Home » Misc » Best way to repair leather couch

Best way to repair leather couch


How to repair a leather couch – and restore it to its best

(Image credit: DFS)

Knowing how to repair a leather couch is essential if you own one and have a busy family home – and especially pets who might sneak on it occasionally. 

Due to its durability and longevity, leather is a firm favorite when it comes to upholstery. Leather also ages beautifully making it the perfect investment piece. A leather couch is always on trend and picking a neutral shade ensures it will always go with your scheme.

However, leather can be prone to damage – including scratches. We've asked the experts and collated their advice to ensure that you know how to keep your couch looking its absolute best. 

See: How to clean a leather sofa – so that it looks as good as new

How do you repair a damaged leather couch?

'Although leather is pretty tough, it can of course be cut, torn or punctured. This can obviously be upsetting as leather is a fairly expensive fabric, and replacing damaged covers might be a significant expense. Fortunately, that is very rarely necessary as cuts and tears can usually be repaired at home with a little care and the right tools.' says John Darling, founder of luxury upholsterers Darlings of Chelsea .

However, before you embark on repair projects, it's important to establish the condition of the leather and the age of the couch. 'Just like tire wear on a vehicle, leather furniture can get worn down and sometimes degraded beyond the point of repair.' says Jesse Johnstone, president of Fibrenew

So can leather upholstery be repaired? Yes, leather upholstery can be repaired. Read on to find out how.

How can I restore my faded leather couch to color?

(Image credit: Darlings of Chelsea)

You can restore your faded leather couch by spot-touching specialist dyes and finishes, that are simply applied with a sponge and allowed to dry – it is very easy to do yourself, plus it's a lot more cost-effective than purchasing a new leather sofa.

Lesandre Holiday, CEO of Rub 'n' Restore says most touch-up projects 'only require a 2 to 8oz color  (US$16 to $48) and 2 to 4oz clear finish (US$8 to $14). All genuine leathers are candidates, even lesser quality corrected grain. The exceptions are nubuck and suede.'

However, when it comes to spot-touching, the main challenge is matching the color. Lesandre advises picking a company with a color matching service, and while this does add to the cost, it ensures that your touch-ups will be hardly noticeable. 

'We offer a service that requires sending a sample and may cost up to US$60 with an 8oz color minimum.'

How to soften old leather?

You can soften old leather by investing in a specialist conditioner – ideally one that contains lanolin – to keep the material supple. 

'To protect your leather, using a specialist conditioner from a quality care kit will help to clean and condition your product, reviving the sheen of the leather and preserving its soft suppleness. To prevent the leather losing its rich color or from becoming dry, apply this conditioner twice a year,' says Suzy McMahon, buying director Sofology .

There are several DIY methods that include using petroleum jelly or coconut oil, but these have been shown to have mixed results and may stain your couch. It is worth selecting a specific leather conditioner to ensure that the product is compatible with leather couches and will achieve your desired effect.

Can you fix a leather couch that is peeling?

(Image credit: Philip Lauterbach)

You can fix a peeling leather couch quite easily. However, genuine leather does not peel or flaking off. This is instead a clear indication that your couch is made of bonded or blended leather which is also known as faux leather. You can temporarily improve the look of your faux leather sofa with a filler and color but this will be a short term fix. It is worth considering replacing it with a genuine leather sofa which, while more expensive, will last a lot longer.

Genuine leather will crack rather than peel. 'This happens due to the desiccation of the fiber, as its natural oils evaporate,' says Lesandre Holiday. 'This causes the leather to shrink and stiffen and then become damaged with stress and use.' You can prevent this by using a conditioner which should be applied once or twice a year at most.

If it's already too late to prevent cracking, thankfully you can fix a cracked leather couch by using a filler. Rub 'n' Restore's water-based leather filler kit costs from $23 and is simply applied to cracks, then treated with a color to conceal them. 

How do you repair a rip in a leather sofa?

