How to Fix Cracks in Nappa Leather Seats

Nappa leather is an industry term used to describe leather made from tanned sheepskin. Also spelled napa, this type of leather is also used to upholster leather car seats and chairs. As a natural material, leather is prone to drying out if not regularly cleaned and conditioned. As the leather dries, it shrinks, causing cracks to appear on the surface. You can fix these cracks by filling them with heavy filler and recoloring the repaired area to match the rest of the seat.

Leather cleaner
Gloves
Dry cloth
Leather heavy filler
Palette knife
Grain tool/stamp
Hairdryer
Leather dye
Sponge
Leather conditioner

Instructions

- 1
  Clean the leather with pH-approved leather cleaner and a cloth. This removes grime and oils that can lead to leather deterioration.
- 2
  Fill the cracks by applying leather heavy filler with a palette knife. A little goes a long way, so apply small amounts in thin layers and build it up gradually.
- 3
  Emboss the areas that have been covered with filler using a grain stamping tool. This tool recreates the texture of nappa leather grain and makes the repair look seamless.
- 4
  Set the filler with a hairdryer on low. Blow dry until the filler is completely solid.
- 5
  Recolor the filled areas by using a spray-on leather dye. Spread the color evenly with a sponge and allow to dry for 15 minutes.
- 6
  Condition the leather to restore moisture and prevent future cracking. Leather conditioner should be applied after cleaning, ideally every three to six months.

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