How to Restore Auto Leather
Leather interior increases the value of an automobile. It is often considered a luxury and owners will want to ensure that it maintains its appearance over the long term. Natural wear and tear will cause leather to fade and crack. Instead of replacing your seats or buying a new car, restore your leather interior. You can use the same techniques professionals use to restore your auto leather.
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Things You'll Need
- Car leather restoration kit
- Palette knife
- Tool Kit
- Plastic cover and/or newspaper
Instructions
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Select an auto leather restoration kit. Most kits will come with multiple color selections, leather prep, crack filler, finishing sprays, a spray unit, gloves and sponge applicators. Make sure your kit has everything you need, including a matching paint color for your auto leather.
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Remove the seats. This is an option. If your leather is badly worn with cracks, you may want to remove the seats so that you can thoroughly reach every part of your interior. You can also choose to keep your seats intact and work around any restrictions. Removing your seats will require specific tools.
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Protect your work area. Use newspaper, a sheet or plastic covering to protect other areas from exposure to leather restoration chemicals. The chemicals may cause damage to carpet, skin or other areas of the car. Make sure you wear plastic gloves before applying any chemicals.
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4
Prep your surface. Use a sponge to clean leather using the leather prep. The leather prep cleaner is used to remove dirt and degreases the leather so the crack fillers and new color can fully penetrate. Not prepping your leather will cause adhesion problems. Wait 30 minutes for prep to dry.
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Apply heavy filler. Using a palette knife, fill in the cracks with the heavy filler. Make sure the layer is thin and smooth. Let the filler dry for five minutes.
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Apply color. Using a clean application sponge, add a thin layer of color to your leather. Apply color in smooth, even strokes. Applying the color too thick will cause bubbles and runs. If you notice this, take a cloth and immediately smooth the surface. Allow the layer to dry.
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Apply finishing spray. Once the color has completely dried, apply a thin layer of finishing spray.
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Allow the leather to dry. Wait approximately 48 hours before disturbing your interior.
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