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Home Remedy for Repairing a Hole in Leather

Repairing leather is a bit of a chore and a pain. If you've decided against taking the leather into a store, doing repairs at home requires tools or kits if you want the job to look seamless and professional. Different size holes and rips require different solutions. When pieces of the leather have actually been removed, patching is necessary.
  1. Purchse a Kit

    • Do a bit of research to find a kit that is within your price range and has adequate instructions for you to make the repairs confidently. Call service numbers provided to inquire about the process required or watch testimonials and video transformations to see how the products you are considering works.

    Clean the Leather

    • Before attempting repair of your leather product, clean the area thoroughly. Vacuum all debris out from nooks and crannies. Inspect the area of repair to make sure it is free of dirt and oils. If not, use a standard upholstery cleaner to deeply clean the leather. Gently blow dry the area to ensure the leather is completely dry before proceeding.

    Adhere Small Rips, Fill Small Holes

    • For small rips made in leather, simply use a leather adhesive to pull the two sides together and form a bond. Fill small holes with a leather putty-like solution that fills the hole or imperfection seamlessly and prevents further damage. Dry the area with a blow dryer before reusing or moving the material.

    Sub-patch the Area

    • For larger holes, most kits will provide fabric to allow sub-patching of the affected area. To make your own patch, use a piece of vinyl mesh that is larger than the hole that needs fixing. Place the patch underneath the skin of the leather by using tweezers to get it into place. Use glue or masking tape to keep the patch in position. Depending on the angle of the repair being made, glue is not always necessary.

    Complete the Process

    • Use the leather compound provided by spreading it over the top of the leather and filling the hole or rip. Some kits require the use of a standard iron to solidify the process using heat while others require sanding. Follow the instructions specific to the product you purchased.