The Ultimate Guide To Leather Car Repairs

The Ultimate Guide To Leather Car Repairs

 You might have ended up here looking at this ultimate guide to leather repairs because you’re looking for the step-by-step instructions for repairing leather yourself, and/or you’re trying to save yourself some extra cash by not sending your car to a professional leather upholsterer. Whatever the reason is, you’re very lucky to find this ultimate guide! In this guide, we are going to help you decide if DIY repair is the way to go or if you should just leave it to the professionals. We will also show you easy-to-follow DIY solutions for taking the correct care of your car's leather interior and before and after photos of DIY repairs. Feel free to skip straight to the end to get a glimpse at why our DIY kit is worth your hard-earned money, time, and effort.

Table of Contents



SECTION 1: TO DIY OR NOT TO DIY?



Every repair is unique so that’s why we say it’s best to assess to see if you can really do the task yourself. In every DIY upholstery repair you face, whether it’s your car interior, home furniture, or leather accessories, there are three important questions that you must ask yourself first. These questions will help you decide if you need to go through to the end of this ultimate DIY leather repair guide or if you should just seek the help of a professional.


1. What Are Your Expectations?

The first step in deciding whether to start any DIY project is to assess what your expectations are and how much effort you are willing to put into the project from start to finish. For most people, your car is your baby, it's something you use every day. So making it look good is probably a top priority! 

To ensure that your expectations are met, it is important for you to understand that results will vary depending on the skills, time, and effort you put into your DIY repair. Every repair is unique and factors such as the severity of your leather damage, knowledge about the product, the availability of tools and products needed, should be considered!

Have a think, write out your expectations and recognize the time that you have available, read through this following section, and then decide if DIYing is for you. 

If all of this screams yes yes yes and you've realized you're ready to begin, then you've come to the right place and this guide is here to support you! It will be there the whole way through, giving you extra tips and tricks to get you achieving seamless (and cost-effective!) results on your leather car interiors. Topical leather repair is no easy feat, but it is definitely worth the feat if you are willing to put in the effort!


2. How Severe Is The Damage?

Leather material is a very durable and reliable material but when it comes to wear and tear over the years, the damage can be really obvious and visible. This is why we have to check the severity of the damage to the leather material. 

Most car owners are very mindful of how their car interior looks. Who shouldn’t be, right? The interior, especially when the seats, dash, armrest, and door panels are leather, really want to look neat and well-maintained. It's easy for any damages to become particularly noticeable and can be quite an eyesore.

For minor leather damages like scratches, small punctures, burns cracks, fading, or discoloration, you can definitely do it yourself! For moderate leather damages like cuts, rips, peeling, or holes, you can still do it yourself but these may require more trial and error. For serious leather 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 to your leather car interior 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!


3. Can You Put In The Time And Effort Needed?

Why are time and effort so important you might ask? Well, as with any DIY project, the results can only be as great as the time and effort that you put in! So understanding both of those factors will really help you to determine if you're ready to begin! This third question will help you make the final decision whether to DIY or not to DIY your leather car interior.

Time will vary based on the layers needed, DIY experience, temperature, and color mixing and matching. 

For some, it can be very challenging on the first go and they may be inclined to give up. Level of experience, time, patience, convenience, and ability to give it another go are all factors that may affect this. However, if you are aware of the challenges and are ready to put in the effort, we believe that you will most certainly be able to complete the repair!

With Coconix you are never left alone to complete your repairs. Our experts are always available to provide you with free virtual personalized guidance and to help you achieve great results. But it is important to think hard and assess if you’re ready to tackle a leather repair project on your own, as it still requires you to put in the time, patience, and effort in order to achieve great results.

We want to highlight that if after jotting down these points and thinking hard, and you realize you don't want to put in the effort or have the time, the best option for you might seeking a professional leather upholsterer! Which is totally OK. Deciding between to DIY or not to DIY might come down to how much money you have to spare. However, we promise you that with Coconix, you will absolutely be able to achieve professional-looking results.




SECTION 2: PROS AND CONS TO DIY LEATHER CAR REPAIRS



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.