(Image credit: Future)

You can repair a rip in a leather couch with super glue, a canvas or leather sub patch, some sandpaper and a sharp knife. You may also need some filler and a leather dye that matches your sofa. All of these items are available online or from DIY or home stores

'The basic process is to clean up the tear by carefully trimming it with a sharp blade, then place the patch underneath the tear and super glue both sides of the torn material to it, placing the edges of the tear together if possible so there is no gap,' says John Darling founder of luxury sofa manufacturer Darlings of Chelsea.  

'In many cases, this is sufficient and, with a high-quality patch and good super glue, will hold firmly for the lifetime of the sofa and be almost invisible.'

If the patch or join is still visible, then push heavy leather filler into the gap, building it up into thin layers. You can then color the filler and the patched area to make sure it blends in. 'As always, it is best to test any dye you use on an inconspicuous area first to make sure it matches,' advises John.

If the damage is severe then DIY repair may not be possible and you should consult a professional. 'An expert upholster can remove the ripped panel and replace it with one cut from matched leather,' advises Greg Miller, leather technician from Blenkinsop Leathers Ltd .

'How cost effective using a professional would be is doubtful, especially with a lower budget sofa. The most economic option might be to simply replace it, though of course not the most environmentally-friendly.'

How do you repair a split seam on a leather couch?

When it comes to repairing a split seam on a leather couch, in most cases it is best to leave this to the professionals.  

'Leather is thick and can be tough to stitch by hand. It requires special needles, threads, tools, and know-how in order to do it properly, have it match the rest of the couch, and ensure it holds up over time.' says Jesse Johnstone, president of Fibrenew 'Professionals will be able to match the seam to the same pattern as the rest of the couch and make sure that it will hold together.'

How much does it cost to repair a leather couch?

The cost of repairing a leather sofa will depend on the extent of the damage. If you are looking to repair a small area of cracking or a single scratch on a DIY basis then it can cost as little as $20 for a patch repair kit. 

Be sure to fully research a product before committing as there are lots of budget options that can cause more damage than good. Magic Mender or Rub 'n' Restore both have lots of advice about finding the best DIY kit as well as offering personalized advice to help you with your specific problem. 

See: How to restore wood furniture – an expert guide

For larger repairs, it is worth consulting a professional but this does come at a price. Larger professional repairs can cost between $500 and $1,200 – and in some cases it will cost less to replace the piece rather than repair so be sure to get a selection of quotes before you decide on whether to repair or replace. 

Having graduated with a first class degree in English Literature four years ago, Holly started her career as a features writer and sub-editor at Period Living magazine, Homes & Gardens' sister title. Working on Period Living brought with it insight into the complexities of owning and caring for period homes, from interior decorating through to choosing the right windows and the challenges of extending. This has led to a passion for traditional interiors, particularly the country-look. Writing for the Homes & Gardens website as a content editor, alongside regular features for Period Living and Country Homes & Interiors magazines, has enabled her to broaden her writing to incorporate her interests in gardening, wildlife and nature. 

How To Repair A Leather Couch: 5 Best Methods

August 4, 2017 - Tips & Advice

Is your much-loved leather couch starting to look old and tired? If you’re noticing one too many scratches, rips, or even worse, holes, you may be thinking it’s time to throw it out. But stop! Good furniture is expensive enough without buying regular replacements. If you like a bit of DIY, or just want to save money, there are minor repairs you can do yourself and bring your leather furniture back to life! 

Our tips below on how to fix a tear in a leather couch will help you decide which repair solution is right for you. If you notice signs that your leather sofa needs some TLC, get onto it straightaway. The sooner you fix minor problems, the less likely they are to become a big furniture headache. Plus, with a little effort now, you’ll be saving yourself money in the long-run – ‘future you’ will thank you!

 Take a look at our top 5 tips on how to repair ripped leather below.

