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How to Fix Peeling Leather Furniture

When you consider all of the wear and tear your leather furniture receives from your pets, your kids and your family foodie movie night, it's easy to see how that once pristine example of leather perfection got to the condition it's in now. Unlike manufactured fabric, leather does not have much elasticity; once it's stretched, leather will start to crack and peel. Fortunately, you can repair peeling leather yourself and save an expensive trip to the reupholstering shop.

Things You'll Need

  • Leather spray dye
  • Dish liquid
  • Plastic bucket
  • Scrub brush
  • Cotton towels
  • Bristle-cleaning pad
  • Denatured alcohol
  • Paper towels
  • 240-grit sandpaper
  • Leather filler
  • Leather sealer
  • Plastic sheets
  • Leather conditioner
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Instructions

    • 1

      Purchase a leather spray dye matching the color of your furniture. Take a photo of your furniture to the furniture or hardware shop to match the colors.

    • 2

      Combine 1 tsp. of dish liquid and 3 to 4 cups of warm water into a large bucket, mixing well until suds form on the top of the mixture. Dip the scrub brush into the mixture. Rub the scrub brush against the peeling areas in small circular motions. Dry the area with a cotton towel. This will clean the surface so you can repair the leather.

    • 3

      Rub the surface with a bristle-cleaning pad to remove any loose dyes or stuck-on dirt. Wipe the area clean with a dry cotton towel.

    • 4

      Apply a small amount of denatured alcohol to a paper towel. Gently rub the paper towel across the damaged portion of the leather. Swipe a clean paper towel over the area to remove any lasting residue.

    • 5

      Sand down the damaged leather with 240-grit sandpaper. Gently sand along each peel until the cracked dyed portions lift from the furniture. Wipe the area clean with a paper towel.

    • 6

      Apply a small amount of leather filler into any deep cracks on the furniture, following the leather filler manufacturer's instructions. The leather filler will smooth the surface, making it easier to dye. Allow the filler to dry completely.

    • 7

      Cover the prepped leather with a leather sealer. Allow the sealer to dry completely.

    • 8

      Cover the flooring and nearby walls and furniture with plastic sheets or old bed sheets to protect the area from the dye.

    • 9

      Spray a thin coat of leather dye over the damaged leather area in quick, short bursts. Add a layer of spray dye to the surrounding leather to help blend the colors. Allow the first layer to dry. Repeat this process until you completely cover the damaged leather. Allow the furniture to dry completely.

    • 10

      Condition the leather with a leather conditioner before use. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the best results.