Still undecided whether to DIY or not? We think we know how we can help you further on this puzzle. Below is a list of some pros and cons for repairing your car's leather interior on your own. After reading them, we’re sure that you will already have your answer. But whatever that answer may be, we are always available for any repair questions, personalized advice, and tips that you might need for your repair project, just reach out to us here! 

PRO #1: LEARN A NEW SKILL!

After it has saved you an arm and a leg for upholstery repairs, you may also find that you have acquired a new skill. Who knows, maybe this could be your hidden talent! Using DIY repair products will definitely make you think out of the box, and even think and act like a professional repairman. These new skills will help you not only in your future car leather repairs but in any DIY leather repair projects. 

PRO #2: GET PRACTICAL!

If you have plenty of time, then you most likely have time and patience to spend doing practical odd jobs like repairing the leather in your car. Choosing a Coconix leather repair kit will equip you with all of the tools necessary to achieve the practical task of learning to repair things for yourself. Maybe your new hands-on approach might even become your new hobby! Don’t forget - not only will it be useful for now, but your newfound love for DIY repair products may come in handy for any future projects you come across too. You might even be able to share it with others too! Especially once you have equipped yourself with the winning formula for successful DIY repair!

PRO #3: BE PROUD OF YOUR OWN CAPABILITIES!

Who would not be proud after seeing their own efforts work and look great? Who would not be proud of saving money while also discovering a new skill? Satisfaction is a delightful benefit you can get from DIY leather repair projects. You can also inspire people to do their very own DIY projects. You can even start inspiring your family members or your neighbors. You can also show your friends the DIY projects you have finished and this might trigger their curiosity and start their own. You can help make people practical, creative, and innovative by being one yourself. If you fear that you’re alone and you might make irreversible mistakes, then you are truly wrong! At Coconix, we help our customers get their desired repair results and assist them throughout their DIY repair. Whether it's leather, vinyl, fabric, or wood repair project, our customers (even beginners!) are very satisfied with the results of their repair project and often look for the next thing to repair!

PRO #4: KEEP YOUR CAR LEATHER INTERIOR MAINTAINED!

The best thing about doing it yourself? You know that you can do it again next time and that you probably won’t ever need the help of a professional ever! And with each repair you do, you’ll only get better! So, starting your little DIY leather car repair project now could also mean that you become your own hero for a long time.

PRO #5: SAVE MONEY!

This last but not the least benefit of DIY leather repair is usually the reason why most people resort to DIY—to save money. Who doesn’t want to save their leather without having to spend $200 - $2000, right? The price will always vary depending on your location, the severity of the leather damage, the part of the car interior that you want to have fixed, the model and size of your car and so on. As we always mention, every repair is unique and this uniqueness will determine how much your car leather upholstery repair will cost. Note that professional reupholstery sometimes includes replacing a panel or area of the damaged interior, even if the damage is very minimal. So if at the moment, spending a huge amount of money is not an option, then DIY is the way to go.

How much does a car leather repair cost? Here are the cost ranges for different types of damages to give you an idea of what to expect.

CON #1: TIME AND EFFORT ARE REQUIRED!

This disadvantage of DIY leather repair has already been mentioned in the previous section of this guide. But we can’t stress enough that DIY repairs, especially leather and vinyl repair projects, require time and effort for the best possible outcome. This may not be good news to people who are always on the go or have very little time to set aside for this kind of repair projects—which leads us to the next DIY car leather repair con in the list.

CON #2: VARIED REPAIR RESULTS!

DIY repair’s results greatly depend on many factors. We have listed below some possible factors that can affect the outcome of the repair:

• Skills or repair experience 
• Time and effort available
• The severity of the car leather damage
• Preparations before starting the repair project
• Repair environment and other external factors

CON #3: MAKE IT OR BREAK IT!

The last disadvantage that you may think about DIY car leather repair is that you can either make it or break it. If you are successful with your repair, you deserve all the credits. But this does not mean to say that once you start you will be all alone. In fact, we will always be available to guide you through your repair project! So, if you’re only partly sure whether to go ahead,  don't worry because we are here to help!

If by now you're screaming yes yes yes after reading the pros and cons then let’s go to the next section of this ultimate guide so we can help you make your car leather as good as new!

As shown and described in the section above, scratches, minor cracks, and small punctures on your leather car are usually surface damages only. The backing material of your seat or interior panel stays intact so you won’t need any backing cloth. For these types of damages, you will only work on the leather or vinyl surface and we strongly recommend that you test all the products first before giving it a go. Check the materials we have listed below and test them first on a small inconspicuous area to make sure that it is safe to use on your leather surface. Some products may be too harsh on your leather or vinyl and it may add damage to the area to be treated. We have included alternative products that you can use if the product is not compatible with your leather. Now, grab your leather repair kit and carefully follow the instructions below. We’ll definitely guide you throughout the process and you can contact us anytime during the repair if you have any questions or concerns.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Cotton swab/cotton pad (Alternative: Clean rag or cloth)
• 90% rubbing alcohol (Alternative: Water and mild soap)
• Coarse to medium (60-150) sandpaper (for bumpy damages)
• Fine brush, tooth pick, or any fine applicator (for finer applications)
• Nail polish remover (Alternative for alcohol when buffing)
• Leather Repair Kit

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS:

1. Prepare the damaged area.

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 area 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 has 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.

