A leather sofa can add elegance to your sitting room, but this one doesn't come cheap. So, no one would just throw it on the street just because of a few minor scratches. Minor damage to the surface of the leather can be easily repaired using glue. To repair more serious damage, you will need a leather repair kit. The kit will include a special patch material (sub patch) to repair deep nicks and a flexible filler to restore cracks and peeling skin.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Fixing Minor Cuts
Step 1. Clean the area to be repaired with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth
Gently rub 70% isopropyl alcohol on peeling skin or nicks on the skin's surface. This step will remove any oil or dirt and prepare the surface for the repair process using leather glue. Do not leave any residual alcohol on the leather surface as it can damage the glossy finish of the sofa.
- Use white vinegar to clean suede and nubuck leather surfaces.
- In addition to rubbing alcohol, you can also use a leather cleaner. However, many products like this moisturize the skin (leaving a residue) or are not good at cleaning oily blemishes.
Step 2. Apply glue to the underside of the torn skin
To repair a sofa made of nubuck, suede, and synthetic leather (such as vinyl or composite leather), you'll need glue specifically designed for that type of leather. For repairing other types of genuine leather, you will get the best results with the help of super glue. Apply a small amount of glue under the skin using a large needle or toothpick. Blend until it forms a thin layer.
Step 3. Reconnect the torn skin
While the glue is still wet, gently press the torn skin back into place. Position the torn leather so that the inside of the sofa is not visible. Quickly wipe off excess glue with a paper towel before it dries.
Step 4. Gently sand the glued area with super glue
If you are using superglue to repair genuine leather, do a manual sanding with 320 grit sandpaper, wet or dry, before the glue dries. This will create a fine dust that mixes with the super wet glue and creates a filler. Sanding following the direction of the crack until the surface of the skin feels smooth.
- For aniline or other smooth leather, use 500 grit sandpaper.
- Skip this step if you are using a special glue for leather.
Step 5. Color the skin
If the repaired area is a different color than the rest of the sofa, apply leather dye using a damp sponge. Wait for it to dry.
- Read the information on the packaging label to ensure that the dye is suitable for the type of leather used for the sofa. Do a small test on the hidden area if you're not sure.
- If you're not satisfied with the repair, carefully sand the surface of the leather and repeat the same process, starting with a small amount of glue.
Step 6. Apply a coat of varnish
If the dye looks dull or matte, apply a small amount of varnish on top, then wait for it to dry. A clear coat of varnish will add shine and protect the dye.
Step 7. Let the glue harden
You should wait at least an hour before using the sofa to prevent the leather from stretching. During this period, the leather glue will harden more optimally and blend with the material.
For best results, allow the glue to dry on its own. Do not use a hairdryer to speed up the drying process as excessive heat can damage the skin
Method 2 of 2: Repairing Deep Rips or Cuts
Step 1. Cut a small amount of filling material for the inside of the skin
A deep tear will reveal the inside of the sofa. You need to use custom patches (sub patches) and create a solid foundation for further improvements. By purchasing a leather repair kit, you will get the special filling material and tools needed to carry out the repair. If you don't have a leather repair kit, you can use a strong elastic cloth or a piece of leather or vinyl. Cut the patch slightly larger than the hole or tear. Round the ends for easy insertion.
Step 2. Tuck the patch under the hole
Use tweezers to slip the patch into the hole, then smooth it out so there are no wrinkles or creases. Make sure the patch covers the entire hole and fits securely between the sofa content and the leather.
Step 3. Attach the patch to the skin with glue
Take a large needle or toothpick to apply leather glue or other glue to the undersurface of the skin around the hole. Spread the glue so that it forms a thin layer where it will come into contact with the patch. Press the skin over the patch while gently pulling the torn area back into shape. Wipe off excess glue with a paper towel.
Step 4. Cover the torn part with weight while waiting for the glue to dry
Place a block of wood or a heavy book on the repaired surface to apply even, firm pressure. Wait at least 20 minutes for the glue to dry or the time indicated on the instruction label.
Read the instructions on the glue label to see if you are allowed to use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process. If so, choose a low heat setting and don't point the blow of the blow dryer directly at your skin. Excessive heat can damage the skin
Step 5. Clean the area to be repaired
Before using filler to repair the hole, you must clean the surface of the skin so that the filler can adhere. Moisten a clean washcloth with a leather cleaning product or 70% isopropyl alcohol, then gently wipe the damaged area.
Alcohol is usually more effective at removing excess glue or oily stains than leather cleaning products
Step 6. Cut the loose fibers around the tear
This step allows the filler to form a surface that is parallel to the edge of the tear. Carefully cut the loose fibers around the tear.
Step 7. Use filler for the skin
If you see gaps between the torn edges, use a palette knife to flatten the filler in the gaps. You'll need to use the flat part of the palette knife to even out the filler and scrape off the excess. You want to make sure the area where the filler is filled is even and parallel to the rest of the skin. Use a paper towel to remove excess filler and smooth the transition between the crack and the rest of the skin surface.
Fillers are usually also included in the skin repair kit
Step 8. Wait for the filler to dry
Refer to the instructions on the product label for an estimate of the time it will take for the filler to dry. Once dry, you can gently press the repaired area without shifting or feeling deflated.
You may need to apply a second layer of filler if the skin is still uneven after drying
Step 9. Apply the dye on the repaired area
You can mix the dye yourself following the instructions on the repair kit or send a leather sample to a leather dye company for a suitable color. Once you have a suitable color, apply a small amount of dye to the repaired area with a damp sponge. After the repaired area is well covered, wait for the dye to dry. If necessary, apply more dye so that the repaired area slowly appears to blend naturally.
If you're not sure if the dye you're going to use matches the color of the sofa, do a test on a hidden area. If the color doesn't look right, remove it immediately
Step 10. Apply varnish
Some leathers have a lacquer finish that is shinier than others. If the dye looks unattractive or dull, apply a coat of varnish over it, and wait for it to dry. A coat of clear varnish will protect the dye and give it the shine you need.
