First in our checklist in deciding whether to start a DIY leather repair is to recognise how flexible you are about your expectations. To move forward with the DIY process, you have to acknowledge that the results can only be as great as the time and effort that you put in. If what you are seeking is of strict quality, seeking professional leather repair help might satisfy your repair needs and expectations. However, if you do choose DIY leather repair, then this guide is here to support you the whole way through to achieve a seamless and cost-effective option to saving your leather sofa. Topical leather repair is no easy feat, but it is definitely worth the feat if you are willing to put in the effort!

DIY leather repairs can be quick but there are projects that can be very time consuming. This will depend on many factors like the severity of your leather damage, your skills and experience, the availability of tools and products needed, etc. At Coconix, our repair experts provide free virtual personalized guidance to help you achieve professional results for DIY repairs, but you may still need to put in extra time and effort to achieve the best results possible!

This third question will help you make the final decision whether to DIY repair or not to DIY repair your leather sofa. For minor leather damages like pet scratches, cracks, small punctures, burns, fading, or discoloration, you can definitely do it yourself! For moderate damages like cuts, rips, peeling or holes, you can still do it yourself but these may require extra time and effort. For serious damages like torn seams, severe leather loss, large torn and depressed areas, you might have to seek the help of professionals. You wouldn’t want to worsen the damage of your leather sofa so DIY is not the best option for you. But, of course, it will always depend on your preference. If you’re a heavy DIYer, then you can probably face even severe damage!

It is crucial to remove all grime and dirt before starting the repair as the repair compound won't adhere well on a greasy surface and might flake off over time. Thoroughly clean the area to be repaired and its surrounding with a cotton swab or a cotton pad and 90% rubbing alcohol. Soak the cotton pad or cotton swab with 90% rubbing alcohol and gently apply it to the damaged area. Please firstly test the rubbing alcohol on an inconspicuous area to check that it doesn’t remove the color of your leather and proceed carefully. You may use water and mild soap as an alternative if the alcohol damages the surface. Soak a clean rag or cloth with a mild soap mixed with water. Make sure that all the loose dust, dirt, and grime have been removed first.

There are some cases when you will have to lightly sand the damaged area to make it flat and smooth before the repair compound application. This is required when there are bumpy edges of cracks or surface scratches that look etched. Anything that is bumpy, curling, or jagged has to be lightly sanded. Otherwise, it will stay bumpy and elevated after being repaired.

In order to completely blend the repaired spot, you will need to match the color of your leather or vinyl. It doesn’t have to be a perfect match but making it a very close match will help you get the best-looking professional repair results. Work during the daytime so that you can clearly see the color of your leather or vinyl and compare it with the colors of the repair compounds available in your leather repair kit. If your leather color is one of the most common leather colors like black, tan, burgundy, cream, chocolate, or walnut, then you may be able to use one of the repair compounds straight from the tube. But if you have a little unique or complex leather color, you may need to mix two or more colors in order to achieve a close match. This step in the repair process can be a bit tricky and challenging but do not forget that you can always contact us if you need more tips, we are more than happy to provide personalized advice for your color matching! You can also check out our blog article for frequently requested color mixing recipes and you might find there your leather color match!

For complex leather colors, decide first which will be your main color. Then, select your secondary colors based on the tint that your leather needs. Looking at your color mixing guide will greatly help you in the color matching process! This color mixing guide should be included in your leather repair kit but if you did not find this in your kit, please contact us so we can send you your own copy! You can also download it for free for quicker access. Once you have your main and secondary colors, carefully mix them in the mixing jar. We recommend adding only very tiny hints of each color at a time as a little amount goes a long way. You may adjust the shade of your color mixture by adding white or black repair compounds. Try your mixture on a small, inconspicuous area and wait until it fully dries. Please be patient and make small adjustments until you get the color just right.

After matching your color, apply a thin layer of the repair compound to the damaged area. For this step, you will need the spatula or the brush included in the kit to evenly apply your color mixture. If you need to do finer applications, especially for smaller and more intricate damages, we recommend using a toothpick, a fine brush, or any fine applicator that is suitable for your repair.

Drying time depends on the thickness of the applied layer and the relative humidity of the environment. It usually takes a few minutes to an hour for small repairs to completely dry. For medium to large repairs, it may take an hour to a few more hours for the repair compound to fully cure. When doing your repair project, the temperature should be above 50°F ideally.

For these types of damage, it usually only requires 1-2 coats of the repair compound to completely cover the damage. However, for some cracks or small punctures, you may need to apply multiple thin layers to rebuild the damaged area until it is level with the surrounding area and completely covered. Please allow drying time between each layer application. The repair compound is not only paint, but it also contains leather filler and adhesive and dries to a leather-like finish. The repair holds very strong, often outlives the actual material.

If you encounter any drying issues with your repair project, try the next step immediately. If the next step does not solve your issue, please contact us right away and send a photo of your repair’s current state.

