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How to repair peeling faux leather couch


My Faux Leather Sofa Is Peeling - What To Do?

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Genuine leather stays in high demand for good reasons. Not only does it look spectacular, but you don't have to worry about it aging quickly or peeling. This isn't necessarily the case with faux leather.

Disclosure: We may get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

In fact, one of the biggest complaints of faux leather sofas is that at some point, they began to peel, causing the sofa to look worn and old. But how can you combat this? And what causes it? We've looked into this problem, and in this post, we will discuss the answers to these questions.

Here are 2 techniques to repair your peeling faux leather couch:

Method 1. Use Leather Paint

  1. Pull off any peeled pieces of leather.
  2. Apply The Paint
  3. Let The Paint Dry
  4. Apply A Leather Finish
  5. Apply Additional Coats of Finish

Method 2. Use Leather Filler

  1. Remove Peeling Leather
  2. Apply A Leather Filler
  3. Let the Filler Cure
  4. Apply Additional Coats of Filler
  5. Create Texture On The Sofa (if applicable)

As you can see, there are a couple of methods that help you to repair your faux leather sofa if it starts to peel. The technique that'll be best for your specific sofa will depend on the grade of faux leather that you have. Continue reading to learn more about the steps involved in each method.

Why Does Faux Leather Peel And How To Prevent It

Faux leather is a popular choice for furniture. In prime condition, it offers the same aesthetically pleasing looks and comfort that real leather does, and often at a much lower expense. In other words, faux leather offers value for money.

However, real leather is considered more durable than bonded leather or PU leather - both types of faux leather. Just how robust and durable real leather is will depend on its quality. But generally speaking, it's unlikely to end up looking like this -

Faux leather peels because it is a bonded substance that contains a synthetic coating (usually polyurethane) to make it look very similar to genuine leather. This synthetic material is often fragile compared to real leather, and over time will begin chip and peel as a result of everyday wear and tear.

A couple of ways to prevent faux leather from peeling include applying oils such as coconut, olive, or baby oil to keep the leather from drying out and cracking, and/or applying a leather conditioner to keep the furniture completely moisturized.

Techniques to Repair A Peeling Faux Leather Sofa

Before applying any cleaning or repair products to your faux leather furniture, it's always best to check your care guide to prevent possible damage to the sofa.

Things you'll need:

Method 1. Use Leather Paint

As the name suggests, with this method, you are in fact painting the leather, adding a thin layer that could help cover up minor scratches. Follow these steps to prepare the couch for best results.

Step 1. Pull off any peeled pieces of leather

Inspect the sofa and pull off any loose bits of faux leather before beginning the repair. You can also take a damp microfiber cloth and run it over the sofa if you can't remove all of the bits behind the seating cushion or between the seams.

Be careful not to pull off any extra pieces attached to the sofa, which can worsen the already peeling areas. It's helpful to have a trash bag or trash can near to avoid creating a mess around the sofa.

Buy a microfiber cloth on Amazon.

Step 2. Apply The Paint

Take your leather paint and gently agitate to mix the contents of the jar. You can usually find leather paint available at any local hardware or art store. You may also want to check any nearby furniture stores as well.

To apply the paint, take a small paintbrush and dip it in the jar. Next, apply the paint to the area of the sofa that is peeling. It's best to start on the sofa's back and sides first, repairing the seating last.

Start on the sofa's left side and work your way to the right, applying just a small amount of paint to each area. Be sure to brush the paint into the sofa completely and pay special attention to the areas around the sofa's seams. If you can't find a leather paint that completely matches your sofa, consider buying two different paints and mixing them to see if they come closer to the leather's original color.

Buy leather paint on Amazon.

Step 3. Let The Paint Dry

Allow the paint to dry for about 30 to 40 minutes. If you add two or more layers to the sofa, wait for at least 20 to 30 minutes between each one so that the coats do not blend--which will cause excessive smearing. Use your finger to do a quick test to see if the paint is dry before applying each coat. If it still feels sticky to the touch, allow it to dry another 10 to 20 minutes.

Step 4. Apply A Leather Finish

After the last coat of leather paint has dried, you can now apply a high-gloss paint finish. Leather finishes are fairly inexpensive, and you can typically find them in the same places as you would leather paint, such as hardware and furniture stores.

Be sure to clean off your paintbrush before applying the finish, as not to accidentally re-paint the sofa - or use a new paintbrush. Give the finish about 20 to 30 minutes to dry. When applying the finish, be sure to use even horizontal strokes so that the final coat will not contain any brush lines.

