How to Patch Leather Furniture
Leather furniture creates a luxurious look for any home and tends to look better with age. Regardless of the current condition of your leather furniture, almost any piece will eventually be accidentally cut or punctured. Learning how to patch leather furniture at home will keep your current set looking new and save money on professional repair or replacement. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Identify the size and type of damage needing repair. The two most common types of damage that require patching are cuts and holes. Any cut in leather furniture requires immediate repair with a leather patch kit to prevent it from expanding in length. Holes have a decreased risk of expanding in size, but you should repair them to prevent further damage.
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Identify the color of your leather furniture. This will enable you to obtain a close or identical match to the color of your sofa--making the damage and repair virtually invisible.
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3
Purchase a leather repair kit in-store or online by searching for "leather repair kits" or similar phrases. Examine the kit to ensure it contains a patch and leather repair material. Before buying any product, read customer reviews and testimonials. Inexpensive leather repair kits can save money, but the repair may be visible if the color is not an exact match. Also the quality of leather repair compound may not be as high--leaving an uneven surface at the site of repair.
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Prepare the surface of the leather furniture for patching. Choose a professional leather cleaner, saddle soap or other leather cleaner, and prepare the surface where the patch is going to be applied. Wipe with a clean dry cloth to remove any residue left by the cleaner. Not cleaning the area or leaving residue will cause the patch to adhere improperly or not adhere at all.
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5
Place the patch on the inside of the hole or cut on the leather furniture according to the kit instructions. Follow the remaining directions to complete the repair. Do not rush placing the patch or remainder of repair; otherwise there is a risk on increasing the amount of damage, and the repair may be visible when completed.
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Allow the repair to dry for 48 hours before conditioning your leather furniture. Conditioning not only makes the repair less visible, but keeps leather supple to prevent future holes or tears from forming due to wear and tear.
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Tips & Warnings
Condition leather furnitureevery 6 months to maintain its appearance and condition.
Large holes or numerous cuts caused by animal claws may require professional repair. Consult a professional leather repair store for an estimate, and evaluate if the repair is worth the cost. If the repair is too expensive for your budget, consider using a slipcover or replacing the item of furniture.
