs, or lamps, a piece of leather furniture that has a hint of orange can be a suitable addition.

If you intend to place your leather furniture in an empty or new room, it’s recommended you pick a neutral color in order for you to have a variety of decoration options to use when you will be designing the other places of your room. 

Choose a Piece of Furniture that is Neutral 

A neutral color for you leather furniture can be appropriate if you want the product to match all your rooms. Based on experimentation, a leather piece of furniture in a neutral color such as navy, gray, or cream will certainly appear great in any of your rooms.  If you decide to go for a neutral leather piece of furniture add pillows or throws that match the color decoration to the rest of your room.  

Matching the Furniture to the Outdoors

If the room you intend to place your leather furniture in has several windows, it’s essential you try to pair the color of the furniture with your outside greenery. For instance, if your room is located in a forested area, selecting any earthly tone color such as brown or green would be an ideal option.

Take into Consideration the People who will be Using the Furniture

Before deciding on a color for the furniture, take into account other people of your family. For instance, if you have kids or a pet, going for a medium or neutral dark color sofa is recommended so that your leather product will hide any potential stains. If you don’t have children or pets, you could choose a white or tan color since it won’t be as apt to get damaged.

Think of the Mood of the Room

The room you intend to place your leather furniture in may be used mainly for entertainment, relaxation or for any other activity. If there is a specific role you want your room to serve, ensure the color of the leather furniture is reflecting that purpose. For instance, if you will be using the room mainly for entertainment purposes, it is suitable you select a bold, bright color such as purple or red. On the other hand, if your room is particularly meant for relaxation, choosing a light, minimalist sofa color such as beige, or pale green is a perfect choice.     

Put into Account your Own Personality 

Since you’ll be seeing this piece of furniture everyday it’s wise to choose a color that best fits your personality and sense of style. You’ll end up enjoying the furniture more if it matches your design taste. People will end up learning more about your design preferences when they see the color you have chosen. The color of a piece of furniture can say a lot about a person and their feelings on design.

Considering which room you’ll put your furniture is also essential. Figure out the place you will put furniture and note carefully how the color you select may be affected by that location. For example, if you’re planning to put your leather furniture in a place that receives sunlight directly, the fabric of your sofa can fade over time. Therefore, choose a pattern or color design for your furniture that won’t noticeably fade, such as cream or gray. You can also ask your close friends or relatives about the colors they consider are most appropriate for your leather furniture.

This article was written by Nicole Jackson of House Tipster. She is very passionate about home improvement and interior design.

How to Choose the Right Colors for your Leather Furniture

Do you have leather that needs restoration? Restore vs. replace.

Color Glo international and Color Glo franchisees world-wide are specialists in color restoration and repair of leather furniture. Color Glo specialists are available to help restore, clean or re-dye your valuable property. We offer an on-site service safety and convenience, eliminating the downtime of transport and ensuring our best work. Our work is permanent and environmentally safe. Color Glo specialists use non-flammable, odorless, water-based products that dry quickly.

Keep your investment for years to come. Revitalize your home and save money. Contact us today for more information.

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The Benefits of Refurbishing Fleet Vehicles

If you’re in the business of fleet vehicles, then you know that the unknown variable of mechanical, auto-body and refurbishment repairs can be devilish. They crop up at the least expected times and cause your vehicles to be out of service, thus costing you money.

Refurbishing Fleet Vehicles Works

If you’re in the business of fleet vehicles, then you know that the unknown variable of mechanical, auto-body and refurbishment repairs can be devilish. They crop up at the least expected times and cause your vehicles to be out of service, thus costing you money.

When fleet vehicles is your business, you either have an in-house automotive repair shop and auto-body repair shop or you have a list of tried and true vendors that work at your speed and budget.

But what about the rest?

Whether you’re buying a fleet of used vehicles or fixing up the ones with miles on them, you’re going to run into decisions to replace or restore. For many, restoration is not a consideration because the benefits are not second nature. At Color Glo International, we are experts in the business of fleet vehicle refurbishment and restoration for “the rest”. Your mechanical and auto-body repairs can often take a day if not only hours, but when faced with cleaning the vehicle up to make the driving experience good for drivers - the time out of service can be a bit lengthier, thus costing you money.

The Benefits of Refurbishing Fleet Vehicles

What does this mean for my bottom line?

Your vehicles not only need to run well, but look good and function well. Things tend to fall apart over time, headlights yellow, leather and fabric get torn, the dash fades from the sun, the carpeting gets worn out from foot wear.

If you happen to be in the business of tractors for semi trucks and hauling, buying used and refurbishing can save you between $40,000 - $50,000 per tractor when you consider refurbishing the entire tractor. Your color and fabric restoration from Color Glo can save you up to 70% of the cost of replacing fabric, leather and plastic items.

The professionals at Color Glo can help

Color Glo specialists come to you.  We've been doing it for over 45 years and have built incredible relationships with fleet vehicle companies and their customers. All of our repairs are done on-site, meaning you can stay busy with your fleet in service while we get them ready to hit the road. You don't have to transport them anywhere, wait for the repair or lose precious time in sales. 

Our franchisees can fix just about anything. With Color Glo, you can make one call to fix almost everything in the dash, seating, interior, headlights and some exterior paneling. We repair and restore vinyl, leather, fabric, plastic, and carpet to a like-new condition.

Think of it as a full makeover. If you're looking to sell your home, you may hire a professional painter to give a brand new feel and give the rooms a flow that leads you through the house. The emotional piece of spending money is very real when it comes to homes, cars, RV's and other items of large expense. In your fleet vehicles, Color Glo can dye surfaces like vinyl, plastic, leather, rubber and more. We can also repair and restore scratches, tears, and burns to new.

Putting a fresh coat of paint inside a home you’re looking to sell is one of the easiest ways to spruce a place up, so why not do the same for the interior and some exterior elements of your fleet vehicles?

The benefits of refurbishing fleet vehicles

Repair vs. Replace

Repairing and restoring the features on your fleet of previously-owned or in-service vehicles can help make the cost of replacement cheaper. In fact, it will be much less in most cases. You can expect to see as much as a 70% savings when restoring to new with Color Glo and you can extend the life an enjoyment of your fleet.


Are you a fleet vehicle business that needs an on-site restoration specialist?

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