Faux leather is cheaper than genuine leather, and is usually easier to clean. Unfortunately, this material easily peels off and cracks over time. The damage can spread if not treated immediately. Fortunately, this can still be improved even if the results are not perfect. Don't worry if the sofa is torn because you can fix it too.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Repairing Peeled Surfaces with Interior Latex Paint
Step 1. Peel and sand the loose faux leather
Like paint, faux leather also peels off easily. If this happens, peel off most of the loose "skin" above the base cloth. After that, use a soft sandpaper pad to smooth out any rough edges and bubbles.
Don't overdo it. You only need to peel off the layer that is on the damaged area
Step 2. Apply one coat of latex paint to the interior of the house, and let the paint dry
For a smooth finish, pour the paint onto the tray, then apply it to the skin using a small foam roller brush. Wait until the paint is completely dry before you proceed. This can take several hours, depending on the paint used.
- Take one sofa cushion to the store to match its color with the paint you are going to buy.
- You can also use spray paint for "fabric and vinyl". Apply a coat of gesso (a type of primer to seal pores) first, and let it dry for a day before you spray paint.
Step 3. Gently sand the paint, then remove all dust
Purchase a fine sandpaper or sandpaper pad. Gently sand the paint until the surface of the skin feels smooth, then wipe off the sanding dust using a soft cloth.
This will open up any material under the paint. This is fine, and everything will come back smooth and silky
Step 4. Repeat the painting and sanding process up to 4 times
Each time a coat of latex paint is applied, you will be filling the paint droplets in the exposed leather. When the paint is sanded, any bumps that are present will be smoothed out. How much you have to repeat this process depends on how severe the damage is.
Continue painting, drying, and sanding the surface until the skin looks smooth
Step 5. Rub the painted surface with wax paste until it feels smooth
This is very important because the wax will act as a sealant for the paint and keep it from sticking. Rub in the wax paste, then wipe with a soft cloth. Keep scrubbing the surface until the skin feels smooth and the wax is absorbed.
The wax paste will dry in about 20 minutes. Luckily, you can speed up the drying by doing some of the things described in the next step
Step 6. Sprinkle talcum powder or baby powder over the wax
This is not necessary, but it can make the wax dry and harden faster. Apply the powder using a powder brush, then wait a few minutes for the powder to absorb into the wax, then wipe off any remaining powder.
Method 2 of 3: Hiding Peeled Surfaces with a Vinyl Repair Kit
Step 1. Purchase a kit for repairing vinyl upholstery
These kits are sometimes labeled "leather and vinyl", and this is fine. You may be able to buy one at a fabric or upholstery store, but you can definitely get one online.
- These kits are often sold in basic colors, such as black, red, white, yellow, or blue.
- The kit described in this method must be preheated.
Step 2. Mix the paint color until it matches the color of the sofa
Some kits provide a color mixing chart that you can use as a reference. Maybe you still have to darken or lighten the color to get the right color and as desired.
Most kits generally provide several empty containers for mixing and storing new colors. You can use this container, or use a small plate to do this
Step 3. Apply paint to the area you want to treat overlapping the edges
Use the brush provided in the kit to apply paint to the exposed surface. Be sure to apply the paint a few millimeters wider to the edges of the faux leather. This is to help the paint to stick well.
- If the kit you purchased does not include a brush, use a brush with stiff bristles. Do not use a soft camel hair brush.
- This paint must be heated. This means that the paint will not dry before you heat it.
Step 4. Glue the included textured relief paper onto the paint, if desired
Most kits include some kind of textured paper that is similar to the texture of leather. Use this paper if you want a smoother result.
If the kit doesn't include textured paper, skip this step
Step 5. Press the heating device included with the product with an iron until it is hot
Most heaters are stick-shaped with a metal plate on the end. The easiest way to heat it up is to press a hot iron against a metal plate.
- If you don't have an iron, heat the appliance on a stove or even a candle.
- If the heater is missing, try using a regular iron. Use the setting for ironing cotton without using steam.