Buy leather finish on Amazon!

Step 5. Apply Additional Coats of Finish

Apply additional coats of finish as needed (no more than 2-3). By doing so, you'll help the leather fabric hold together longer, which will prevent more peeling.

When applying the finish, do so liberally, but make sure to brush it into the fabric thoroughly so it doesn't dry on top of the surface.

When the finish dries, it should fade into the fabric. After applying the last coat of leather finish, the repaired sections should look very similar to the non-repaired areas.

Method 2. Use Leather Filler

Leather filler is a repair compound that is similar to the substance faux leather is made of. With this method, instead of simply painting over the damaged couch, you're actually filling in the tiny gaps and reconstructing the material. 

Leather filler can be used for repairing real leather or faux leather. 

You can buy leather filler on Amazon 

It's also available as part of leather repair kits of various types and sizes. Just make sure you choose the right color that matches your furniture. 

See this brown leather repair kit on Amazon

Step 1.
Remove Peeling Leather

Use a pair of scissors or a razor blade to cut any peeling leather away from the sofa. You can also take a damp cloth and run it over the sofa to perform this task. Be careful not to remove any material that is still intact and avoid using your fingernails to chip away at the peeled areas. You only want to remove leather that is flaking and/or already loose

Step 2. Apply A Leather Filler

Use a putty knife to apply the filler to the sofa. Be sure to only apply the filler in small sections, adding no more than a tablespoon at a time to the putty knife.

Start on the sofa's back and sides, smearing the filler across the material where the leather has peeled. Be sure not to apply the filler to any intact areas on the sofa. Keep a dry cloth handy in case you accidentally apply too much filler, quickly rubbing it away with the cloth (you'll want to remove it before it cures).

Pay special attention to the back and seat cushions, as these are areas where you will likely need to apply additional filler. If you don't have a putty knife, you can use an index card or business card to remove any filler that has been pushed into the seams of the sofa (be careful when removing this with your putty knife as you don't want to exacerbate the peeled areas).

As you run the filler across the material, smooth it out with the putty knife so that it is evenly applied to the sofa's entire surface. Feather the edges with the end of your putty knife to create a professional finished look.

Buy a putty knife on Amazon.

Step 3. Let the Filler Cure

The filler will take about 20 to 30 minutes to cure, and during this time, it's best to avoid doing any touch-ups on the sofa--this can cause a blotchy and uneven finish. It's also a good idea to ensure that no pets or small children use the sofa during this time.

Step 4. Apply Additional Coats of Filler

After the first coat of filler has dried, apply a second coat using the same technique as before. Remember to avoid accidentally applying the filler on the intact areas of the faux leather sofa.

Step 5. Create Texture On The Sofa (if applicable)

To finish off your repair job, you could also use plastic wrap to add a bit of texture to the faux leather sofa. If you plan to perform this step, be sure to do it before the leather filler dries completely. To do this, tear off a 10 to 12-inch section of the wrap and wind it around your hand. Next, take your hand and press it against the sofa, covering one section at a time.

How long should a faux leather sofa last? 

It depends on the grade of faux leather that you have. Like genuine leather, faux leather can come in various grades, though most decent faux leather couches will last anywhere from 5 to 7 years or longer if well-maintained.

Why do bonded leather crack and peel?

Bonded leather cracks and peels because the nature of the material does not allow for any "giving" and stretching, unlike real leather. Once the leather is stretched to the max, it will simply pull away from its backing.

Can you fix peeling bonded leather?

It depends on the quality of the bonding letter that you purchase and the extent of the peeling. Some products cannot be repaired, while some bonded leather furniture can be repaired using fillers and vinyl adhesives.

How long will a bonded leather couch last?

A bonded leather couch can last anywhere from 2 to 4 years, depending on the frequency of its usage and how well it is maintained.

Wrapping Things Up

We hope that this guide has provided you with the information you were looking for to repair a peeling faux leather sofa.

Before you go, be sure to check out our other posts: How To Fix A Large Hole In A Leather Couch

9 Types Of Leather Couches By Leather Type

How to Repair Peeling Leather? Faux Leather & Bonded Leather Blues

Real leather does not peel or flake. While it may just be a damaged finish or after-market paint (click here for an example), more often, peeling is a sign of a delaminating polyurethane (PU) coating on bicast, bonded or faux leather. These materials are not to be confused with vinyl (PVC). It’s not worth repairing peeling PU materials, because no long-lasting result can be achieved.

