How to Repair Car Leather Seats

Types of Damage to Car Leather Seats

Car leather seats can be damaged in several ways. The most common types of damage include:-

• Tears or Rips: These are caused by sharp objects, such as keys or jewellery.
• Scratches: These are caused by pets, shoes, or any other hard objects that come in contact with the leather.
• Scuffs: These are caused by rubbing or friction against rough surfaces.
• Fading: This is caused by exposure to sunlight or other environmental factors.

Tools and Materials Required for Repairing Car Leather Seats

Before you begin to repair your car leather seats, you will need to gather the following tools and materials:-

• Leather filler
• Leather colourant
• Sandpaper (320, 600, and 1500 grit)
• Leather cleaner
• Foam brush
• Spatula
• Cloth
• Heat gun or hair dryer
• Leather conditioner

Steps to Repair Car Leather Seats

Assessing the Damage

The first step in repairing your leather car seats is to assess the damage. Scratches, tears, and cracks all require different repair techniques. Use a flashlight or torch to inspect the damage closely, and make a note of the location and size of each imperfection.

Repairing Scratches

Scratches are the most common type of damage to leather car seats. Fortunately, they are also the easiest to repair.

• To fix a scratch, clean the area around the scratch with a leather cleaner. This will remove any dirt, grime, or oils from the surface of the leather. Allow the leather to dry completely before proceeding to the next step. 
• Then, apply a small amount of leather repair compound/filler to the scratch and use a toothpick or a small spatula or foam brush to work it into the leather.
• Smooth out the filler with a plastic card or a credit card, and let it dry for at least an hour.  Once the filler has dried, use 320 grit sandpaper to sand down the excess filler.
• Be careful not to sand too much or too hard, as this can damage the leather. Use 600 grit sandpaper to smooth out the surface of the leather. 
• Apply a small amount of leather colourant to the damaged area using a foam brush. Spread the colorant evenly, ensuring that it matches the surrounding leather.
• Allow the colourant to dry for at least 30 minutes.  Finally, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to the repaired area using a cloth. This will help to moisturise and protect the leather, preventing it from cracking or fading.

Repairing Tears

Tears are more challenging to repair than scratches, but with the right tools and techniques, it is possible to fix them. To repair a tear in your leather car seats, use a leather repair kit that contains a patch and adhesive.

• Cut the patch to the size and shape of the tear, and apply the adhesive to the back of the patch. Place the patch over the tear and use a heat gun or hairdryer to bond it to the leather.
• Once the adhesive has dried, use a leather conditioner to restore the leather’s natural shine.

Repairing Cracks

Cracks are the most severe type of damage to leather car seats, and they require professional attention as they are difficult to restore.  Attempting to repair cracks yourself can make the damage worse and decrease the value of your car.

If your leather seats have cracks, we recommend taking your car to a professional car upholstery shop for repair.

 

 

Tips for Maintaining Leather Seats

• Avoid leaving your car in direct sunlight for extended periods.
• Use a seat cover to protect the seats from spills and stains.
• Clean your leather seats regularly using a leather cleaner.
• Use a conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple.
• Avoid using harsh chemicals or detergents on the leather.
• Keep sharp objects away from the leather seats.

(FAQs) - How To Repair Car Leather Seats

1. Can I repair a large tear in my car leather seat?

Yes, you can repair a large tear in your car leather seat using the same process as repairing a small tear. However, you may need to apply multiple layers of leather filler to completely fill the tear.

2. How long will it take to repair a car leather seat?

The time it takes to repair car leather seats depends on the extent of the damage and the type of repair you are making. Minor repairs, such as small scratches or scuffs, can be completed in a few hours. However, larger repairs, such as tears or holes, may take several days to complete.

3. Can I use a hair dryer instead of a heat gun?

Yes, you can use a hair dryer instead of a heat gun to dry the leather filler and colorant. However, a heat gun is more powerful and can dry the materials faster.

4. How often should I condition my car leather seats?

You should condition your car leather seats every three to six months to keep them soft and supple. However, this may vary depending on the climate and the amount of use your car seats get.

5. Is it better to repair car leather seats or replace them?

If your car leather seats are severely damaged, it may be more cost-effective to replace them rather than repair them. However, minor damage can be repaired at a fraction of the cost of replacing the seats. Additionally, repairing your car leather seats can help to maintain the value of your car.

6. How much does it cost to repair car leather seats?

The cost to repair car leather seats in the UK can vary depending on the extent of the damage and the type of repair needed. Minor repairs such as small tears or scratches can typically be fixed with a DIY repair kit, which can cost between £20-£50. However, for more significant damage such as large tears or holes, it is recommended to seek the services of a professional leather upholstery repair specialist.

The cost of professional repairs can range from £100-£500, depending on the severity of the damage, the type of leather, and the size of the affected area. It is best to get a quote from a reputable leather upholstery repair specialist, such as the team here at Signature, in order to determine the exact cost of the repair.

Conclusion

In conclusion, repairing leather car seats is a simple process that can be done at home with the right tools and techniques. And it can be done easily and inexpensively.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can repair minor damage to your car leather seats and keep them looking new for years to come.

Remember to clean and condition your leather seats regularly to prevent further damage, and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight for extended periods. By taking care of your car leather seats, you can ensure that they remain a luxurious and comfortable part of your car interior.

Get in touch for professional Car Seat Repairs

If your car or vehicle's leather car seats require any repair work, then bring your vehicle to our car body shop in Radcliffe near Manchester and our professional technicians will take care of it for you.  Or for your convenience, we offer a fully mobile service and can come to you. We cover the whole of Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Cheshire, Merseyside and Yorkshire.

If you’d like to get a price for our professional car upholstery repair service, then please get in touch with us now on 0161 667 0919 or by filling out our quick quote form to get a free, no-obligation quotation.

We have lots of 5 star reviews on Google from happy customers, so please feel free to check out our reviews.

Or contact our team to arrange a time to bring your vehicle in for an estimate. We look forward to restoring your vehicle and getting you back on the roads!