With stains and scratches on your classy and elegant leather couch, you can often still do certain things to hide them. It is harder to hide it, however, when leather peels. In this article, we will talk about three methods on how to fix the peeling leather couch.
Once your leather starts to peel especially in noticeable parts, it becomes an eyesore. Additionally, it can also damage your couch more if left unfixed. Ultimately, can only become worse over time. It will become uncomfortable to use.
Fortunately, what seems like a hopeless case is not really one. There are various ways on how to fix peeling leather couch or, at least, slow down the deterioration.
What to Do When Your Leather Couch Peels
The usual leather furniture is not made of actual leather or it will not peel or flake. If yours is real, then you don’t have to worry about it.
Generally, however, leather upholstery is faux or synthetic leather. In other words, fake or artificial, also called leatherette or pleather. The primary types of construction are polyurethane (PU) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl). When a leather couch peels, it is usually a sign of delaminating PU.
When that happens, solve the problem immediately. Below are three methods on how to fix the peeling in your leather couch. Be sure to follow these methods to bring your leather couch in good condition again.
Method 1
1. First, cut the damaged parts. Use a grooming pair of scissors instead of large scissors.
2. Second, clean that area with a wet, lint-free cloth to prevent small particles from contaminating the air. That would be especially bad for anyone with a dust allergy. Dry it with another clean piece of cloth.
3. Third, cover the area with a backing fabric (suggested) or an upholstery batting (alternative). What you must do:
- Measure the damaged area to gauge the size of the leather filler to cut. Do allow a 1-centimeter extra space before cutting.
- Place the piece into the damaged area using a tweezer. Tuck the corners in using a toothpick or anything similar that can do the trick.
4. Fourth, apply a vinyl adhesive on the fabric. Let it dry for five to six hours, depending on the extent of the damage. This will smoothen the surface.
5. Fifth, color the dried area. Interior latex house paint will do. Try to find the desired color first by applying it to a piece of the fabric. Once you are satisfied with it, apply the color on the edge of the area you are fixing. This should allow you to gauge the color better. Refer to a color matching chart if you have to.
6. Sixth, adjust the tint according to your observation and continue to color the area. It will not be easy to get the exact color but, at least, it should make the repaired part “blend in” more naturally.
7. Lastly, apply additional coats of filler.
Method 2
- Peel away the loose pieces, or cut the damaged parts with grooming scissors. Pulling, if done too hard, might create a bigger problem as faux leather peels easily. That will leave the fabric more exposed.
- Sand the area with a soft sanding sponge to make the surface smoother again.
- Clean that area with a wet, lint-free cloth, then dry with another.
- Cover the damaged area by coloring it with interior latex house paint. Make sure to get the tint nearest to the original color of the couch. The less it sticks out, the better. Use a small foam roller or a soft brush.
- Let the paint dry then apply a leather finish. Apply additional coats of finish until you are satisfied with the result.
Method 3
- Peel or cut away the loose pieces.
- Sand the couch with a sanding sponge.
- Clean that area with a wet, lint-free cloth, then dry with another.
- Paint the damaged area. Try to get/mix the tint nearest to that of the whole couch. Use a small foam roller or a soft brush, whichever works better for you. Let it dry.
- Sand it down again then clean the area.
- Repeat the process three to four times for a better result.
- Apply paste wax on the area for sealing. Buff it with a dry, soft cloth. Let it dry.
- Set the wax by sprinkling talcum or baby powder on it. Use a makeup brush or a small paintbrush. Dust off excess powder after.
More Tips:
- Leather furniture may come with a repair kit. Use it. Purchase one from upholstery or fabric stores if there’s no kit.
- You can replace the handheld roller or small paintbrush with fabric or vinyl spray paint. As long as it works for you, it’s okay. But do not use them alternately. Stick to one.
- Consult with a paint specialist so you won’t have to do much guessing of the tint to use.
- Purchase texture relief paper to be used before the paint and the wax. It’s for a good and natural texture result, of course.
Take Your Pick
See what method you’d like to apply. Any method is better than letting your once-beautiful leather couch deteriorate.
Good luck!