How to Repair a Hole in a Leather Sofa

Since a leather sofa can take quite a chunk out of the bank account, replacing it with a brand new piece is not feasible every time new damage occurs. Unless you lock the sofa away from all human and pet contact, the leather material is susceptible to damage and wear. Leaving the holes unrepaired may result in the damaged area expanding. These holes are repaired easily with easy-to-use kits.

Rubbing alcohol
Shallow saucer
Soft cloth
Hairdryer
Fine-grit sandpaper
Ruler
Canvas cloth
Scissors
Toothpick
Leather adhesive
Leather filler
Credit card or driver's license
Leather color
Artist's brush
Complete leather repair kit (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Remove dirt or grease and oil stains for a 4-inch radius around the hole, using rubbing alcohol. Pour the alcohol into a shallow saucer and dip a large, soft cloth into it until damp. Wipe the dampened cloth over the sofa to clean the surface area around the hole.
- 2
  Dry the area completely using a hairdryer set on low. Rub a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper around the hole to scuff the leather material so the color will grip the leather better. Wipe away the small particles left behind by the sandpaper using the dampened cloth. Dry the area again with the hairdryer.
- 3
  Measure the width and length of the hole with a ruler. Cut a section of canvas cloth slightly larger than the measured hole using scissors.
- 4
  Tuck this piece of cloth behind the hole, pushing it in with your finger, and smoothing out all bumps and wrinkles to ensure a flat surface.
- 5
  Dip a toothpick into the leather adhesive, and swipe it between the leather material and cloth. Place the palm of your hand over the hole to apply pressure on the leather material for 5 to 10 minutes while the adhesive sets, which will help the leather adhere to the canvas cloth.
- 6
  Squeeze leather filler on top of the exposed canvas cloth until the area fills. Scrape a credit card or driver's license over the filler to smooth the surface flat with the adjoining leather material.
- 7
  Dry the filler with the hairdryer set to high, holding it at least 8 inches from the surface of the leather.
- 8
  Mix the leather color in small, plastic cups according to the included color chart. Apply a thin coat of the mixed leather color to the dried filler, using a small artist's brush. Dry the first coat with the hairdryer.
- 9
  Apply the second coat of mixed color to the previously dried color using the small artist's brush, allowing the leather color to dry.
- 10
  Paint the third coating of leather color onto the previously dried section, feathering the edges of the color outward to blend into the adjacent leather material. Allow the color to dry for at least four hours.

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