Leather sofas are beautiful furniture that can last a long time if cared for properly. But like most other upholstery, leather can get damaged over time.
Some common damage that leather can sustain include scratches, tears, and splits. The good news is that there are many simple repairs you can do yourself to help keep your furniture in tip-top shape.
Scratches
There are a few things you can do to repair scratches on your leather sofa. The first thing to do is assess the severity of the scratch.
If it’s just a simple surface scratch, you can probably fix it with a bit of baby oil. The oil will help to soften the area and blend it with the rest of the sofa.
However, if it’s a deep scratch, you’ll need to take more drastic measures. This is especially true if the scratch goes all the way through the leather.
The first step in repairing these types of scratches is to clean the area thoroughly. This is to ensure the repair compound will stick to the leather and adhere well.
Tears
Leather is a classic furniture material that offers durability, comfort, and style. It’s a great choice for your lounge but, as with all furniture, it can also be subject to wear and tear from everyday life and the impacts of pets and children.
If you’re able to prevent damage from scuffs, scratches, and stains from occurring on your leather sofa repairs, you can make it look like new again. However, if you have a tear that is more extensive than just a scratch, you’ll need to do some repair work to get it back in shape.
Depending on how big the tear is, there are different techniques that can be used to fix it. Small rips and splits are easy to mend, while larger holes require more advanced skills.
Stains
Stains can be annoying and can take away from the appearance of your leather sofa. They can also make your furniture look drab and dull.
Some stains can be removed by applying a mild leather cleaner and conditioner. This will remove the stain and help prevent it from happening again.
However, if the stain cannot be removed, you may need to take professional restoration advice. It is always best to spot test before using a product on your leather.
Depending on the type of stain you have, there are a variety of different methods for treating it. Some will damage the leather if applied too aggressively, while others may be able to lift it.
For fresh stains, try blotting with cold water and then brushing off the excess. Don’t rub or saturate the leather because this can deepen and spread the stain.
Splits
Split leather is a term used to describe leather that has been split down the center, allowing it to be more easily cut into smaller pieces. This type of leather is often used for repairs and craft projects due to its soft texture.
In some cases, split leather can be used as a substitute for top-grain or full-grain leather. It isn’t as high-quality, however, and won’t look as good.
Moreover, it’s more likely to develop cracks and holes, which can look unsightly. You can prevent these problems by maintaining the leather’s moisture levels and cleaning it regularly.
If you have a cracked leather couch, you can repair it using leather glue and a filler kit. Rub ‘n’ Restore’s water-based leather filler kit costs from $23. Use a toothpick to apply the glue to the tear, and then pinch it together to make sure both sides of the patch are secure. After the glue dries, you can add a leather dye to the patch to cover up the cracks.