You can learn how to fix faded leather sofa in two steps. You can also consider each step as a separate solution, depending on the severity of your sofa’s condition. We’ll even discuss the causes of leather fading so that you can avoid this issue in the future.
Do you have other problems regarding your leather couch as well? Another issue that can surprise homeowners is the smell on the leather sofa. Read this article for removing odor from the leather couch, so you’re equipped with the complete maintenance practices for leather furniture!
How Can I Restore My Faded Leather Sofa?
Step 1. Dye the couch
The fastest and easiest way to fix a faded leather sofa is by dying it to its original color. However, remember to use the right products to avoid causing issues with the material. You also want to follow the dye’s instructions deliberately for it to take effect well.
For example, most leather dyes will require the leather couch bare and stripped of its current coating. Clean the leather sofa accordingly and remove its coating, whether it’s a polish or dye. You should easily find specially-formulated solutions to strip away the coating or use denatured alcohol.
However, always test any solution before using it throughout the leather furniture. And once you successfully remove the old coating, apply the new dye onto the leather sofa. Try it on a small portion first to see if it is the color you’re trying to restore, but you can also get a shade darker to be safe.
Step 2. Moisturize the leather
The leather sofa can look darker after applying a fresh coat of dye. You may also need to mix the color yourself to match the existing leather color. And to get the best coverage, it would help to dye the entire sofa rather than apply the color on the faded section only.
After dying the couch, seal the work and finish it with the proper leather conditioner. In some cases, conditioning the leather material is also enough to fix the faded color. Remember to clean it first and use the right product rather than try popular DIY leather conditioners like olive oil.
What Causes Leather To Fade?
Sunlight and heat
The leading cause of leather fading is exposure to sunlight and high temperatures. You will notice that the leather furniture looks worn down faster if it is outdoors and often hit by direct sunlight. But even if you have your couch inside, the UV rays and heat that can penetrate through the window can still cause fading.
Fluctuating environmental conditions
Leather can also fade and get ruined if it’s in an area where the conditions are inconsistent. An unstable temperature that goes from being too cold or being too hot can strip away the original color and luster of the leather sofa. Be careful of your sofa placement where it can be exposed to extreme temperatures directly that can cause discolored patches.
Poor maintenance
Leather is one of the most durable materials, but it’s still prone to damages, including fading. Therefore, you can’t use cleaning products and chemicals blindly on this natural material. Make sure to use specially made cleaning solutions and address stains as soon as possible so they won’t penetrate deeper into the couch.
How To Keep Leather From Fading
You can maintain the actual color of your leather couch by ensuring that it’s out of fluctuating temperatures, sunlight, or saturation from various chemicals. However, the most effective method you can use is to use a protective coating or leather moisturizer.
Your furniture store might recommend a specific brand, or the sofa itself has a tag that mentions the preferred product. When buying a leather sofa, you probably also opted for a quality material that already comes protected. Therefore, your interval for moisturizing might only be necessary after the first year.
Can You Fix Discolored Leather?
It’s possible to fix discolored leather at home using dye and even leather repair kits. First, you have to fix the tears on the leather sofa as they often look prominent due to the different color from the damage. Then, dye the discoloration or patch up the area with the same color as the leather sofa.
Leather dyes, conditioners, patches, and fillers should help the faded or discolored areas blend well with the rest of the sofa. However, it might be easier to do the repairs and then dye the entire furniture, so everything looks uniform. You can even paint the leather sofa if you prefer getting a new look altogether.
Conclusion
Does your leather couch look dull and sad? Perhaps it’s time to learn how to fix faded leather sofa at home. To recap, you need to dye the sofa with the properly formulated product and then moisturize it.
You can also avoid this issue from recurring by ensuring that the leather sofa is never exposed to high temperatures, sunlight, or harsh chemicals. Overall, it’s surprisingly easy to restore discolored leather. Just remember to use actual leather products and protect your sofa accordingly. Let us know in the comments if you have tried any of these solutions.