How to fix a burn mark on a leather car armrest?

Burn marks on a leather car armrest are not only unsightly but can also weaken the leather’s integrity over time. Whether caused by a cigarette, a hot object, or a small accident, these marks don’t have to spell the end for your armrest. With specialized repair products and some patience, you can remove burn marks and restore the leather to its former beauty. This blog will provide a detailed guide on how to repair burn marks, including tips on matching leather colors, blending repairs, and preserving the armrest for long-lasting results. Your car’s interior can look pristine once again without breaking the bank.

Leather & Vinyl

How much does it cost to fix burn marks on a leather car armrest?

Professional repair of a burn mark on a leather armrest typically starts at $75–$200 in the USA or £60–£150 in the UK for minor damage. The process often involves cleaning, filling, and re-coloring the affected area to blend seamlessly with the rest of the armrest. For larger burns or cases where the leather needs to be replaced, costs can range from $300–$700 in the USA or £250–£600 in the UK. The repair cost depends on the severity of the burn and the type of leather used in the vehicle.

Small burn marks on leather car armrest: Repairs typically cost between $50 and $150, depending on the location.

Large or deep burn marks on leather car armrest: Repairs can range from $150 to $300 or more, especially if color-matching or extensive texture repair is required.

DIY repair costs for fixing burn marks on a leather car armrest: With a repair kit like Coconix, which costs under $20, you get everything needed for a professional-quality repair. Our repair experts ensure the process is simple and achievable for anyone, providing all the tools and easy-to-follow instructions needed to seamlessly restore your leather love seat to its original beauty.

Coconix Leather & Vinyl Repair Kits

If you're searching for a cost-effective and dependable way to repair your leather car armrest, Coconix Leather and Vinyl Repair Kits are the ideal choice.

Specially designed to address burn marks and other common damages, these kits deliver professional-grade results without the high cost.

Featuring straightforward instructions, detailed step-by-step video guides, and all the necessary materials, repairing your leather car armrest has never been more convenient.

Skip the expense of hiring a professional and restore your leather car armrest to its original, like-new condition in no time.

Trusted by thousands, Coconix Kits make saving money, time, and effort a breeze while achieving flawless results!

Difficulty:

Addressing a burn mark on a leather armrest is moderately challenging. It involves cleaning the area, filling the mark, and blending the repair to match the armrest's texture and color. With attention to detail, the armrest can look flawless again.

Time Required:

Repairing the burn mark takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on its size. Allow an additional 6 to 7 hours for curing to ensure the repaired area is durable and seamlessly blended.

MATERIALS NEEDED

Coconix Leather & Vinyl Repair Kits

Rubbing Alcohol (70% or more)

Cotton Swab or Cotton Pad

Plastic Wrap (for texture)

Scissors (if necessary)

STEP BY STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Preparing the Area

Inspect the damaged area on your leather car armrest to identify any loose threads, jagged edges, or burn marks that could interfere with the repair process.
If the area includes any excess threads and uneven bits, charred or burned material, gently cut it off to remove the damaged portion entirely.
Take your time to create an even edge around the burn marks, as this will help ensure the repair adheres properly and blends seamlessly.

Step 2: Cleaning the Area

Use a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean the area around the burn marks on your leather car armrest, removing any dirt, oil, or residue.
Test the rubbing alcohol on a hidden or inconspicuous spot first to ensure it does not damage or discolor the material.
If rubbing alcohol proves too harsh for your leather car armrest, opt for a gentler alternative like warm, soapy water or your regular leather or vinyl cleaner.

Step 3: Using the Backing Fabric

For burn marks larger than 1/4 inch or 0.6 cm, prepare a piece of backing fabric by cutting it slightly larger than the damaged area with smooth, rounded edges.
Use the spatula included in the kit to carefully insert the backing fabric underneath the damaged area of your leather car armrest, ensuring it is positioned securely.
Smooth the backing fabric to eliminate any folds or creases, creating a stable foundation for the repair compound.

