You can learn how to repair leather sofa in three easy steps. This article will be helpful for those who want to restore their leather couch thoroughly because we’ll teach you techniques for fixing shallow and deep cracks. We have also written a leather sofa fixing guide if you want to look at different popular remedies.
With that being said, get your trusted leather conditioner and filler to get started with a comprehensive leather sofa restoration guide.
How To Repair Leather Sofa At Home
Genuine leather made from 100% animal hide is durable, but not all leather materials are made alike. Other factors can still affect leather, so it’s possible to notice shallow or even deep damages on the leather sofa. You must learn how to repair both issues using these three steps:
Step 1. Repair the shallow cracks on the leather couch
- Treat the damages on the leather couch’s surface with a good-quality leather conditioner
- The conditioner will restore the integrity of the damaged fibers on the leather, and it’s possible to smoothen and blend light cracks and scratches
- Be sure to check the ingredients of the conditioner and test it to a small spot on the leather sofa first
- Once the leather didn’t developed any reactions, clean the damaged surface of the couch with a soft and dry cloth
- Reach the deeper layer of the leather with a fine-bristled brush to further soften the leather
- Apply the conditioner over the surface damages according to instructions
- Smoothen the conditioner on the leather until the shallow cracks are repaired
- Wipe off the excess conditioner and let the leather sofa dry
- Reapply the leather conditioner as stated
- Read the separate guide for cat scratches on the leather sofa since claw marks are surficial but require other repair techniques
Step 2. Repair the deep cracks on the leather couch
- Inspect your leather sofa for other damages, including those that can’t be restored with a leather conditioner
- You will need a leather filler to address the resulting gaps
- Clean the leather sofa with your trusted product and allow it to dry
- Smoothen the surface of the leather gently with very fine sandpaper and then wipe off the tiny particles with a soft and dry cloth to help reveal the damages further
- Use a blunt knife to spread the leather filler over the deep cracks
- Remove the excess product as the gaps are filled
- Allow the filler to dry according to instructions
- For some severe damages, it might be better to reupholster your leather sofa
Step 3. Blend the repairs with the rest of the leather sofa
- Blend the repairs with the rest of the leather sofa using the right color and finish
- In some superficial damages, coloring over the couch is enough to fix them
- Mix several colors to achieve the same shade as your sofa
- Start painting the edges of the repair to ensure that you got the right shade before coloring everything
- Make several coats if needed and then dry thoroughly
- Finish the leather sofa repair with your trusted sealer
- A sealer will create a better finish and also protect the leather couch from further damage
- Read this guide on how to clean a white leather sofa if you own such color
Can Shoe Polish Fix Leather Couch?
It’s best to avoid DIY fixes like shoe polish on the leather couch. You can always test it on a small portion of the sofa if you still want to, as, understandably, leather dyes can be expensive. However, shoe polish may contain ingredients that are incompatible with certain types of leather.
If you are unsure about your couch and it’s something you don’t want to gamble on, only use leather-specified products. You can also contact a leather repair professional to avoid developing more damages on the sofa.
How Do You Repair Scuff Marks On Leather?
Use a leather repair kit if your leather has deep scuff marks. But in most cases, leather glue can fix scuff marks.
- Clean the leather with the proper cleaner to ensure that the leather glue will set properly
- Lift the scuffed fibers of the leather with a spatula to help you reach underneath them later
- Apply glue against the grain of the scuff using the edge of a knife
- Flatten the scuffed area with the knife and massage the leather gently to remove bubbles and excess glue
- Color the scuffed area you repaired so it doesn’t look prominent
What Is The Best Leather Repair Kit?
The best leather repair kit will vary for the specific material you have on the sofa. Always check if it is compatible with your leather or consult a trusted leather expert for their recommendation. Additionally, the kit should provide the right color and finish to your leather sofa.
Conclusion
Do not panic if you notice cracks and damages on your leather sofa. To recap, knowing how to repair leather sofa at home means you can fix everything from shallow to deep cracks. A leather conditioner should restore the fibers for shallow damages, while you will use a filler for deeper issues.
Are you also dealing with a dirty leather sofa? Check these tutorials on removing paint from a leather couch and removing ink from a leather couch. And to finish it all off, we recommend this guide on how to fix leather sofa peeling, so you’ll know everything about maintaining and restoring leather furniture.