Knowing how to repair leather will save you time and money. Our guide explains how to repair torn leather, gives helpful tips, and tells you which products are right for the job.
How to fix leather: What you need
When repairing a tear in your leather couch or seat, don’t just use any old superglue. Superglue dries hard, leaving a rigid seam that will split again, sooner or later. Leather is a flexible material, and requires a strong as well as flexible glue for best adhesion.
If you want to repair your leather couch, don't use superglue, but a special, flexible glue like Loctite Vinyl, Fabric, & Plastic Flexible Adhesive
Here are the tools you’ll need for repairing leather:
- leather glue
- applicator – like a toothpick, needle, or any sharp disposable object
- sub-patch – for larger repairs
- rubbing alcohol – for cleaning the surface
- old rag
- masking tape
What about faux leather? If you’re wondering how to repair a fake leather couch, you’re in luck! The process and materials are the same for both.
How to repair torn leather: Step by step
Here’s how to repair a leather couch.
- Clean the area you’re repairing.
- Cut the sub-patch to fit the hole, and slide it under the surface of the leather. Make sure the patch is smooth under the leather and free of lumps or imperfections.
- Apply glue to the applicator and rub glue along both sides of the tear, and on the patch.
- Quickly wipe off any excess glue.
- Peace the seam back together and hold in place
- Secure the seam with masking tape and leave to set for approximately 2 hours.
For small tears a sub-patch might not be necessary., but you’ll need it for larger rips. Inserting a sub-patch will serve to strengthen the bond, and holds the rip together more effectively.
This is what you need for your leather repair: the right glue, toothpicks as an applicator, a sub-patch, rubbing alcohol, an old rag and masking tape
The right glue for repairing leather
An ideal glue for leather repair is Loctite Vinyl, Fabric, & Plastic Flexible Adhesive. This clear adhesive will match the color of any surface. Its highly versatile formula makes it appropriate for a variety of materials like vinyl, plastic, wood, rubber, and glass. It’s also waterproof, and perfect for use on clothing, shoes, and outdoor camping equipment.