TYPE OF DAMAGE COST RANGE
Professional Car Leather and Vinyl Repair DIY Car Leather and Vinyl Repair
Minor Damages:
  • Pet Scratches and Punctures
  • Cracks
  • Fading, Stains and Discoloration
  • Bolster: $200 - $320
  • Seats: $230 - $350
  • Headliner: $175 - $350
  • Dashboard: $500 - $1000
Leather Repair Kit: Less than $20
Moderate Damages:
  • Peeling and Flaking
  • Burns and Holes
  • Cuts, Rips and Tears
  • One Seat: $200 - $750
  • Two seats and a bench: $700 - $2,000
  • Complete Reupholster: $2,500 - $10,000
Leather Repair Kit: Less than $20
Severe Damages:
  • Torn Seams
  • Severe Leather and Foam Loss
  • One Seat: $200 - $750
  • Two seats and a bench: $700 - $2,000
  • Complete Reupholster: $2,500 - $10,000
  • Leather Repair Tools: $20 - $100
  • Leather Sewing Kit: $20 - $200



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
These factors are not entirely definite as, again, every repair is unique. And whatever they may be, you must have realistic expectations for the outcome of your repair. In short, preparation is a must! 

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!




SECTION 3: HOW TO IDENTIFY THE DAMAGE OF YOUR CAR INTERIOR



Although leather can be a very durable and timeless material, it can also suffer minor to severe damages when it is exposed to varying factors and when it is used for a significant amount of time. The good thing is, most of these damages can be fixed without replacing the entire leather or vinyl panel. Below we have listed the types of damages and the required skill level for each repair.


TYPE OF DAMAGE  Skill Level for DIY Repair
Minor Damages:
  • Pet Scratches and Punctures
  • Cracks
  • Fading, Stains and Discoloration
Easy:
Moderate Damages:
  • Peeling and Flaking
  • Burns and Holes
  • Cuts, Rips and Tears
Moderate:
Severe Damages:
  • Torn Seams
  • Severe Leather and Foam Loss
Hard:
  • Stitching or Sewing Needed
  • Only for Experienced DIYers



MINOR DAMAGES

If you have any of these minor damages, then you’re in luck because simple and easy to use Coconix Leather and Vinyl Repair Kits can fix them all. Scratches, pet marks, and even discoloration can be gone within just hours with our DIY leather repair kit!

Pet Scratches and Punctures on Leather

1. Pet Scratches and Punctures

Cause: This type of damage is caused by a variety of factors. It can be sharp-edged objects like metals, nails, pet claws, other furniture that may have scraped the leather material, and other external objects in the surroundings.

Leather Cracks

2. Cracks

Cause: This type is often caused by heavy pressure on the leather and also due to the material’s old age. This damage is typical on leathers with substandard quality.

Leather Fading, Stains, and Discoloration

3. Fading, Stains, and Discoloration

Cause: An old leather’s color usually fades. But if your leather material is not that old and its color is fading or there’s discoloration in some areas, it might be due to direct exposure to sunlight or heat sources. Discoloration can also happen if your leather is exposed to the skin’s sweat and grease and the hair’s oils. Harsh cleaning products like detergents and soaps could also lead to leather discoloration.


MODERATE DAMAGES

If you find that you have one of the moderate damages below,  then you can proceed to the next sections of this ultimate guide. You’ll find all the step-by-step leather repair instructions for repairing the damages we have listed. If you have unique leather damage, no worries! We can definitely help you identify the type and the correct repair it needs! Just send us a photo of the leather damage through our Facebook or email us at support@coconix.com. We have an amazing and professional leather repair team that will guide you throughout your repair process!

Peeling and Flaking Leather

1. Peeling and Flaking

Cause: This damage is caused by a long period of heavy wear and tear and due to regular contact with skin grease and oils. It can also be due to liquids that come in contact with your leather. The leather fiber loses its structure and disintegrates.

Leather Burns and Holes

2. Burns and Holes

Cause: Burns can be due to cigarettes or any flaming objects that come in contact with your leather material. Holes can be caused by many factors. Some examples could be a pointed object piercing through the leather material, external factors like pets or kids unknowingly piercing a hole on the leather, or other furniture with pointy edges that could puncture the leather material.

