How to Patch a Leather Couch

A leather couch is expensive, and no one wants to toss one on the sidewalk just because of a scratch. You can easily repair small scuffs and nicks yourself with glue. For more serious damage, get a leather repair kit. This should include a "sub patch" material for repairing deep cuts, and a flexible filler for restoring cracks and scaly areas.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Repairing Minor Nicks

1
Clean the area with rubbing alcohol and a soft rag. Gently rub 70% isopropyl alcohol over any small flaps or gouges in the surface. This clears away any grease or dirt to prepare the surface for leather glue. Do not let excess alcohol sit on the surface, as it can damage glossy, fully-finished surface coats.^{[1]XResearch source}
- Use white vinegar instead on suede and nubuck.
- You can use leather cleaner instead, but many of these products condition the leather (leaving a residue), or fail to remove greasy stains.
Nubuck, suede, and synthetics such as vinyl and bonded leather require a leather glue labeled for use on your material. On other types of genuine leather, you may get better results with super glue. Apply a small amount of glue to the underside of the flap using a large needle or toothpick, scraping it into a thin layer.^{[2]XResearch source}
While the glue is still wet, gently press the flap back into place on the leather surface. Align the flap so that none of the material beneath the flap is visible. Quickly wipe away excess glue with a paper towel before it dries.^{[3]XResearch source}
4
Sand super glued areas gently. If you are using super glue on genuine leather, sand it by hand with 320 grit, wet-or-dry sandpaper before it dries. This makes a fine dust that combines with the wet super glue to create a filler. Sand in the direction of the crack until the surface feels smooth.
- Use 500 grit sandpaper instead on aniline or other thin, delicate leathers.
- Skip this step if you used leather glue.
5
Dye the leather. If the repaired area is a different color than the rest of the couch, apply leather dye with a damp sponge. Wait for it to dry.^{[4]XExpert SourceMallika Sharma
Certified Leather Care TechnicianExpert Interview. 7 January 2021.}
- Check the dye label to confirm it is suitable for your type of leather. Test on an inconspicuous area first if you are not sure.
- If you feel your repairs need more work, gently sand the surface and repeat the process, starting with a new dab of glue.
If the dye appears too dull or matte, dab some clear finish over the top, and wait for it to dry. The clear finish will add luster and protect the dye.^{[5]XResearch source}
7
Allow the glue to set. Wait at least one hour before causing any flex in the surface of the material.^{[6]XResearch source} This will give the leather glue the proper amount of time to set and bond to the material.
- For best results, let the glue set on its own. Heat can damage leather, so using a hairdryer to speed up the drying is risky.
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Repairing Tears and Deep Cuts

Deep tears that expose the substrate under the leather require a "sub patch" to form a strong backing for your repair. A leather repair kit is a convenient way to purchase sub patch material, since it will also include the other tools needed for this repair. If you don't have a repair kit, you can use any strong, flexible mending fabric, or another piece of leather or vinyl. Cut the sub patch so it is slightly larger than the hole or tear. Round the corners for easy insertion.^{[7]XResearch source}
Use a pair of tweezers to insert the sub patch into the hole, then to flatten out any wrinkles or folds. Make sure that the sub patch completely covers the hole and sits smoothly between the substrate and the leather.
Using a large needle or toothpick, apply a flexible fabric or leather glue to the underside of the leather. Spread the glue in a thin layer wherever the leather will contact the sub patch. Press the leather onto the sub patch, gently pulling the tear back to its original shape. Wipe away excess glue with a paper towel.
4
Weigh down the tear while it dries. Place a block of wood or heavy book over the entire area to apply even, firm pressure. Wait for the glue to dry for at least twenty minutes, or according to label instructions.
- Check your glue label to see if it suggests using a hairdryer to speed up drying. Even if it does, keep the heat low and avoid holding the blow dryer directly against the leather. Excess heat can dry out or damage leather.
5
Clean the area. Before you apply leather filler to repair the hole, you'll need a clean surface for it to bond with. Lightly dampen a clean rag with leather cleaner or 70% isopropyl alcohol, then gently clean the damaged area.
- Alcohol is usually more effective than leather cleaner at removing excess glue or grease-based stains.^{[8]XResearch source}
This helps the leather filler create a flush surface with the edges of the tear.^{[9]XResearch source} Carefully trim away any loose or stringy fibers around the edge of the hole.
7
Apply leather filler. If there is still a small gap between the two edges, use a palette knife to spread a small amount of leather filler into the gap. Use the flat side of the palette knife to smooth out the filler and to scrape away any excess.^{[10]XResearch source} You want to leave the filled area flat and flush with the rest of the leather surface. Use a paper towel to remove any excess filler and feather the edges where it touches the undamaged surface of the leather.^{[11]XExpert SourceMallika Sharma
Certified Leather Care TechnicianExpert Interview. 7 January 2021.}
- Leather filler is included in leather repair kits.
8
Wait for the filler to dry. Refer to your product instructions for an estimate of drying time. Once dried, you should be able to press the repaired area gently without it shifting or feeling squishy.^{[12]XResearch source}
- You may have to apply a second coat of filler if the surface still feels uneven after drying.
9
Dye the repaired area. You can mix your own color by hand following the instructions in your repair kit, or send a sample of the leather to a custom leather dye company to make an exact match. Once you have the right color, dab a small amount of dye over the repair with a damp sponge. Once the area is mostly concealed, wait for it to dry. Repeat as necessary, gradually blending outward for a natural appearance.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Test the mix on an inconspicuous corner of the leather first if you're not confident it's the right shade. If the color seems wrong, wipe it away quickly.
Some leathers have a more lustrous finish than others. If the dye looks too flat and dull, dab a coat of clear finish over the top, and wait until it dries. The clear finish will help protect the color and match the luster.^{[14]XResearch source}
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Can faux leather be restored?
Mallika Sharma
Certified Leather Care Technician
Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.
Mallika Sharma
Certified Leather Care Technician
Expert Answer
If it's peeling in bits and pieces, you can patch the damaged area with genuine leather. If the material is completely tattered, consider replacing it altogether.
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Question
Where do I get leather repair kits, leather glue, and patch material?
Community Answer
These items and some really helpful people to help you use them can be found at advleather.com. The wiki above is more or less correct but there are some important details not included. For example, if your leather dye does not match your color exactly, your repair might look worse than the original damage. You can get leather finish custom matched to your leather at advleather.com as well. Jason and Josh will help you and they are super nice. Tell them Carolyn sent you! They just might give you a deal.
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Question
What do I do if the filler unsticks at the edges when I sand it and it peels off like rubber?
Community Answer
Start over. Clean the area up properly with alcohol to be sure it is oil free, and do not touch it with your fingers so as to keep it that way. Be sure the product you are using is fresh and not partially dried out. Apply a thin coat. Let it dry before sanding, and use a light touch. Add additional coats as needed, trying not to press a depression into the cushion until fully dried and set (after all necessary layers have been applied).
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