A leather sofa is expensive and no one would want to throw it away just because it has a scratch. You can easily repair small cuts and marks with a little glue; for more serious damage you need to get a specific kit for leather, which usually includes material to put under the patch and a putty to regenerate cracked or cracked areas.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Repairing Minor Cuts
Step 1. Clean the surface with a soft rag and alcohol
Gently rub 70% isopropyl alcohol on any small flaps or incisions on the leather; by doing so, you eliminate all traces of grease or dirt and promote the adhesion between the skin and the glue. Do not leave excess liquid on the material, as it can damage the glossy finish.
- Use vinegar on suede and nubuck.
- Alternatively, you can opt for a leather cleaner, but many of these products leave an emollient residue and are unable to remove grease stains.
Step 2. Apply glue to the back side of the flap
For nubuck, suede, regenerated leather fibers and synthetic materials such as vinyl, you must use a specific adhesive based on the material; on other types of real leather you can use superglue, which allows you to obtain excellent results. Spread a small amount on the underside of the flap, using a toothpick or large needle and making sure to create a thin layer.
Step 3. Attach the flap
While the glue is still fresh, gently press the portion of material onto the surface; try to align it so that the underlying padding layer is not visible. Use paper towels to quickly scrub off any excess glue before it dries.
Step 4. Gently sand the area
If you have used superglue on real leather, smooth it manually with 320 grit sandpaper or with water before it dries; in this way, you create a fine powder which combines with the wet glue to create a filling material. Move the sheet in the direction of the cut until the surface is smooth to the touch.
- On delicate, untreated skin, you need to use 500-grit sandpaper.
- If you used leather glue, skip this step.
Step 5. Dye the leather
If the repaired area has a different color than the rest of the sofa, apply a specific dye with a wet sponge and wait for it to dry.
- Read the label of the dye to find out if it is suitable for the type of skin you want to treat; if in doubt, test it on a hidden area of the sofa first.
- If you feel the repairs need more work, lightly sand the surface and repeat the process starting to apply more glue.
Step 6. Apply a finishing product
If the colored area is too dull, dab it with a specific polish and wait for it to dry; the finishing product makes it shiny while protecting the color.
Step 7. Let the glue set
Wait at least an hour before deforming the surface of the material in any way; by doing so, allow the glue as long as it needs to adhere to the skin.
For best results, let the glue harden naturally; heat can damage the leather, so it is risky to use a hair dryer to speed up the process
Method 2 of 2: Repairing Lacerations and Deep Cuts
Step 1. Cut out a piece of material to put under the patch
Deep damages that expose the padding must be repaired with a "patch" that acts as a sturdy support. If so, it is worth buying a leather repair kit, as it includes the patch and any other tools you need. If you don't have the kit, you can use any darning fabric that is strong and stretchy, or another piece of leather or vinyl. Cut the patch so that it is slightly larger than the hole or tear, rounding the corners for easier insertion.
Step 2. Insert it under the hole
Use a pair of tweezers to put the patch in the opening and flatten it to remove any creases or wrinkles; make sure it completely covers the damage and sits snugly between the leather and the padding.
Step 3. Glue the patch to the leather
Apply elastic or leather glue to the back of the tear flaps using a thick needle or toothpick. Spread the adhesive creating a thin layer over the entire surface that comes into contact with the patch; wipe away the excess product with absorbent paper.
Step 4. Ballast the tear as the glue dries
Place a piece of wood or a heavy book over the entire area affected by the repair to apply even and constant pressure; wait for the adhesive to dry for at least twenty minutes or according to the instructions on the label.
Read the glue label to find out if it suggests using a hairdryer to speed up the drying process; if so, keep the minimum temperature set and avoid placing the hairdryer directly on the leather: too much heat can dry out or damage the material
Step 5. Clean the surface
Before applying a filler to close the hole, you must clean the area to ensure maximum adhesion. Lightly dampen a dry rag with leather cleaner or 70% isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe the damaged area.
Alcohol is typically more effective than detergent at removing excess glue or grease stains
Step 6. Cut away the fibers dangling from the tear
In this way, the putty creates a surface flush with the edges of the cut; proceed carefully to get rid of any fibers or filaments that are near the hole.
Step 7. Apply the putty
If there is a small gap between the two edges, use a small spatula to spread a small amount of product on them; use the flat side of the tool to smooth out the grout and scrape off the excess. You need to make the material create a flat surface flush with the surrounding one. Use absorbent paper to remove excess product and blend the edges along which it comes into contact with intact skin.
Leather putty is included in the specific repair kits
Step 8. Wait for it to dry
Read the product instructions to calculate waiting times. When the grout is dry, you should be able to press the repaired area without feeling any movement or sticky sensation.
If the repair does not feel uniform to the touch after drying, it is recommended to apply a second layer of putty
Step 9. Paint the repaired area
You can prepare a custom color by following the instructions in the repair kit or by taking a leather sample to the paint shop so that the correct color is mixed for you. Once you have the right dye, dab a small amount on the mending using a wet sponge; when most of the repair is no longer visible, wait for the product to dry. Repeat the process if necessary, gradually blending the edges outward for a natural effect.
If you believe that the paint shade is not perfect, do a test in a hidden corner of the sofa; if the result confirms your fears, wipe off the color quickly
Step 10. Apply a finishing product
Some leathers have a more polished appearance than others; if the mending looks too dull and sloppy, apply a layer of clear finishing product and wait until it dries. This protects the color and makes the area shiny like the rest of the sofa.
