LEATHER REPAIR

Leather and suede leather can be difficult to repair but here are some ideas and suggestions you can use or just simply take it to a specialist who can do it correctly and professionally.

Suede leather does not take kindly to harsh treatment like abrasion and rough use. This immediately results in scatch marks that are impossible to remove.

To repair a snag , you can use clear nail polish to smooth it to place against the leather  DO NOT use nail polish on snags on suede leather!

Scrapes can sometimes be blended in with a cloth and leather protectant but if this is not possible then you will have to treat it like a leather repair.

Burns, rips, and tears you prepare the area by scraping off the burned edges and cutting off the frayed areas. May have to use a sub-patch and filler to level the hole. Use several light coats of filler and make sure to dry throughly between coats. A hair dryer can be used to aid in the drying between coats. Hold the hair dryer at a 300 degree angle, when the hole is level, you may have to apply  color to blend in.

Leather cuts - this is the hardest of all to repair. There are leather repair kits which you can get at a leather store ( shoe shop, saddle shop, some hardware stores, upholstrey stores, auto supply store) just to name afew. A good adhesion is the vital part in repairing your tear. When it is difficult to hold the patch together you can use a hair dryer to make the glue tacky then hold it together until it bonds. ( HINT: piece of tape will also help) Small cuts, you can use a small amount of glue in the crack, using the hair dryer to make it tacky and pressing it together. Larger cuts you will need a sub-patch. Sometimes you might also need to use some padding under the patch.

Liquid leather repair kits are another option. There are also no-heat liquid kits.

Whether a liquid or traditional kits are used remember that it includes everything you need and in the right amounts.

For a successful repair - read and follow the instructions. Spending alittle more money on the repair kits will help you to match the texture and color of your leather.

SUMMARY

If you are handy and want to try repairing your leather, this is some information that may help you, but usually it is best to take it to a professional and get it done. Always clean and protect your leather to keep it looking good for the future.