Leather Cuts, Rips, and Tears

3. Cuts, Rips, and Tears

Cause: These types of damages are caused by any sharp object or sharp-edged material that pierce through the leather surface. It can also be due to heavy traffic on the leather that can put the leather material under too much pressure. The cut, rip or tear can just be through the leather material itself or it can extend up to the leather’s backing material.



SEVERE DAMAGES

If you have a severe leather damage like any of the examples below, it might be best to seek the advice of a professional leather upholsterer. We understand that you might want to do it yourself and think that you have the necessary tools and the required skills and experience, but these repairs require advanced skills so please proceed cautiously. Compare your leather damage to the samples and descriptions below to make sure you’re still on the right path:

Severe Tears and Torn Seams of Leather

1. Torn Seams

Cause: Torn seams and broken stitching can be caused by too much weight and pressure put on the leather. This damage can be repaired through manual stitching or machine sewing.

Severe Leather and Foam Loss

2. Severe Leather and Foam Loss

Cause: With years and years of use and wear, leather becomes more vulnerable and prone to tearing and ripping. Once the backing material of your leather is damaged, expect its filler, usually foam, to bulge out and eventually detach.

Are you 100% sure now that your car leather damage is not one of the severe damages listed above? Then, let us proceed to the next section and help you fix your leather ‘cause we can assure you it’s definitely not rocket science!




SECTION 4: HOW TO REPAIR PET SCRATCHES, PUNCTURES AND CRACKS ON LEATHER CAR SEATS



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!




SECTION 5: HOW TO REPAIR FADING, STAINS AND DISCOLORATIONS ON LEATHER CAR SEATS



Whether the fading, discoloration, or stains, is from years of use, everyday wear, and tear, or just neglect, your leather can still be saved. Firstly, DIY leather repair saves you from discarding a perfectly good piece of upholstery, and secondly, it saves you from the extensive costs that can amount to getting it professionally reupholstered. For top-quality leather, the color can usually be restored by just rubbing some leather moisturizers. But usually, this is not the case. You can do the touch-up on your leather with the help of the repair steps we have prepared for you below. 


MATERIALS NEEDED:

  • Cotton swab/cotton pad (Alternative: Clean rag or cloth)
  • 90% rubbing alcohol (Alternative: Water and mild soap)
  • Sponge, cotton applicator, or a fine brush
  • Nail polish remover (Alternative for alcohol when buffing)
  • Leather Repair Kit

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS:

1. Clean and remove grime and dirt.

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.

2. Mix, match, and adjust your color mixture.

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.

3. Apply and let dry.

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!




SECTION 6: HOW TO REPAIR PEELING AND FLAKING LEATHER CAR SEATS



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!




SECTION 7: HOW TO REPAIR BURNS AND HOLES ON LEATHER CAR SEATS



Burns and holes are usually very tiny but often the smallest impact can be very noticeable in car leather interior. These are usually damages that happen in an instant like a cigarette touching your car's leather surface, a sharp or pointed object that poked through your pocket into the leather, or simply ash that fell and burned your leather. These damages don’t have to be fixed by a professional as you can make restore the damaged spot by carefully following the steps below.


MATERIALS NEEDED:

  • Scissors/knife/cutter/scalpel
  • 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. Trim the surrounding jagged or burned edges.

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.

2. Determine if the backing fabric is needed.

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.

3. Match and fill the hole.

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 as to avoid getting too much compound onto the intact material.

4. Rebuild, dry, and blend.

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.




SECTION 8: HOW TO REPAIR CUTS, RIPS, AND TEARS ON LEATHER CAR SEATS



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.




SECTION 9: HOW TO REPAIR DASHBOARD AND CENTER CONSOLE



The dashboard and center console of your car can also get damaged particularly if the car is used every day. These damages can range from little cracks and scrapes to wide gaps and depressed damages. These can also happen to your leather or vinyl door panels and armrests which are usually in contact with the passengers. This type of repair requires a bit more care and attention, mainly because these parts are very visible and the damage can be worsened. Before opting to cover these damages with eyesore patches or cheesy-looking dashboard covers, try our DIY repair kit. It might be challenging but we promise to guide you throughout the repair process and we will be available via email or chat if you need tips and assistance.