Leather is one of the most popular furniture materials in Australia – durable, modern and oh so comfortable, leather ticks all the boxes when it comes to a lounge your family will love. But like anything, it can look a little worse for wear over time. With sun, age and the rigours of daily life, your leather couch can become scratched, stained and faded. Add the impacts of kids and pets, and it’s almost impossible to avoid tears, peeling, scratches and pen marks. 

So, what are the best methods on how to fix a tear in a leather couch? Take a look at our top 5 recommendations.

Always remember to test any products or solutions on a small patch of the damaged furniture before you dive in and repair the whole thing. And if you’re really stuck, contact a leather repair professional (like us!) and we’ll offer our expert advice. 

  1. Leather conditioner

Good for: Minor surface scratches

A good quality leather conditioner can work wonders. Minor scratches from pens, scissors, cutlery or pets can be fixed easily with conditioner and two soft, clean cloths. If you prefer a natural solution over chemicals, try using olive oil, baby oil or lanolin.

Apply the leather conditioner to your cloth and massage it into the damaged areas. Wipe away any excess conditioner with a separate clean cloth. You could be surprised how well it comes up!

  1. Leather repair kit

Good for: tears, punctures and small holes

If your problem is slightly bigger than a scratch, you can try a leather repair kit. These do-it-yourself kits are perfect for small to medium sized repairs, and come complete with leather cleaner, conditioner and colourant to help match the repair to the colour of your couch. 

Keep in mind, leather repair kits aren’t a silver bullet when it comes to leather repairs. Unless you’re an expert you won’t achieve a flawless finish, but they certainly give you the tools to do a solid home repair job.

There are a lot of leather repair kits on the market, so make sure you do your homework before you buy. They’re easy to find at any hardware or auto-parts store so, if you can, take a sample with you and talk to someone in-store.

  1. Stitch it yourself

Good for: leather splits

Similar to a leather repair kit, this is another good do-it-yourself fix – and particularly if you’re a dab hand with a needle and thread.   

Has your couch split at the seams? With daily wear and tear, splits and rips can happen easily. But while it might look like your sofa’s days are numbered, the right needle and thread can work wonders if you catch the split early before the backing and foam are exposed. You can even mend it by following the holes from the existing stitches if you’re lucky with where the split is located. 

Before you start stitching, make sure you have a leather needle and thread (and some glue as a back-up). These can all be found at hardware or auto parts stores. 

  1. Leather glue

Good for: small tears

Leather glue is another way you can fix a tear in a leather couch. Use a thin applicator (or toothpick) to spread the glue, then pinch the two sides of the tear together before wiping away the excess glue. Once that’s done, just let it set. You might also need to add a leather colourant, depending on the job. 

Leather glue can also be used for repairing bigger tears or holes, but for this you’ll also need a leather patch. Find some replacement leather, cut a piece to size and glue it into place. While it’s a simple process, remember that leather glue and a patch done at home will never give you a complete seamless finish. However, it will fix a hole nicely in your favourite leather couch!

  1. Contact your leather repair professional

The techniques above on how to fix a tear in a leather couch, are great ways to keep on top of your leather repairs and keep your favourite furniture looking fabulous.

But if doing it yourself is not your thing or you’re worried you’ll do more damage than good, then call us – the leather repair experts. Every leather repair is different and sometimes it’s best to leave it to a professional. 

Our team at Lounge Repair Guys are here to help. We love leather lounges as much as you do, and we know how to keep them looking their best. We also want to save you the cost of buying something new, and the heartache of saying goodbye to a long-loved furniture friend.

So if the split, tear, rip or deep scratch in your leather couch looks like more than you can handle, let us save you the hassle and do the job for you!

Contact the Lounge Repair Guys today to discuss your leather furniture repair needs.