Step 6. Press the heater on the paper for about 2 minutes
Move the tool so that the heat is evenly distributed, then peel off the paper. If the texture of the paper is not to your liking, reattach the paper and the heater.
- Keep the appliance hot. Reheat the appliance with the iron several times, especially when it gets cold.
- If using a regular iron, only press the paper with the tip of the iron. Do not let the iron touch other parts of the sofa. If the faux leather becomes too soft from the iron, reduce the heat.
Step 7. Repeat this process if necessary
Peel off the paper and check the results. If the damage is still visible, apply another coat of paint, then apply the paper and heater again.
If the texture is still not to your liking, you can replace the paper, and reheat it with a heater
Method 3 of 3: Covering Rips
Step 1. Prepare a denim patch slightly larger than the rip in the faux leather
Depending on the shape of the tear, the patch can be square or rectangular. The patch should be large enough to cover the entire tear, plus about 0.5 to 1.5 cm wider on each side.
- Round off any sharp corners or squares so they don't bend.
- The fabric will go under the rips and skin, so the color won't be a problem.
- You can use a custom, factory-made denim patch, or a cut from an old pair of jeans. If denim is not available, use another type of strong fabric (such as canvas).
Step 2. Use tweezers to insert the patch into the tear
Don't do this with your fingers, as this can warp the leatherette. Use tweezers to push and place the denim strip into the tear.
- Run your finger on the faux leather on one side of the tear. If you feel a lump, flatten it with tweezers from the inside.
- Do not remove the sofa cover. Insert the patch into the sofa through the tear gap, then smooth it out.
Step 3. Apply flexible glue to the back of the faux leather using a toothpick
Apply strong, flexible glue to a toothpick, then rub it into one side of the tear. Move the toothpick in all directions to apply glue to the back of the skin, then repeat this process on the other side of the tear.
You can use a super flexible glue designed for vinyl and fabric. However, don't use regular superglue as it will be too hard when dry. You can also use fabric glue
Step 4. Wipe off excess glue (if necessary), then press the tear
Use a paper towel or soft cloth to wipe off any excess glue that comes off the tear. After that, use your fingers to press the edges of the tear to flatten it out.
- Do this quickly before the glue dries. Everything must be in position before the glue dries.
- Depending on the brand of glue you're using, you'll have about 10-15 minutes to do this.
Step 5. Press the tear with a board until the glue dries
You can also use another hard, flat object, such as a tray or hardback book. Make sure the object is stiff so it doesn't bend when you press it. Place the board in the center of the tear, and press.
Check the instructions on the product packaging for how long it will take for the glue to dry. Most glues will dry to the touch within 10-15 minutes
Step 6. Texture the tear with super glue and paper towels
In this step, use regular super glue. Fill in the gaps with a little superglue, then pat with folded paper towels. The tissue will help remove excess glue, as well as add texture.
This step does not have to be done, and is only used as a beauty enhancer
Step 7. Cover the damage with vinyl paint, if desired
We recommend that you use a paint specifically designed for repairing vinyl. However, if you don't have one, you can use acrylic or latex paint for the interior. Use a sponge brush to apply paint to the tear, then dry it with a hairdryer.
- Again, this action is just to add to the beauty. If you simply want to patch the torn skin, this is not necessary.
- If you're texturizing a tear with superglue, apply this paint to help blend it.
- Take one sofa cushion to the store so you can match the paint color.
Step 8. Blend the rips for a smoother finish by sanding and applying more glue, if desired
Check your work. If the tear appears smooth and smooth, your job is done. However, if there are still bumps and bumps, scrub the surface with sandpaper with a 220-325 grit (roughness level) and then apply super glue again. Blot the glue with a paper towel, reapply the paint, and heat the paint with a hairdryer.
Be careful when handling bonded leather (the worst quality leather), which is just a thin coat of paint on a basic material such as cloth. If you sand outside the painted area, the surface may be damaged
Tips
- Make sure the paint or glue is completely dry before you use the sofa. The drying time may vary depending on the product used. So, read the instructions.
- Some paints appear 1 or 2 shades lighter when they are still wet. If you're using acrylic paint, you may need to make it lighter.