MATERIALS NEEDED:

  • Clean rag or cloth
  • Water and mild soap
  • Coarse to medium (60-150) sandpaper (for bumpy damages)
  • Fine brush, toothpick, or any fine applicator (for finer applications)
  • Cotton swab
  • Nail polish remover
  • Leather conditioner
  • Leather Repair Kit

STEP-BY-STEP PROCESS:

1. Prepare the damaged area.

For dashboards, door panels, center consoles, and armrests, we strongly recommend avoiding the use of alcohol. Alcohol can be very harsh to these parts of your car interior. For this repair step, use only a clean rag or cloth slightly soaked in water with mild soap. Make sure to clean the damaged area and remove all the loose dirt, dust, and grime to help the repair compound adhere well to the surface. If the damage has some bumpy or curling edges, we recommend lightly sanding it first to make it flat and smooth. Otherwise, it will remain bumpy after it has been repaired. For this step, you may use coarse to medium (60-150) sandpaper depending on your preference.

2. Match, fill, and wipe.

After carefully matching your color, fill the compound into the damaged area, avoiding the intact area. You can use fine applicators, toothpicks, or brushes for more detailed cracks or gaps. Wipe off any excess repair compound using the cloth. Allow the compound to dry for several hours. Repeat this process until you have rebuilt the damaged area and the spot has leveled out with the surrounding surface area.

3. Buff and protect.

When the compound is dry, use a cotton swab with a little amount of nail polish remover to buff the edges. Please be careful to only rub the repair compound, as the nail polish remover may also remove the color of your leather. You may also apply a leather conditioner over the treated area for additional protection. Most conditioners with leather protectors will restore the leather finish and can be applied directly to the treated area.

Though this type of repair project may require more time and practice, your dashboard, door panels, armrests, and center console will surely be back to their desired state, especially when the steps we have provided are carried out carefully. For more assistance, you can always contact us and we will be happy to provide tips and information about your repair project.




SECTION 10: HOW TO EXTEND THE LIFE OF YOUR LEATHER CAR INTERIOR TWOFOLD WITH A TWO-STEP LEATHER CARE ROUTINE



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:

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.




SECTION 11: 10 DIY CAR LEATHER REPAIR RESULTS YOU SHOULD SEE



We hope our car leather interior repair steps, specially designed for inexperienced DIYers or beginners, helped you understand and prepare better for your repair! If you need any extra invitation to get started, we have listed below 10 results of DIY car leather interior repairs that you should see for yourself! Read each of their reviews and check the before and after photos so you can gain more confidence in for own repair project. These testimonials are from our customers who are 100% satisfied with their repair results!


“Looks Waaaay Better!”

by Beth

Some repairs can turn out to be such duds that you would not think that there is a chance that they would look even a bit better. But Beth’s repair project turned out to be successful.

“I had a significant amount of holes and cracks to fill with this product, and I am very pleased with how much I was able to cover. I used one kit- about 4 tubes worth of paint, and was able to match the color pretty easily. It took a lot more time than I thought it would. It is difficult to get it smoothed out perfectly. Every time I filled a crack up to the top, it would shrink down significantly, so it took many applications. It does seem very durable and I am pleased with the results!”




“Excellent product for DIY work”

by Donald G. Allen

If you need confidence and assurance from other first-timers, then you definitely have to read Donald G. Allen’s review.

“Good product, good amount of materials. Mixing colors is tricky with any product. The tubes you get have a small nozzle so you can add small amounts to the mixture. It does take practice as with any product. I have seen some that when you open the container, it appears that it would dry out faster. These containers are like tooth paste design, you just squeeze out what you need. Excellent help from the company if you need it. AS you can see from my photo, this is the first time i used it, so i need a little more practice. I purchased some vinyl to practice on. The only CAUTION that I can say, after finishing apply Vinyl spray protection over it when finished. Some cleaners will remove the product, like Alcohol.”





SECTION 12: BONUS: 5 Tips to Disinfect Your Car Interior



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:


5 Tips to Disinfect Your Car Interior