How to clean a leather sofa at home

Modern samples, thanks to their thoughtful design and construction, from leather upholstery as a finishing element, only add sophistication and elegance to themselves. Any furniture in the apartment is used daily by people. We open the cabinet doors and pull out the chest of drawers. We try to protect those surfaces that we have to touch more often with various kinds of covers. We put a blanket on the bed. We cover the surface of the table with a tablecloth. Only the sofas and armchairs, despite being the most frequently used, remain open. If you can still pick up a cape on fabric upholstery and at the same time everything will look organic, then this will not work with leather products. You didn’t buy such a set, definitely not cheap, to hide it under a cape.

It remains to either refrain from using it for its intended purpose, or prepare for the fact that you have furniture that requires special treatment and care. We suggest you find out in advance how to clean a leather sofa from stains and dirt at home. Regularly transporting the product to a specialized dry cleaner or calling a team of specialists at home is troublesome and expensive. In some cases, professional equipment and specialized preparations are indispensable. But ordinary cleaning is quite within the power of everyone to do.

Daily care of upholstered furniture

The most important thing for the preservation of such products is a comfortable environment - constant temperature, moderate humidity and no direct sunlight. Simply following these requirements will prolong the appearance of the headset. More effective methods of maintaining cleanliness will be needed only with significant contamination. This article contains the most common ways to care for such things. The ingredients used for this are publicly available and are in every home. We will tell you in detail what and in what cases you can use.

Use a vacuum cleaner

At least once a week, along with the general cleaning of the apartment, vacuum your rest area. On a smooth glossy surface, dust is visible just as well as on a polished one. But, before cleaning a leather sofa, take a closer look at the nozzles used. Whether they are metal or plastic, they can damage the skin. There should be no sharp edges or corners. A small scratch on the protective layer will lead to further damage and cracks. The degree of safety of the furniture depends on your attentiveness and accuracy.

If the coating is fluffy, it is not recommended to use a vacuum cleaner for cleaning. Dust and dirt should be swept away only with a soft bristle brush and all movements should be made strictly in its direction. The same applies to corrugated trim elements.

Wet cleaning

After removing large debris and dust, it is necessary to wipe the entire upholstery. Such a procedure will help remove contaminants that have not been pre-cleaned, but have not yet had time to penetrate into the pores of the material. We dilute a little soap in clean warm water, you can use liquid soap. Even better if it has a moisturizing effect. We moisten a soft sponge in the solution, wring it out well and wipe all accessible surfaces, not pressing hard. This procedure will help you, without any cleaning products, at home, wash the dirt off the leather sofa before it penetrates the structure. We wait 15-20 minutes until the solution dries, and wipe it along with the lagging dirt.

A good effect is obtained by using ordinary Vaseline or baby oil instead of a cleaning solution. Apply the composition to the product and, after waiting a quarter of an hour, wipe everything with a dry cloth, making polishing movements. Under the influence of external conditions, the skin dries up from time to time, which leads to its cracking and loss of presentation. Treatment with such oils moisturizes and softens leather upholstery. It restores its softness and shine.

Beaten egg white can be used for this purpose. The natural component works more effectively. But, if the coating is old and dotted with a network of cracks and damage, there is a risk that the organic matter will not be completely removed by wiping. Its remains can become a breeding ground for harmful bacteria and microorganisms.

How to clean stains on a leather sofa and wipe off stubborn dirt

Before proceeding with direct removal, read the accompanying passport for your furniture from its manufacturer. The upholstery material, the type of dye used and a list of recommended care products are necessarily indicated there. If such a document is not available for any reason, check all formulations for interaction with the coating in places that are not conspicuous before use.

Try soapy water, petroleum jelly, or baby oil first. Most types of pollution are amenable to these means. You can use special ones designed for skin care:

All of them have a composition that not only destroys dirt, but also protects the product, creating a barrier from environmental influences, and restoring the structure. Thereby extending the service life. Before cleaning your leather sofa with an unfamiliar product at home, carefully read the instructions. Compositions not intended for skin treatment should not be used. Preparations intended for smooth material are not suitable for suede and nubuck. And vice versa.

