If you scratch your shoes, handbag or leather furniture, there are several ways to fix it. If the scratch is not too deep, try using a hairdryer, white vinegar, or tar oil. If the scratch is severe enough, try using leather glue and leather dye marker. You can repair deep scratches by purchasing a set of leather repair kits and applying adhesive, fillers, and protectors to the damaged area of skin.
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Method 1 of 3: Using the Quick Method
Step 1. Use a hairdryer to warm and massage the scratches
Choose a medium temperature setting and then warm the surface of the scratched skin. Use your hands to massage the warm skin to disguise the scratch.
Make sure the hair dryer is not too hot. If the blow of the blow dryer is too hot when it hits you, reduce the temperature
Step 2. Wipe the scratch with white vinegar
Dip a cotton swab in white vinegar. Wipe the scratched skin with a cotton swab to gently expand the skin. Allow to dry, then buff the scratched area with clear shoe polish.
Try using vinegar to remove scratches on leather shoes or handbags
Step 3. Use tar oil
Use a clean cloth to rub the tar oil on the scratched skin. Rub the tar oil in a circular motion, then let stand for 10 minutes. After that, remove the remaining tar oil that sticks with a clean cloth.
Use colorless or scented products to avoid damaging the skin
Step 4. Use a recoloring balm to repair the scratched skin
Purchase a dyeing balm online, at a home supply store, or at your nearest textile fabric store. If an applicator sponge is not available, apply the coloring balm on a clean cloth and then rub it into the skin in a circular motion. Allow the balm to soak into the skin as recommended. After that, use a clean rag to buff the scratches and remove any remaining balsam that's still attached.
Method 2 of 3: Using Leather Glue to Repair Minor Scratches
Step 1. Clean the scratched skin area with a leather cleaner
Apply leather cleaner to the scratch. Follow the instructions for use listed on the skin cleanser label. Cleaning the scratched skin will remove dust and oil. In addition, it can also prevent discoloration, and ensure the glue sticks well. Cleansing the skin will also open the pores so that the skin can absorb the products used better.
Step 2. Use a sharp tool to remove the scraped skin fibers
Use a spatula or the back of a knife to scrub the scratched skin. This is done to remove the scratched skin fibers from the surface. By doing this, the leather glue is able to reach the area under the scratched leather fibers.
Step 3. Apply a small amount of leather glue using a spatula or knife
Apply a few drops of skin glue to the tip of a spatula or the back of a knife. Pull a spatula or knife over the scraped area of skin to apply leather glue to the underside of the fibers. Apply skin glue in short, even strokes.
Step 4. Scrub the surface of the scratched leather to remove any air bubbles and residual skin glue
After applying the leather glue, rub the scratched area with a spatula or the back of a knife to remove air bubbles and even out the surface of the leather. By doing this, the scraped leather fibers will drop and balance with the skin surface. Massage the scratched area with your finger to remove any remaining glue.
Step 5. Use a leather dye marker to color the scratched area
If the marker used matches your skin tone, apply the marker thinly. Gently apply the marker to the outer edge of the stroke so that it blends in with the surrounding skin. Scratches that are less severe may not need to be repainted. Therefore, after applying leather glue, think carefully about whether the scratch should be re-colored or not.
Method 3 of 3: Repairing Deep Scratches
Step 1. Clean the scratched area and cut loose skin fibers
Use a leather cleaner to remove dirt and oil before starting. Use small scissors to cut the long strands that are tugging at the surface of the leather. You don't need to cut short or hard-to-reach leather fibers. This is because the skin fibers will not interfere with the skin repair process.
You can purchase leather cleaners, adhesives, fillers, and protectors separately. You can also purchase a set of leather repair kits. You can buy these shoe care products online or at your nearest home improvement store
Step 2. Use a sponge to apply 8-10 layers of leather adhesive
Apply a small amount of leather adhesive to a clean dry sponge, then cover the entire scratched area of skin. Check the product label for the drying time of the leather adhesive. After that, let the adhesive dry before applying the next coat. For satisfactory results, apply 8-10 layers of adhesive on the scratched skin.
Step 3. Sand the scratched area with soft sandpaper
Use 1200 sandpaper to sand the area of the skin that has been applied to the adhesive. Sand the skin in a gentle circular motion. Continue to sand the scratched area of the skin until the surface is even and soft.
Remove any adhering dust using a microfiber towel after sanding the leather
Step 4. Apply filler to deep enough strokes
Use a palette knife or spatula to apply a thin layer of filler to the surface of the deep enough scratches. Wait for the filler to dry for 20 to 25 minutes. Apply as many layers of filler as possible until the stroke is even and balanced with the surrounding skin surface.
Step 5. Sand and wipe the skin using an alcoholic cleaner on the scratched area
After applying the filler and letting it dry, sand the scratched area with 1200 sandpaper. Use an alcoholic leather cleaner and then rub it over the scratched area. Leave it for a few minutes to dry.
The cleanser will remove any remaining filler and prepare the skin for coloring
Step 6. Paint and protect the scratched area
If you don't have an applicator, use a clean, dry sponge to apply a thin layer of skin dye. Allow it to dry as recommended before applying the next coat. After coloring and camouflaging the scratched area, apply 3-4 layers of leather protection to make the skin surface stronger and more flexible.
