How to Restore Scratched Leather Furniture

Use a damp sponge and saddle soap to clean the leather. Use a circular motion and enough soap and water to work the soap into a light lather. Work in sections, and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Allow to air-dry.

Remove saddle soap residue from the damaged area. Use common rubbing alcohol (70 percent isopropyl alcohol) on a lint-free rag, and allow the surface time to dry.

Blend out minor surface scratches with shoe cream polish in combination with self-shine leather dyes. Follow the manufacturer's instructions; these dyes are available in many different colors that coordinate with scores of colored cream polishes. Lift a cushion, and apply the blend to a hidden section of leather until you get a perfect match. Apply polish to the scratches with a toothpick. Buff the surface to a glossy shine with a soft cloth. If scratch lines are still visible, apply further coats until the marks disappear.

Use the repair compound supplied with a leather repair kit to stick flaps of leather caused by cat's claws back into place. Lift the flap, and apply compound to both surfaces. Replace the flap, and wipe off excess compound with a rag dampened with rubbing alcohol. Wipe dry. Allow 30 minutes curing time for the repair compound. Smooth the surface by rubbing lightly with 600 grit emery paper.

Spread a thin layer of compound over the damaged area, allowing a 1/2-inch overlap on all sides. Blend the layer in with the tip of a wet finger. Smooth down lightly with an alcohol pad supplied in the repair kit--make sure the pad is wet enough not to drag the compound. Do not overwork. Allow 10 to 15 minutes drying time. Repeat until the damaged indentations have been filled. Finish by gently rubbing the surface smooth with 600 grit emery paper.

Apply thin progressive coats of suitably blended flexible color finish with the foam applicator contained in the kit. Use smooth, even strokes. Don't rebrush partially dry areas to cover streaks; they will disappear as you apply subsequent layers. Blend edges into the surrounding leather. Allow each coat 15 minutes to dry. Sand off dust or leather particles with 600 grit emery paper between coats until you get a smooth, perfect color match.

Use the fine mist pump sprayer supplied in the kit to apply the final coat. Hold the sprayer nozzle 12 to 18 inches from surface while spraying. Move back and forth in a smooth sweeping motion. Do not brush tiny droplets; they will flatten and blend in as they dry. Leave overnight before using the furniture.