All flaking and peeling ‘skin’ are removed until the surface is stable. Leather filler and a rubberized coating are tested to create a new ‘skin’ on the fabric. Color is applied. Note the superior texture of the leather filler. This office chair was used only used 30 minutes a day.

If the original coating didn’t stick to the material, how can anything else? The video below demonstrates the repair process, comparing our leather filler to a rubberized coating, and the disappointing results. You’re better off replacing the item with real leather, perhaps second-hand. Learn how to spot the good stuff at the end of the video or this article.

Video contents:

Some folks forego the filler and stain the exposed fabric with our finishes or a fabric paint. This improves appearance, but you will not have a smooth, lustrous leather-like surface that repels water.

Some faux leathers wear more naturally, without peeling or flaking, and expose an absorbent microfiber that can be stained and waxed.

Some of the newer faux leathers don’t peel. Instead their finish wears more naturally and exposes a microfiber or fake suede. Again, applying filler is cost prohibitive and problematic for the reasons discussed in the video. Your best bet is to stain the fabric and coat it with a clear wax to create a more leather-like surface. 

What is bicast, bonded or faux leather?

They’re all the equivalent of cheap particle board:

While bicast leather can last some years before peeling occurs, bonded and faux leather are known to delaminate in as little as 18 months. The manufacturers casually call this “hydrolysis-related failure”. Even the best polyurethane resins for commercial use are only expected to last 7 years. They’re touted as being more eco-groovy to produce than vinyl (PVC), but their disposability is cost prohibitive and wasteful. 

It starts with hairline cracks… …which turn into voids… …and expose a fabric or microfiber base. High-traffic areas exposed to body oil… …or sunlight will delaminate. And you’ll be forever sweeping the crumbs.

Why are consumers misled about faux leather? 

There is no regulation of the term “leather” in the United States and Canada, contrary to places like New Zealand where it is illegal to mislead consumers. Most salespeople at furniture retailers and RV dealers may not know they’re peddling a lousy synthetic. Ignorance and low price point allow it to prevail. The irony is that the United States military spends billions each year defending petroleum interests, while some of the world’s oil reserves are being converted into shoddy furniture that degrade before our boys can return home to enjoy it! Congress, here’s an opportunity to enact a decent law for a change!

Our Solution

We suggest shopping Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace or estate sales for used leather furniture. High quality pieces can often be found for less than a couple hundred bucks, if not for free.

Fading, watermarks… … and body oil stains are telltale signs of genuine leather.

The best quality leather will be absorbent, with a natural marbling, and may show water or oil stains. Removable cushions are always a sign of good quality too. Don’t be afraid of cracks, holes, or tears. They all can be repaired and restored with Rub ‘n Restore® products. Real leather will last decades, and your bonded leather blues will be only a memory! 

 

Leatherette sofa broke? Find out how to fix it yourself! Restoring artificial leather on a sofa by yourself

Repairing an artificial leather sofa is best left to professionals. But such an opportunity is not always available, besides, the problem can be small, such that you don’t want to pay money for its elimination at all. Therefore, if your leatherette sofa is torn, you can try to repair it yourself. Just be careful and follow our advice.

Leatherette sofa repair: it all depends on the extent of the problem

The first thing to do is to assess the extent and nature of the damage. Usually, people need to tidy up the upholstery of the sofa for the following reasons:

Stains, scratches and small tears on a sofa made of leather, both natural and artificial, are quite easy to deal with. But to perform a complete constriction on your own is more difficult.

Remove stains from leather

The sofa is easy to get dirty. Careless handling of food and drinks is the main reason why stains remain on it. But, in any case, before undertaking their removal, it is necessary to know exactly what caused them. For example, faux leather stained with something greasy can be easily wiped off with a sponge and ordinary detergent - especially if the stain is fresh. In more complex cases, it is necessary to use special household chemicals.

Minor repair of sofa upholstery

If we are talking about cracks, severe abrasions and other damage to the surface of artificial leather, detergent, of course, will not help. To prevent the gap from getting larger, its edges can be sealed with tape. But this is a temporary measure, and such a sofa upholstery repair does not look very beautiful. How to restore artificial skin so that damage is not noticeable at all?

If you have material in the right color, use it. How to glue the damaged area? Just cut a piece of the desired shape and size, spread it with superglue, gently attach it to the gap and press it.

What if you don't have the right color material?

If the scratch or tear is not very large, special paints or aerosols can be used. All you need to do is to apply such a tool on damaged skin and wait a bit until it dries. To achieve the desired thickness, apply paint or spray in several layers, but be careful not to form unsightly smudges on the surface.