When the repair compound is dry, use a cotton pad or a cotton swab with 90% rubbing alcohol to buff the edges. Carefully blend the edges of the repaired area to match it with the rest of the leather. Buffing it with alcohol will also remove any stickiness or tacky feel left in the repaired area.

If 90% rubbing alcohol does not remove the stickiness or tacky feeling, check the rubbing alcohol you are using. Please make sure the alcohol is not expired, as it affects the outcome. Alternatively, you may use nail polish remover. We recommend using a cotton swab to carefully rub the repair compound only, as the nail polish remover may remove the color of your leather.

Once you have buffed and blended the repaired spot to your liking, please take a photo of your successful repair results and share it with us and your DIY community! We’d love to hear about customers achieving their desired repair results!

Since you are working on the surface of the leather, this step is a very important part of the repair. Carefully and thoroughly clean the damaged area with a cotton swab or a cotton pad and rubbing alcohol. Please first check if the rubbing alcohol removes the color of your leather and then proceed carefully. If the leather color is affected by alcohol, please only use water and mild soap when cleaning. Make sure that the spot to be treated has been thoroughly cleaned as it will help the repair compound adhere well to the leather surface.

Your goal for this repair project is to “get the color back” of the faded, bleached, discolored, or stained spot. So, you will have to spend more time matching the color of your leather. We recommend trying your color mixture first on a small inconspicuous area and waiting for it to dry. This way, you will know what colors to add and if the shade needs to be adjusted by adding hints of black and white to your color mixture.

After matching your color, please use any type of applicator, such as a sponge, a cotton applicator, or a brush to apply a thin layer of compound to the discolored area. Make sure that you are careful when applying each of the layers, as you are working on the leather surface and you wouldn’t want to create a bumpy or elevated spot by using too many layers of the repair compound. Allow the compound to dry for several hours. When the compound is dry, use a cotton pad or a cotton swab with 90% rubbing alcohol to buff the edges.

If you encounter issues with this type of repair, especially if your leather fading and discoloration cover a large area, you can contact us and send a photo of the damage. We would be more than happy to assist and give you personalized repair advice!

Prepare the damaged area by trimming any curling edges or jagged bits with scissors, knife, or cutter. Make sure that the damaged area is flat, smooth, and ready for the repair compound application to avoid any repair bumps or elevated areas. For very small peeling areas or several flaking jagged bits, you may use fine sandpaper to make the damaged area flat and smooth before the repair. You may use any gauge between the coarse to medium (60 -150) sandpaper grits depending on your preference. For repairs with a largely peeled or flaked leather that is flapping, you should first use some repair compound under the edges and try to stick them down. Anything that stays bumpy or curling after that has to be trimmed. Otherwise, it will stay bumpy or curling after being repaired. Then, clean the area with a cotton swab or a cotton pad and rubbing alcohol. Don’t forget to first check if the rubbing alcohol removes the color of your leather and proceed carefully. If alcohol removes the color of your leather, use water and very little amount of mild soap to clean the area.

Use the color mixing guide to determine the colors you need for your repair project. You may have to mix two or more colors especially when your leather color has a unique shade. We recommend testing your color mixture on a small inconspicuous area first and wait for it to dry. Adjust the color accordingly. It is very important to find the closest color that will easily blend with the rest of your leather especially when the peeling or flaking covers a large area. Finding the best color match will help you get the best results possible. After matching your color, apply a thin layer of the color mixture to the damaged area.

Allow the compound to dry for several hours. As always, we recommend doing your repair project on a temperature above 50°F ideally. For slight peeling, you may just have to apply 1-2 thin layers of repair compound. But for more serious flaking or leather loss, you may need to apply multiple thin layers to rebuild the damaged area until it is level with the surrounding area.

Make sure the repaired areas are completely dry before buffing. Then, use a cotton pad slightly soaked with 90% rubbing alcohol to buff the edges. For smaller, more intricately treated areas, we recommend using a cotton swab to carefully rub the repair compound only, as the alcohol may damage or discolor your leather. If your bonded leather is sensitive to harsh products, please use leather care products such as a leather cleaner or leather conditioner. Applying leather conditioners should make the treated area shinier.

Bonded or faux leather will eventually peel with use, but you can definitely extend its life by carefully following the steps above. If we helped you keep your leather for another few months or years, please share with us your before and after repair photos! Our DIY community would surely learn and be inspired by your repair results!

Prepare the damaged area by trimming any jagged bits, curling edges, or burn marks with scissors, cutter, scalpel, or a knife. Next, please clean the area with a cotton swab or a cotton pad and rubbing alcohol. Please check first if the rubbing alcohol removes the color of your leather and proceed carefully. Use water and mild soap as an alternative for cleaning if alcohol removes the color of your leather.

If the burn or hole has also damaged the backing material of your leather, then you will have to use the backing fabric included in your repair kit. You can also use any sturdy fabrics like denim or canvas. If the backing of your leather is still intact, please skip this repair step.

