How To Fix Leather Sofa Like A Pro: 3 Common Issues

Those who have no idea how to fix leather sofa at home can check these three techniques. We have divided different leather couch issues from minor to major to create the ultimate leather sofa repair guide. You will quickly learn to fix anywhere from surface scratches to split seams on a leather sofa. 

Do you have other sofa repair questions? We have written a more extensive guide on repairing a sofa to solve the most common issues with this furniture. So without further ado, get your pen and paper to jot down these secrets.

 

How Can I Repair My Leather Sofa?

 

For minor issues like surface scratches on the leather couch

Leather sofas are prone to getting scratches, and if you’re dealing with shallow and minor damages, you can quickly fix them with a leather conditioner. But what is a leather conditioner? A leather conditioner is a specially formulated product that can restore and nourish the fibers in the leather material. 

You can massage the leather conditioner into the minor scratches on your sofa using a soft cloth. This can also be a preventative measure to ensure that your leather couch won’t crack from the lack of moisture. Consider leather conditioning as part of your routine, not just for fixing surface scratches. 

 

For bigger issues like tears and holes on the leather couch

If your leather sofa has deeper damages like holes and tears, you will need a leather repair kit. Most leather couches are compatible with a standard leather repair kit available in hardware stores. However, you must still select the kit that will suit your furniture best. 

Be mindful of the quality of the products you’ll use to repair the punctures and tears on the leather sofa. Some items included in a repair kit might be easily rubbed off. It would be best to consult a trusted professional for their recommendation. 

 

For splits and rips on the leather couch

A skill that you must learn if you want to fix your leather sofa at home is how to stitch, or glue ripped seams and tears. Leather furniture is prone to getting damaged seams over time, so you should always inspect your couch for potential damages. Sew the tears while they are still small to keep them from exposing the inner components of the sofa where it will be harder to fix.

But if you’re not comfortable using a thread and needle, leather glue can be effective, especially for shorter damages. Apply the right amount of glue between the tear and pinch the sides together. You can also use the glue to attach a replacement leather patch for more extensive damages.  

 

Does Genuine Leather Peel?

Genuine leather does not peel, and the only reason some leather sofas crack despite being labeled authentic depends on how they are created. There are still low-quality leather furniture pieces in the market. Nonetheless, remember that being a natural animal hide requires maintaining genuine leather regularly by keeping it moisturized. 

 

Bonded vs synthetic leather

A leather that peels is typically bonded leather. Bonded leather is not as durable and long-lasting as authentic leather because it’s a mixture of fake and real leather. Think of genuine leather scraps that are ground and mixed with polyurethane. 

On the contrary, manufacturers save costs and sell cheaper leather products by using synthetic leather. Instead of animal hide, synthetic leather uses polyurethane or polyvinyl chloride. The maintenance for these products would be different from an actual leather sofa, and you can read more about faux leather sofa repair here.

 

Can You Fix A Leather Couch That Is Peeling?

It’s possible to repair a peeling leather couch. The main gist is to scrape off the loosened material and restore the sofa with a coat of color and finish. Genuine leather does not peel, and you’re likely seeing the coat peeling. 

However, the best way to repair a leather sofa is by bringing it to a leather repair professional. Be wary of popular DIY techniques as they might ruin the material more. You don’t want to damage your leather couch over an issue that would have been easy to fix. 

 

What causes leather to peel?

Leather can peel over use and time, and this can happen much quicker if the couch uses poor quality leather. Another culprit might be the solutions you use on the sofa. Never clean leather with solvents and alcohol because they can do more harm than good. 

 

How To Fix Leather Couch Discoloration

  1. Find the leather dye kit that matches your leather sofa
  2. Clean and prepare the leather couch before applying the dye
  3. Allow the sofa to dry before application
  4. Use a paintbrush for the seams and piping, while foam is more convenient for the bigger areas of the furniture
  5. Repeat several coats until you reach the desired color
  6. Let the sofa dry thoroughly

Conclusion

While genuine leather does not peel, leather furniture is still prone to other damages. You must know how to fix leather sofa to ensure that it will always look good as new. In this article, you have learned how leather conditioners, leather repair kits, sewing, patching, and leather glue effectively fix most leather sofa issues. 

You can also restore the color of your couch with the proper leather dye. Did this guide help you solve your problem? Let us know in the comments below!