Complete kits are now on sale to repair damaged artificial leather. They include:

These kits are usually for car owners who need to tidy up their car seats. But they are also suitable for repairing a sofa in your living room or bedroom.

Another tool that will come in handy is “liquid leatherette”. It is an alcohol based polymer. Use it to repair the sofa upholstery as follows:

Sofa Upholstery Repair: Full Reupholstery

To fully reupholster furniture, you will need a lot of material. In addition, it is necessary to completely remove the upholstery from it and, according to its model, make new parts, having previously removed the pattern from the old ones. This is a time-consuming task, so it is better to order the appropriate service from professionals.

Now you know how to repair a damaged sofa and we hope you find our tips helpful.

How can eco-leather be restored? Blog Ecokozha.ru

During operation, abrasions, scratches, cracks, tears may appear on the eco-leather. But this is not a reason to throw away damaged furniture or a cover. We will tell you how to independently restore the original appearance of the artificial material and repair the damage so that it is not conspicuous.

Eco-leather, like any other upholstery material, sooner or later wears out, various damages appear on it. Complete upholstery replacement is not always convenient and profitable, but there are many ways to fix a damaged surface. Further in the article - how to restore eco-leather with your own hands in order to restore its novelty and presentability.

Carefully consider the thing you are going to restore, determine the type and scale of the "catastrophe". There are many ways to repair a product made of eco-leather. Which one depends on the type of damage. Let's consider them in more detail.

Stains, abrasions, microcracks


If the upholstery has acquired an untidy, dull appearance over time, then it must be thoroughly cleaned of stubborn dirt and stains. For deep cleaning, use concentrated soapy water, then wipe dry and gently treat with 70% alcohol or wine vinegar.

Dishwashing gel effectively removes greasy stains: apply it on the stain and leave for 2-3 hours, then remove it with a damp cloth.

Stubborn stains can be removed with gasoline: put a little of it on a soft sponge, lightly rub the stain and leave for 30-40 minutes. Remove with a sponge dipped in soapy water.

There are several ways to renew worn upholstery on a sofa, ottoman, armchair or car, as well as get rid of cracks:

Spots on eco-leather should be removed immediately. And so that scuffs and microcracks do not appear on it for as long as possible, regularly wipe it with care products - waxes, oils, polishes. This will not only protect the product, but also repel dust and dirt from it.

Scratches, punctures, snags


Scratches and snags are damage to the top layer of the material. Often they are left by cats. To get rid of scratches and punctures, you can use the following tools:

Another special tool for masking scratches is colored furniture pencil. It is effective, but does not last long - you need to constantly update it.

Cuts, cracks


Cuts and cracks are more difficult damage than surface scratches, as they affect the entire structure of the material, right down to the filler of furniture or car seats. To fix the defect, you can use superglue or universal glue for the skin. Apply it to the crack with a toothpick or match. Then press the edges firmly for a few seconds. Wipe off excess glue immediately. If the bonding is noticeable, polish it and use paint.


If the defect is very large, then one glue will not be enough - you will have to put an internal patch. Use eco-leather that is identical in texture, and if you are going to dye the patch, it does not matter what color it is. Use tweezers to insert the patch under the incision, straighten it. Treat the wrong side with sandpaper "zero" - this will enhance bonding. With a thin stick, apply glue to the wrong side of the eco-leather around the cut and, aligning the edges, press firmly with your hand. To make sure everything sticks, put a load on the patch for 1 hour. If necessary, polish and paint.

Tears, holes

If the eco-leather upholstery is seriously damaged, for example, there is a hole from a cigarette, a tear with torn edges, then the optimal restoration is repair with the unique masking agent “liquid leather”. It contains glue, dye, rubber resin. It restores glossy and matte textures equally well.

Repair tears with a polymer mixture as follows:

Liquid leather. can be made independently. To do this, take a piece of leather that is close in shade to the item you are repairing. Put 1-2 drops of acetone thinner on the outside of the piece. Scrape off the peeling paint with a knife blade - this will be the substance you are looking for. Use it for its intended purpose.

When applying liquid special agents to large-scale areas, the most important thing is to recreate the relief “skin” pattern. To do this, we recommend treating small defects with a brush - it will help to give texture. And for fragments larger than 2 cm², use a template napkin. It is created as follows: a restoration agent is applied to an ordinary napkin, applied to a “healthy” surface with a clearly distinguishable pattern, and dried. Then, with this “template”, you can create natural irregularities during the subsequent repair of eco-leather.

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