Cut out a piece of backing fabric with rounded edges and larger than the hole. Carefully insert it into the hole with the help of the spatula. Make sure that the backing cloth is flat and positioned in the right place. The backing fabric will hold the repair together and help keep it strong and intact over the years.

For the damaged spot to be less of an eyesore, you need to find the closest color match to your leather. After matching your color, please fill the compound under and along the edges of the hole to ensure that the backing fabric is glued well into position. If your repair did not require a backing fabric, please fill the compound directly into the hole. Work your way from the outside to the center of the hole and level the surface. Be particularly careful to avoid getting too much compound onto the intact material.

Allow the compound to dry for several hours. You may need to apply multiple layers to rebuild the damaged area until it is level with the surrounding area. Please allow dry time between each layer application. When the compound is dry, use a cotton pad or a cotton swab with 90% rubbing alcohol to buff the edges. Blending the repaired area in with the rest of the leather will help make the treated area almost or completely disappear.

To avoid these kinds of damages from occurring again, it’s best to avoid bringing or allowing cigarettes and sharp objects inside your car. Prevention is always better than a cure.

These types of repairs, as we showed and described previously, range from simple to severe cases. For simple cuts, you would only need a very small backing cloth or sometimes, none at all. We have an instructional repair video for simple cuts and tears that can easily help you throughout the repair process! For more complicated damages, you can still repair your leather by carefully going through the steps below. 

Important Reminder:

Clean the damaged area thoroughly. Use a cotton swab or a cotton pad and rubbing alcohol. If alcohol is not compatible with your leather, you may use a clean rag or cloth soaked with water and little mild soap as an alternative to clean the area. Make sure that all the loose dirt, dust, and grime are cleaned as this step will help the repair compound adhere well to your leather material, especially when the cut or tear covers a medium to a large area. Then, trim any curling edges, jagged bits, and excess threads. This will help you have a smoother and more blended repaired area later. Make sure all bumpy edges and threads that are sticking out are removed as this will affect your repair outcome.

Cut out a piece of backing fabric with rounded edges and larger than the tear. Your leather repair kit should include the backing cloth for your repair. If your repair project requires more, you may use any sturdy fabric like canvas or denim.

Note:

If your cut, tear, or rip did not cut through the backing material of your leather and it is still intact, you may skip this step. If you are not sure if your repair needs a backing cloth, you may contact us and send us a clear photo of the damage. We’d be happy to give you our personalized advice.

After cutting the right size of your backing cloth, insert it into the cut or tear and under the torn backing with the help of the spatula. Place the backing cloth properly and make sure the entire cloth is flat and in the correct position.

We recommend taking this step very seriously as most cuts and tears are large and located on very noticeable spots. If you need advice on color matching, just let us know which repair kit you have and send us a photo of your repair taken under natural lighting. It is best to choose a photo that best represents your leather color so we can provide you with the correct color matching instructions.

After matching your color, please fill the compound under and along the edges of the tear to ensure that the backing fabric is secured and well glued in position.

The repair compound is not only paint, but it also contains leather filler and adhesive and dries to a leather-like finish. The repair holds very strong and often outlives the actual material.

Then, please fill the compound directly into the tear. Work your way from the edges of the tear to the center and level out the surface. Please avoid getting too much compound onto the intact material.

Allow the compound to dry for several hours. You may need to apply multiple thin layers of the repair compound to rebuild the damaged area. Applying multiple layers of the compound for each application generally provides the best results. The repair should last longer if you repair the damage with several thin layers of repair compound.

When the compound is dry, use a cotton pad or a cotton swab with 90% rubbing alcohol to buff the edges.

Remember to apply multiple thin layers to your damaged spot. It will help your repair project stay intact and durable for a few more years.

Dust your leather with the same regularity as you dust other items in your home. Make it a habit when dusting other items in your home like wood furniture, to also dust your leather couch.

Clean your leather only if it can be categorized as finished. You can test this by applying a drop of water in an area out of sight. Wait for 1 minute. If the water soaks right through or leaves a dark mark, your leather is unfinished and should only be cleaned by a professional. If the water droplet stays beaded up and does not leave a mark, your leather can be classified as finished and you can use any cleaner labeled suitable for furniture.

Moisturize your leather 3 to 4 times per year and it can add years or even a decade to the life of your leather. Use product labelled as suitable for leather upholstery for your couch and avoid products with harsh chemicals or acidic pH.

Never use hand or body moisturizers. It lacks the crucial moisture and locks in dryness. Your leather will remain oily and potentially leave residue on your clothes.

Never use window cleaner, hair spray or hand cleaner. They are solvents of your leather color and remove the protective clear top coating. If you use it too often and too aggressively, it may even remove all color from your leather and expose the raw leather underneath.

Never use home remedies commonly believed to be helpful, such as vinegar, baking soda or products for imitation leather. Even though these products seem harmless, their harming effects unfold delayed and gradual. They may clean the surface, but will soak into the seams and cracks of your leather, thus accelerating the aging process.