How to Replace Leather Fireplace Bellows

Repair

• 1

  Rub the surface of the leather with a leather cleaning product, such as a spray or pre-moistened wipe. Remove any excess cleaner with a dry cloth.

• 2

  Review the surface of the bellows to determine the condition of the leather. In particular, look out for punctures, cracks or tears. These can be repaired, which will save you the hassle of tracking down the identical type of leather for a new set of bellows.

• 3

  Patch holes in the leather "bag" portion of the bellows by inserting a canvas patch through the hole and affixing it behind the punctured area. Smooth over this area with leather filler to make it even with the surface, and then follow with an application of leather recoloring balm to color-match the patch to the leather.

• 4

  Apply leather-safe bonder or filler with a sponge to any cracked areas, and set the filler with air from a hair dryer on the lowest setting. Apply recoloring balm to this area once the filler has set.

• 5

  Use a needle and thread to sew up any long tears in the leather.

• 6

  Treat the entire leather surface with a leather conditioning lotion to restore shine and suppleness to the bellows.

Replacement

• 7

  Tear or cut away the entire leather portion of the bellows.

• 8

  Cut the leather bellows bag so it will lay flat on a surface without doubling over on itself.

• 9

  Make a pattern by tracing the outline of the flattened bellows bag onto a large sheet of paper.

• 10

  Bring your pattern to a fabric store, and purchase enough leather to cover your template.

• 11

  Cut out the leather to match the shape of your template, and sew together any corners if need be to make them an exact match for the original bag shape.

• 12

  Use a staple gun to attach the new leather bag to the wooden part of the bellows. Place the staples very close to each other to keep air from leaking out from the bag.