Even if you are very careful, it is not impossible if the leather furniture gets scratched due to daily use. If you also have small children and pets in your home, it is almost impossible to protect the skin from scratches. You may think that the furniture is beyond salvage, but there are actually several ways to restore it. Leather is a flexible material that has the ability to adhere to itself, making it relatively easy to repair scratches that occur on the surface. Even deeper scratches can be repaired or masked so that the furniture looks like new.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Recognizing Skin Type and Scratches
Step 1. Identify the type of leather used to make the furniture
You can do this by carefully examining the furniture. Different skin types have to be repaired in different ways. So, it is important to start by identifying the skin type. There are three types of leather commonly used to make furniture: “pigmented” leather (or “finished leather”), aniline leather, and “bicast” leather.
- Most leather furniture (about 85%) is made of finished leather. This leather has a durable surface that resists scratches and does not absorb liquids.
- Analin leather is made of very high quality leather so that furniture made of analin leather is quite rare. Analine skin has no surface layer, allowing you to see the texture of the skin. Some manufacturers also produce semianaline leather, which is still made of high-quality leather, but is covered with a thin layer.
- Bicast leather is technically a by-product of leather, and furniture made from bicast is still considered leather furniture. Bicast leather is made of low-quality leather, which is split into thin layers before being covered with a layer of polyurethane.
Step 2. Contact the furniture manufacturer if you notice scratches
Many manufacturers have a variety of special ways to improve their products. Some of them are even willing to send free or discounted repair kits. If you have no luck with this step, move on to the next step.
The repair process recommended by the manufacturer will directly relate to the type of leather used for the furniture
Step 3. Check for scratches on the skin
Leather furniture can be scratched with varying degrees of severity. While fine scratches are easy to repair, deeper scratches can be more serious and should be treated with a different repair procedure. You can determine how serious a scratch on furniture is by making a quick visual observation.
- If the scratch is smooth, it means that only the protective layer is damaged, while the base layer remains intact.
- Deeper scratches indicate that the base layer is damaged. You may find lint around the scratch.
- If the leather is completely cut off, you may be able to see the cushioning inside the furniture. If this is the case, you will not be able to repair it yourself and will have to bring the furniture in for professional handling.
Method 2 of 3: Repairing Fine Scratches By Skin Type and Equipment Availability
Step 1. Rub olive oil, baby oil, or saddle oil on the scratches
Use a cotton swab as an applicator. After applying the oil to the scratch, you can rub the surrounding skin in a circular motion. Let the oil dry for an hour, then wipe it off with a clean cloth.
- If streaks are still visible after the first application, try applying more oil and letting the oil work for a few hours.
- As with all methods, you should test this method first in an inconspicuous place because the oils absorbed by the skin can stain or darken the skin.
Step 2. Apply lanolin oil on the scratches
Take a clean cloth, such as a cotton cloth, and dip it in the lanolin cream. Rub the cloth perpendicular to the scratch. This will smooth and repair the scratches. You may have to redo a few times before the scratch disappears.
Do a lanolin oil test on a hidden area as the oil can make your skin tone darker
Step 3. Use a heat source and a damp cloth to remove the skin's natural oils
Before using this method, it is important to know your skin type. This process can only be done on analin and bicast skins. To heat the skin, hold the blow dryer very close to the cloth or press a warm iron over a damp cloth placed over the scratch.
- If you are using a hairdryer as a heat source, use your hands to massage the skin around the scratch. The heat will release the natural oils and dyes on the skin. If this happens, the scratch will heal on its own.
- If you are using an iron and a damp cloth, press the iron for 10 seconds. Lift the cloth, and check for scratches. If the scratch is no longer visible, you can dry the leather and the furniture can be used again as usual. If the scratch is still there, you can repeat the ironing method one more time.
- Don't let your skin burn. If the skin feels too hot to the touch, it is best to allow the skin to cool before reheating.
Step 4. Apply shoe polish on the scratched area
Look for a shoe polish color that matches the furniture. First, apply shoe polish to the scratch with a clean cloth or cotton swab. Then, rub the shoe polish into the leather, and briskly rub it with a clean cloth to polish it.
- This process won't remove the scratch, but it can help disguise it.
- If you need a darker color, repeat the same process. If you notice the polish is turning a different color, use a damp cloth to wipe it off immediately.
- This process will work better on denser pigmented leather (and bicast leather) because shoe polish is generally not designed for use on leather furniture.
Method 3 of 3: Repairing Deeper Scratches
Step 1. Clean the scratched area with rubbing alcohol
Deep scratches on leather furniture may be scuffed and dirty. So, you should first make sure the area is clean before starting the repair. Take a clean cloth and dip it in rubbing alcohol, then gently buff the scratched area.
- The rubbing alcohol will dry quickly. Leave the area for 10 minutes until the skin is dry.
- This method is most effectively applied to finished leather. If a deep scratch occurs on the aniline leather, it may not be repairable.
Step 2. Scrub the edges of the scratch with sandpaper or scissors
Unlike a fine scratch, if the scratch is deep enough, the edges may be uneven, scuffed, or torn. Take a pair of scissors and remove any dangling fibers so that the area around the scratch is neat.
Alternatively, you can take a piece of fine sandpaper (number 1200) and sand the area around the scratch until it is smooth
Step 3. Apply leather putty to fill in the scratch holes
This product resembles ordinary putty and is used to fill in cracks and crevices in scratched leather furniture. Use your fingers or a small spatula to cover the scratch with putty until the surface of the scratched skin looks as smooth and even as the surrounding surface. After applying the putty, let it dry for about half an hour.
- Once dry, take a piece of sandpaper (number 1200) and smooth the surface of the putty.
- You can buy this leather putty at a hardware store, leather goods specialist or online. In addition, the furniture manufacturer may also sell bonder or putty, or be willing to ship it to you free of charge.
Step 4. Use an appropriate leather dye
Once the scratches are covered and filled with putty, you'll need to color the putty to match the overall color of the furniture. Pour the dye on the sponge and apply it evenly over the putty-covered area.
- Apply as many layers of dye as possible to match the color of the furniture, but don't forget to let the coat dry before you apply the next coat.
- To buy this kind of product, you may have to go to a leather goods store or a store that specializes in leather furniture.
Step 5. Apply leather varnish on the stained area
The varnish will coat and protect the putty that has been stained, and will prevent scratching in the same area. Pour a small amount of varnish on a clean sponge or cloth and gently rub it over the scratched area of the furniture.
- Apply 3-4 coats of varnish for consistent results.
- Like leather dye, you can buy leather varnish at a leather goods store or a store that specializes in leather furniture. You can also buy putty, dye, and varnish in one package.
Tips
- Deep scratches on furniture may require professional treatment. If a serious scratch is left untreated, it will eventually become permanent damage, which cannot be repaired.
- Every time you want to apply a foreign substance to the skin, you should do a test in a hidden area.
- If possible, try to find a leather dye recommended by the manufacturer to reduce the risk of discoloration of the furniture leather.
