How to Repair Peeling Leather

Leather, though durable, can sometimes be subject to more abuse than it can handle. One major type of damage can cause the leather to crack and eventually peel. Through water and sun damage, leather can lose its luster and flexibility, leading to hardening and eventually breaking apart of the fabric. When the leather peels, it is usually the finish and/or color that starts to come off. Repair the peeling leather by scraping off the loosened bits and applying new coats of dye and finish.

Liquid dish soap
Water
Scrub brush
Towel
Two-sided sponge
Denatured alcohol
Paper towel
Sandpaper (240-grit, 400-grit)
Leather prep spray
Leather glue
Leather filler
Damp cloth
Leather dye spray
Leather conditioner

Instructions

- 1
  Mix liquid dish soap with water, and scrub the peeling leather with a scrub brush dipped in the cleaning solution. Wipe dry with a towel.
- 2
  Dip a sponge in the cleaning solution, and scrub the damaged leather with the abrasive side facing down. Scrub to scuff the surface of the leather to remove damaged leather and give a good adhesion surface for the new dye. Wipe off with a towel.
- 3
  Wipe the seat down with denatured alcohol, and wipe dry with a paper towel.
- 4
  Rub the surface with 240-grit sandpaper dipped in the cleaning solution to remove more damaged leather. Grind to smooth the surface. Remove debris with a towel. Spray on leather prep sprayer and wipe off.
- 5
  Apply leather glue if the peeled edges leave the area fluffy. The glue allows the area to crystallize and prevent the peeled edges from peeling any further. Lightly sand any roughness left by the glue with 400-grit sandpaper.
- 6
  Fill in the damaged section with leather filler if the section is pitted. Smooth off with your fingers, and wipe excess off with a damp cloth. Apply a second coat if needed, and let it dry for an hour.
- 7
  Spray on three coats of leather dye with a color that matches the rest of the leather. Let each coat dry before applying the next, and sand with 400-grit sandpaper if there are any rough patches in between coats. Let the leather dry for 10 hours.
- 8
  Condition the leather with leather conditioner following the manufacturer's directions.

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