Additional detergent components that can be used in the fight against pollution are also familiar to every housewife:

With some care you can use:

This set is enough to keep the furniture in good condition. Any dirt is easier to remove while it is fresh. The more neglected the situation, the more actively and aggressively the means will have to be used. For application and processing, use only foam sponges, flannel cloths, microfiber and soft brushes with natural bristles. But don't put too much effort into caring for a leather sofa. Otherwise, the paintwork or protective layer may be damaged, or the upholstery may stretch or tear.

Classification of stains and how to deal with them

Most often, unexpected stains on furniture come from food and drink. If you have not made it a rule to ban eating in the rest corner, these further tips are for you.

Grease marks

When the stain is very fresh, do not rub it with a cloth. So you only increase the area of ​​​​contamination and press particles of fat into the pores, which will become more difficult to remove from there.

Sprinkle any absorbent on the mark - chalk, talc, starch, salt, soda. Allow a few minutes for the grease particles to soak in and gently sweep everything off. If necessary, the procedure can be repeated. Then wash the entire area with soapy water or dishwashing detergent.

Old stains are removed by covering with soapy water or petroleum jelly. Allow to stand for 15-20 minutes and wipe with a dry cloth.

Spilled drinks

Freshly spilled tea, coffee, beer, wine and other liquids should first be blotted with a dry cloth. Then sprinkle with any available substance to absorb residual moisture. After a few minutes, remove the remaining dirt, wash the place with soapy water.

We try to clean a leather sofa from old stains in the same way as other dirt. First we try to soak with any warm detergent composition, and then we wipe it with a rag. If that doesn't help, try using Vaseline. If this does not work, as an extreme method, you can use a solution of ammonia, alcohol or lemon juice. But on painted products, we must first check the action in a hidden area. In order not to discolor the treated area. After processing, we rinse again, wipe everything thoroughly with clean water, dry it with a napkin and apply a layer of petroleum jelly or oil. The unpleasant smell after spilled beer is removed by adding a little ammonia to the water.

Blood stains

Blood stains, whether fresh or dried, can only be treated with cold water or solutions. Heat accelerates clotting and makes cleaning difficult. If the pollution has not had time to dry, apply talc, starch, soda on it and let it soak. Then remove the resulting slurry and wash the area with cold water and any detergent.

Moisten old stains with soapy water and let stand in this form for about twenty minutes. Then you need to rinse the leather sofa with a damp sponge, let it dry and grease it with petroleum jelly or baby oil, protecting it from drying out.

Ink and marker marks

These marks can be easily removed with weak alcohol solutions or acetone. But check if this concentration will affect the coloring layer. Sometimes small spots can be erased with an ordinary eraser.

Microbial Infestation

A common skin problem is mold and mildew. A contributing factor can be increased humidity in the room, spilled and not cleaned liquid, and even poorly wiped furniture after washing. It is especially necessary to carefully monitor products that have abundant folds and additional elements.

If a colony of spores is found, immediate disinfection is required. This is best done by wiping the area with a mild vinegar solution. But, without allowing the composition to be absorbed, rinse everything with detergent and wipe with clean water and napkins. Launched cases of mold damage to a leather sofa cannot be washed off on their own, like ordinary dirt. The fungus penetrates deep into the structure. To get it, you will need the effort of professionals and special operating means.

Care instructions for light colors

Keeping such furniture clean turns out to be an additional hassle for the owner. Any blots on such a surface stand out especially brightly. In part, this inconvenience is offset by the ability to use more radical cleaning products.

Many steps are the same as for painted products. Vacuum and wipe regularly. First with a damp sponge, then with Vaseline. We only note the distinctive features that can be used on such headsets:

If you are going to clean a white or light leather sofa at home, do not forget to test the product on an inconspicuous area before treating the base. And after washing with water, dry and lubricate the surfaces with nourishing baby oil.

