How Fix a Slice in a Leather Recliner

Measure the width and length of the slice in the leather recliner. Measure and cut the fabric or leather patch provided in your kit so that it measures 1 ½ inches wider and longer than the slice.

Clean the area surrounding the slice with cotton balls moistened with rubbing alcohol. Trim any jagged edges on the slice so the leather is even.

Sand the edges of the slice lightly with 240-grit sandpaper. This provides a textured area for the leather repair adhesive to bond well.

Insert the previously cut leather or fabric patch into the slice with tweezers. Use the tweezers to poke the patch beneath the slice so the patch edges lie flat.

Apply the leather adhesive from your repair kit to the end of a cotton swab. Wipe the adhesive beneath the slice onto the edges of the patch and beneath the leather surface surrounding the slice. Remove the cotton swab and use your fingers to firmly press the slice closed and down onto the adhesive on the patch. Allow the glue to completely dry.

Prepare the leather repair filler according to the manufacturer's instructions. Use a plastic knife to fill the slice with a liberal amount of repair filler. Allow the filler to dry. Hasten the drying time by using a hair dryer set on low. In some kits the filler is also colored like the dye.

Use the knife to apply another layer of filler on top of the first dried layer until the filler is level with the leather's surface. Let the filler dry. Sand the area lightly with 1200-grit sandpaper.

Sponge the leather repair dye over the filled slice. Allow the dye to dry. Some kits come with a base color dye and a top coat dye. Apply the base coat first, allow it to dry, and then apply the top coat. If the kit has only one dye, apply it, allow it to dry and then apply a second coat. Allow the dye to dry.

Apply a pea-size drop of leather conditioner to a cotton ball. Gently wipe the conditioner over the repaired slice to give the leather a gloss finish.