Patching a Ripped Leather Sofa

A rip in your leather sofa takes away from its aesthetic appeal and immediately draws negative attention whenever anyone sees it. Before you begin surfing the Internet or driving around to furniture stores to price a replacement, consider patching the rip yourself with a leather repair kit. Leather repair kits include all the necessary materials and a blending compound to allow the patch to blend into your leather's natural color, making the mark almost unnoticeable.

Rubbing alcohol
Leather conditioner
Scissors
Leather patch
Repair compound

Instructions

- 1
  Wipe the area around the rip with rubbing alcohol to eliminate dirt, dust or anything else that will interfere with the repair process.
- 2
  Apply leather conditioner to the area. The conditioner softens the area and makes it easier to patch. Wait 24 hours before continuing to allow the conditioner proper time to work.
- 3
  Cut the leather patch included in the kit in a circular shape slightly larger than the rip. If the rip is large enough, insert the patch inside the rip and patch from the inside out.
- 4
  Spread repair compound on the patch where it touches the leather. Press firmly to create a tight seal. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for it to dry. For excessively deep or large rips, you may need to apply multiple layers of repair compound. Wait for each layer to dry before applying another.
- 5
  Wipe down the area with rubbing alcohol to remove excess compound. Do not wipe too hard or repeatedly or you risk the patch peeling.
- 6
  Create a color that matches your leather out of the compound supplied with the leather repair kit. Apply the compound in several thin layers, as opposed to one thick layer, which will flake and appear jagged.

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