Step 4: Mixing the Repair Compound

If your repair requires a custom color, consult the Color Mixing Guide included in your kit to create the perfect match for your leather car armrest.
Use the empty mixing jar provided in the kit to combine the recommended colors.
Gradually mix the colors, adding small amounts at a time, until you achieve the desired shade.
Ensure the color is well-blended and test it on a hidden area to confirm it matches before applying it to the repair.

Step 5: Applying the Repair Compound

Apply the repair compound to the burn marks on your leather car armrest.
Start by applying it under and along the edges of the damaged area to ensure proper adhesion, then work from the outer edges toward the center for an even application.
Use the spatula for larger applications and the brush for surface applications and detail touch-ups.

Step 6: Drying and Additional Layers

Allow the repair compound on your leather car armrest to dry thoroughly for several hours, ensuring it is completely dry and no longer sticky to the touch before proceeding.
Once the initial layer has dried, assess the repaired area to determine if additional layers are needed to build it up to match the surrounding surface.
Apply additional layers as necessary, letting each layer dry fully before applying the next, to ensure a smooth, level, and seamless repair.

Step 7: Adding Texture

When the repair compound on your leather car armrest has reached a semi-dry state, tear off a piece of plastic wrap that is slightly larger than the repaired area.
Gently press the plastic wrap against the semi-dry final layer of the repair compound, applying light pressure to create a textured effect.
Repeat this process as needed, adjusting the placement and pressure, until you achieve the desired texture that blends seamlessly with the surrounding surface.

Step 8: Finishing Touches

Once the repair compound on your leather car armrest has fully dried, moisten a cotton pad or cotton swab with rubbing alcohol.
Gently buff the edges of the repaired area to smooth out any roughness and blend the repair seamlessly with the surrounding surface.
Take care to apply light pressure while buffing to avoid disturbing the repair or the adjacent material.

Step 9: Maintenance

Wipe your leather car armrest down with a damp cloth or leather cleaner every few weeks to remove dust and dirt.
Avoid exposing it to direct heat or sunlight to prevent further damage from occurring.
Use a leather conditioner to nourish and restore your leather car armrest's natural shine.
Regularly inspect your leather car armrest for any issues, if you notice any problems, address them right away to prevent them from getting worse.

It is easy to use

This product worked quite well. I purchased the color black which came with two tubes of black and one of white. My car interior is a light gray so I started with the white and added black until the color matched. The hole in my center console, the armrest potion, was ragged and about an inch long and half inch wide. I followed the instructions and it worked well. I didn't get it completely smooth but probably could have. It seems to be durable and I'm happy with it. It's nice not to have to rest my arm on a ragged hole on a vinyl console.

COCONIX LEATHER & VINYL REPAIR KIT - MIX & MATCH ANY COLOR

$19.95 USD Regular price ~~$24.00 USD~~

COCONIX LEATHER & VINYL REPAIR KIT - BROWN & SHADES

$19.95 USD Regular price ~~$24.00 USD~~

COCONIX LEATHER & VINYL REPAIR KIT - BLACK & SHADES

$19.95 USD Regular price ~~$24.00 USD~~

COCONIX LEATHER & VINYL REPAIR KIT - WHITE & SHADES

$19.95 USD Regular price ~~$24.00 USD~~

One Repair Leads to Another

Transform your home with Coconix!

After seeing the magic of the Leather & Vinyl Repair Kit, it’s time to explore more:

Fabric & Carpet Repair Kit: Seamlessly mend tears, burns, and holes in your fabric and carpet, bringing them back to life.
Floor & Furniture Repair Kit: Erase scratches and damage on wood floors and furniture for a polished, like-new finish.
Tile & Stone Repair Kit: Fix chips, cracks, and scratches in tiles and stone for a flawless look that lasts.
Leather & Vinyl Recoloring Balm: Revitalize and recolor worn leather and vinyl surfaces with ease.

Restore your favorite spaces and items with ease—saving money and reducing waste while achieving flawless results. Happy repairing!