Restoration of scuffs and scratches

You can easily repair leather goods yourself. After the standard cleaning procedure, allow the material to dry and carefully inspect it in good light from different angles. Over time, scratches and worn spots form on any surface. Under the influence of cleaning agents, the painted surface also brightens. To restore the appearance, you can use special tools. Whitish spots are returned to their juiciness with cream-paint for leather products. To hide cracks, treatment with a spray or napkins impregnated with a restorative composition based on wax or silicone helps.

Restoration of wooden elements

If your suite has decorative inserts and armrests made of wood, they also need to be looked after. The already tested furniture polish and petroleum jelly will help you with this. They will help hide minor scratches on lacquered surfaces, and remove whitish stains left after hot cups.

A few more tips for caring for furniture

In this article we tried to tell you how to wash and how to clean leather sofas and armchairs. But no matter how hard you try, no matter how carefully you use them, over time, the coating wears out, tears and loses its presentability. If earlier such a product was considered to have served its time and was thrown away, modern technologies allow it to return to its second youth. Only such a procedure requires special tools, consumables and some experience in their use.

Leather repairs

These are done in leather repair shops. But for those who like to make their own hands, all means are quite affordable. And the necessary skills are developed in the course of actions. What opportunities exist in this service sector:

Thus, the old product is returned to its original appearance. Such work will cost much less than a complete alteration of new upholstery or the purchase of other furniture.

How to fix a torn leather sofa?

It's not uncommon for leather furniture to tear or tear. Whether it's due to pets, children, or just normal wear and tear, a torn sofa can be an eyesore.

If the tear is small, you can try using superglue or another type of strong glue. Just apply glue to the edges of the tear and hold them together until the glue dries. You may need to apply several coats of glue to get a good hold.

For larger tears, you may need to sew them together. If you are not good at sewing, you can try using a strong adhesive, such as Gorilla Glue. Just apply glue around the edges of the tear and hold it together until it dries. Again you may need to apply several coats for a stronger hold.

If none of these methods work or you just don't feel comfortable trying any of them, you can always take your sofa to a professional upholsterer who can fix it for you.

What are some ways to fix a torn leather sofa?

There are several ways to repair a torn leather sofa. One way is to use a seam ripper to remove the damaged fabric. Another way is to use a needle and thread to sew the fabric together. Finally, you can purchase a new leather sofa specifically designed for repairing tears. or holes in fabric.

What is the best way to repair a torn leather sofa?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to repair a torn leather sofa will depend on the severity of the tear and the type of leather being used. However, some tips that may help include using a seam ripper or a razor blade to remove any damaged fabric, apply a leather repair kit or patch (such as Gorilla Glue) to the affected area, and then re-sew or bartack the repaired area. region.

Can a torn leather sofa be repaired?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best way to repair a torn leather sofa depends on the severity of the tear and the materials used to make it. However, some tips for repairing a torn leather sofa may include using fabric glue and patches or sewing up the tear with a thread and a needle.

How to patch a hole in a leather sofa?

There are several ways to patch a hole in a leather sofa. One option is to use an adhesive that can be applied directly to the surface of the leather. Another option is to use a patch kit that includes instructions for attaching the patches. designed for the repair of leather furniture.

Can Bondo be used on a leather sofa?

Bondo can be used on a leather sofa, but this is not recommended as it may cause cracking of the leather. If you decide to use Bondo, be sure to apply it in a thin layer and wait until the surface is dry before moving or sitting on the sofa.

Is there a way to fix cat scratches on a leather sofa?

There is no reliable way to fix cat scratches on a leather sofa, but you can try some of the following tips:

- Clean the scratch with mild soap and water.

- Apply cream or ointment to help heal the scratch.

- Cover the scratch with a thin layer of leather repair adhesive and wait for it to dry before applying pressure.

- Use an electric hair clipper to cut off excess adhesive.

Learn more