Leather sofas are very elegant, but they attract like “magnet” cats and dogs, who can scratch them. By the way you can also read n article about what is better to choose: fabric or natural leather sofa.
If you forgot to protect your sofa with a blanket and your pet accidentally scratched it, here are some simple and cheap solutions to fix the problem:
- Apply a furniture solution. Liquid solutions for cleaning furniture that also contain wax can help you reduce the scratch marks on the leather sofa. Apply such a solution to the affected area using a soft cloth, making circular movements. Let it dry completely and repeat the operation if necessary.
- Cover the scratches with. If the scratches are deeper, try to soften them using a shoe cream in the color of the sofa’s leather. Put a small amount of cream on a cotton cloth and apply little by little over the scratches until they disappear. Then let the cream dry well before sitting on the couch.
- Use a marker. If the cat or puppy has reached the fibers under the skin and white threads are visible, use scissors or a cutter to remove these threads. Then buy a marker in the same shade as the sofa and carefully cover the marks. Test the color first on the back of the sofa to see if there are any visible marks. If the scratches are not very pronounced, the marker will cover them successfully. But be careful, use a permanent marker so that the color doesn’t get on your clothes when you sit on the couch.
- Wipe the sofa with olive oil. Another solution for mitigating scratches on leather sofas is mink oil or olive oil applied in circular motions over the affected areas. Remove any excess oil and reapply when scratches become visible.
- Use a special kit. If none of these solutions gave satisfactory results and the scratches are deep and unsightly, you will have to use a special kit. There are repair kits for leather clothes and sofas on the market that contain a liquid adhesive in a wide variety of colors and an applicator. The adhesive is applied directly over the broken portion and allowed to dry. With an abrasive paper, carefully remove the excess adhesive to smooth the surface, which is then cleaned with a special solution for leather surfaces.
How to repair a leather sofa?
Leather is renowned for its great resistance and flexibility. To keep its original appearance for as long as possible, it requires special attention to avoid damage. Enjoying great success in the world of furniture, the material brings a refined and timeless touch to many living rooms. However, when furniture wears out or is damaged by multiple incidents (spilled liquid, scratches, lack of maintenance, etc.), it is important to act quickly to stop the damage. Rest assured, the operation is entirely possible from home, provided you have the right tools.
Leather is undoubtedly the material of choice for a cozy and warm interior. The timeless look it gives is very appreciated in the making of sofas and armchairs. However, many external attacks can occur and alter the appearance of the furniture. Indeed, wear, friction, sebum, liquids, lack of hydration or humidity are among the risks whose effects can damage the surface. The damage encountered often manifests itself as drying out with threadbare leather, cracks, tears, discoloration, etc.
If your sofa is depigmented and no longer looks the same as it did at the beginning. Do not panic, there is a solution. Don’t wait to renovate or repair a leather sofa as soon as you see the first signs. This will prevent problems from evolving and becoming more serious. The longer you wait, the more work will require additional time and materials.
Repairing a leather sofa can be a more attractive option than changing it. Economically speaking, the material is expensive and depending on your financial resources it may not always be easy to replace a piece of furniture. It is therefore preferable to give a second lease of life to your interior rather than incur significant expenses.
Do not hesitate to remove removable parts, such as backrests or seats, to be able to repair a leather sofa. You will have easier access to the damaged part. Please note that we are talking about renovation when the damage is small. The repair is carried out, for its part, when there are holes or larger cracks.
Repairing the leather sofa
To fill the tear and smooth the surface, we recommend applying a putty or repair paste in thin layers. If the hole is larger, you will need to place a patch under the surface and secure it with leather glue. Remove any excess product with a spatula or sponge. Sand the surface with sandpaper to shape the paste and regain a smooth appearance. You can repeat the operation several times until you are satisfied with the result.
Dusting
Use a vacuum cleaner with a protective nozzle or a soft, lint-free cloth to remove any dry dust that has accumulated. Don’t forget this task, because if you don’t do it you could permanently embed this dust in the material.
Cleaning
The leather is first cleaned with a suitable soap or shampoo and a soft, clean cloth. Make circular movements, taking care not to press too hard. Remove excess product if you see that it does not integrate into the material. Having a clean surface is essential to obtain a satisfactory result.
Then let it dry in the open air, avoiding exposure to the sun or near heat sources. You can still use a heat gun or a hair dryer to speed up drying. However, you will need to be very careful to leave enough distance so as not to burn the leather.
The coloring of the furniture
The removal of a primer (avoiding the areas where the putty is applied) is necessary to obtain an optimal result. It opens the pores of the leather and allows better adhesion of the coloring.
To color your leather sofa, you can use a suitable paint. If your sofa has an aniline finish and has marbling, a coloring balm will allow you to color the surface while retaining the shades.
The product should be applied in thin layers to avoid giving a plastic appearance to the material. Leave to dry for 30 minutes between each application.
Fixing the work carried out
Applying a waterproofer or a fixative, such as a specialized varnish, will allow you to provide a layer of protection against attacks.
Leather maintenance: an essential step
Leather needs regular hydration using suitable products. This action will prevent the material from drying out and crumbling. Leave aside all corrosive liquids, such as bleach or acetone. By applying them, you will only make the situation worse.
We recommend that you nourish your leather sofa several times a year with a cream, softener or moisturizing milk made for the material.
You now know how to repair a leather sofa. As you may have noticed, it is possible to carry out this major work yourself, provided you have all the necessary equipment at your disposal.