2. Match your leather color.

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.

3. Apply a thin layer of compound.

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. 

4. Allow the compound to dry for several hours.

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.

5. Buff and blend the repaired spot.

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!

Surface damage such as peeling or flaking of the leather usually happens on leather or vinyl that is not 100% genuine leather. If your leather or vinyl is a bonded substance, with a synthetic-like coating on the surface, it will eventually peel or flake even after taking the proper maintenance steps and using the right products. Don’t be fooled by a “Genuine Leather” tag on your upholstery as there are no standards in place that set how much or what type of leather needs to be present to qualify for the said tag. But don’t be discouraged or even think that your peeling leather or vinyl is not repairable! Because it is! Although it does not go all the way through the backing fabric, the leather loss can be a huge eyesore. This type of leather repair requires a bit more time and patience to get the best results possible. Follow the steps below carefully and contact us for further assistance.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Scissors/knife/cutter
• Coarse to medium (60-150) sandpaper (for bumpy, jagged peeling)
• Cotton swab/cotton pad (Alternative: Clean rag or cloth)
• 90% rubbing alcohol (Alternative: Water and mild soap)
• Leather cleaner or leather conditioner (for shiny finish)
• Leather Repair Kit

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS:

1. Trim and clean.

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 curled after being repaired and could result in more possible damage. Once you have done this, clean the area with a cotton swab or a cotton pad and rubbing alcohol. Don’t forget to check first 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.

2. Match and apply.

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 some dry time and apply more coats as needed.

3. Allow the compound to dry for several hours.

As always, we recommend doing your repair project at 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.

4. Buff and blend carefully.

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 conditioner 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!

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!

If your leather has a seam tear, a rip along the stitches, a severe and large cut that has also cut through the foam underneath, or damage with severe leather loss, you will not be able to repair your leather using a repair kit alone. Unfortunately in these instances, the repair compound may not be strong enough to hold the seam or the damaged area together for a long period of time. Using strong fabric glue, a leather sewing kit, a leather adhesive patch, or a leather sewing machine might deliver better results. Your leather may also need professional reupholster if the damage is one of the examples of a Severe Damage as provided in Section 3.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Scissors/knife/cutter
• Cotton swab/cotton pad (Alternative: Clean rag or cloth)
• 90% rubbing alcohol (Alternative: Water and mild soap)
• Leather Repair Kit
• Backing cloth (included in the repair kit)
• Any sturdy fabric such as canvas or denim (if repair requires more)

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS:

1. Remove all dust, dirt, grime, jagged edges, and excess threads.

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.

2. Insert the backing fabric into the tear.

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. 

3. Find the right color match for your leather.

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.

4. Secure and fill the tear.

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.

5. Let dry and buff the edges.

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.

Before diving into the repair steps and tips, you must know that maintenance is the key. Keeping the interior of your car in good condition can make your car leather stay new for many years. And when it stays new, it would always scream of comfort and sophistication. Keep in mind that car interiors usually take a lot of wear and tear especially when the car is used daily. Also, accidents may also happen that can directly damage the leather of your car interior. So, good maintenance and leather care will help you avoid leather damages.

1. CLEAN THE CENTRAL CONSOLE.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Rag or microfiber cloth
• Mild household cleaner or leather cleaner (for leather surfaces)
• Cleaning wipes
• Cotton swabs
• Soft bristle toothbrush

Take a rag, moisten it with a mild household cleaner or leather cleaner (for leather surfaces) and start cleaning from the cleanest to the dirtiest areas. Clean the dashboard, steering wheel, center console, gear shift, cup holders, and the inside door pockets. Instead of a rag, you can also use cleaning wipes. Grimes that are hard to clean or hard to reach can be cleaned with cotton swabs.

Pay special attention to the buttons on the dashboard. Use a damp rag to clean the buttons. To get into the difficult-to-reach corners and crevices, wrap the rag around the top of a flathead screwdriver. Dry the buttons with a clean rag afterward. Alternatively, you can also use an old, soft bristle toothbrush to get rid of the grime that has accumulated over time. Textured surfaces may also be cleaned with an old toothbrush by brushing them in a circular motion.

2. CLEAN AND REPAIR CAR SEATS.

MATERIALS NEEDED:

• Vacuum cleaner
• Leather cleaner or saddle soap
• Microfiber towel
• Soft bristle brush
• Leather or vinyl repair kit

Start by vacuuming the seats to remove any debris or particles. Be careful not to scratch the leather while vacuuming. Remove the surface dirt by spraying leather cleaner onto a microfiber towel and wipe over the seats. Alternatively, you can use saddle soap to wipe off the grime. Spray the cleaner onto the seats and use a soft-bristled brush to deep clean the leather. If your leather is perforated, spray the cleaner directly onto the brush and scrub the leather with it. Afterward, wipe the seat dry with a microfiber cloth. If you discover any damages in your leather, use Coconix Leather Care Pro – Leather and Vinyl Repair Kit to easily fix damages on your leather car seats.

In light of the 2020 pandemic, we want to help you keep your leather interior free from the COVID-19 virus. Follow the easy steps below to make sure that you and your family are safe from the contagious disease: