How to Repair a Faux Leather Sofa

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Faux leather is cheaper than real leather, and oftentimes easier to clean. Unfortunately, it is prone to peeling and cracking after long periods of time. If you don't treat the damage right away, it can spread. Luckily, it is possible to fix this, although the results won't be perfect. If your sofa got a tear in it, then fear not; there is a fix for that as well!

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Repairing Peeling with Interior Latex Paint

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  1. Faux leather tends to peel, sort of like paint. If that happens, peel away most of the loose “leather” on top of the fabric backing. Next, use a fine-grit sanding sponge to smooth down any rough edges and bubbles. [1]
    • Don't get too carried away here! You only need to peel away the coating that's within the damaged area.
  2. For the smoothest finish, pour the paint into a tray, then apply it with a mini foam paint roller. Wait for the paint to dry completely before moving on. This could take a few hours, depending on the type of paint that you are using. [2]
    • Bring 1 of the sofa cushions to the store so that they can color-match the paint for you.
    • You can use "fabric and vinyl" spray paint as well. Apply 1 coat of gesso first, let it dry for 1 day, then apply the spray paint.
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  3. Get a piece of fine-grit sandpaper or a fine-grit sanding sponge. Use it to lightly sand the paint until the surface feels smooth, then wipe the dust away with a soft cloth. [3]
    • This step will reveal some of the backing material under the paint. This is fine, and all part of achieving a smooth finish.
  4. Each time you apply a coat of latex paint, you fill in the grain on the exposed backing. When you sand the paint, you smooth down any raised bumps. How many times you end up doing this really depends on how bad the damage is. [4]
    • Keep painting, drying, and sanding the surface until it looks smooth.
  5. This is important as it acts as a sealant for the paint and prevents it from getting sticky. Simply rub the paste wax on, then wipe it off with a soft cloth. Keep buffing the surface until it feels smooth and the wax is absorbed into it. [5]
    • Paste wax can take up to 20 minutes to dry. Fortunately, you can do a few things to help it dry faster, as described in the next step.
  6. This is not absolutely necessary, but it will help the wax set and dry faster. Use a powder brush to apply the powder, wait a few minutes for the powder to absorb into the wax, then dust the rest off. [6]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Concealing Peeling with a Vinyl Repair Kit

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  1. Sometimes, these kits may be labeled for "leather and vinyl," which is fine. An upholstery or fabric store may carry them, but your best bet would be to look online.
    • These kits usually come with basic colors, such as black, white, red, yellow, and blue.
    • The kit described in this method requires heat setting.
  2. Some kits include a color mixing chart, which you can use as a reference. You may still have to lighten or darken the color to get the exact shade you need. [7]
    • Most kits usually include a few empty pots for mixing and storing new colors. You can use these pots, or you can use a little dish instead.
  3. Use the brush included with the kit to apply the paint over the exposed surface. Be sure to extend the paint by a few millimeters onto the edge of the faux leather as well; this will help seal it in better.
    • If your kit did not come with a brush, use a stiff bristled brush; don’t use a soft, camelhair brush.
    • This paint is heat-set, so it won’t dry until you apply heat to it.
  4. Most kits will include some sort of textured paper that mimic the texture of leather and pleather. If you want to make the repair more seamless, you can use this paper. [8]
    • Skip this step if your kit did not include this paper.
  5. Most heat tools will look like a stick with a metal disk at one end. The easiest way to heat this tool is to press the metal disk against a hot iron. [9]
    • If you don't have an iron, you can heat the tool up against a lit burner on your stove, or even a candle flame.
    • If you lost the heat tool, you can try using a regular clothing iron on instead. Use a cotton, no-steam setting.
  6. Move the tool around so that you distribute the heat evenly, then peel the paper away. If the texture is not up to your liking, apply the paper and heat tool again. [10]
    • Keep the tool hot. Re-heat it a few times against the iron, especially if you can feel it cooling town.
    • If you are using a regular iron, press the paper with just the tip; avoid touching the rest of the sofa. If this softens the faux leather too much, lower the heat.
  7. Peel the paper away and take a look at your work. If the damage is still showing through, give it another layer of paint, then reapply the paper and heat tool.
    • If the texture is not enough for you, then just replace the paper, and "iron" it with your heat tool again.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Sealing Rips and Tears

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  1. Depending on the shape of the tear, your patch may be square or rectangular; it just needs to be big enough to cover the entire tear, plus about 1 ⁄ 4 to 1 ⁄ 2 inch (0.64 to 1.27 cm) extra to each side. [11]
    • Be sure to round the corners of the rectangle or square to help prevent buckling.
    • This will go behind the tear and “leather,” so the color of the fabric does not matter.
    • You can use an actual denim repair patch, or you can cut a patch from an old pair of jeans. If you don’t have any denim on hand, another sturdy fabric, like canvas, may work.
  2. Avoid using your fingers for this, as they can cause the faux leather to warp. Simply use the tweezers to push and slide the denim unto the tear. [12]
    • Run your fingers across the faux leather to either side of the tear. If you feel any bumps, smooth them out with the tweezers from the inside.
    • Don't remove the sofa cover. Insert the patch through the slit into the sofa, then smooth it out.
  3. Coat a toothpick with a strong, flexible glue, then slide it into 1 side of the tear. Move the toothpick around so that it coats the back of the faux leather, then repeat the process for the other side of the tear. [13]
    • A flexible super glue made for fabric and vinyl will work fine for this; do not use regular super glue, however, as it dries too hard. You can also use fabric glue.
  4. Use a paper towel or a soft cloth to wipe off any excess glue that may have leaked out from the tear. Next, using your fingers, press the edges of the tear together so that they are flush. [14]
    • Work quickly so that the glue does not dry. You want to get everything into position before the glue sets.
    • Depending on the brand of glue that you are using, you’ll have about 10 to 15 minutes to work with.
  5. You can also use another hard, flat object such as a hardcover book or a tray. Make sure that it is rigid so that it doesn’t flex when you press down on it. Center the board over the tear, then lean against it. [15]
    • Check the directions on the bottle to find out how long the glue needs to dry. Most glues are touch-dry within 10 to 15 minutes, which is all you need.
  6. For this step, you actually do want to use regular super glue. Simply fill the crack with a little bit of super glue, then pat it with a scrunched up paper towel. The paper towel will help lift the excess glue as well as add some texture. [16]
    • This step is not absolutely necessary. It is purely for aesthetic reasons.
  7. It would be best if you used a specialized paint made for repairing vinyl, but if you can’t find any, then interior latex paint or acrylic paint will do. Apply the paint over the tear with a sponge brush, then dry it with a hair dryer. [17]
    • Again, this step is for aesthetic purposes. If you just want to patch up the tear, then you don’t need to do this.
    • If you texturized the tear with super glue, then you should apply the paint to help blend it in.
    • Take one of the sofa pillows to the store with you so that you can match the color of the paint to it.
  8. Take a look at your repair. The tear looks seamless, then you are good to go. If you see some bumps and ridges, sand the surface down with 220- to 325-grit sandpaper, then apply more super glue. Pat the glue with a paper towel, apply more paint, then heat-set the paint with a hairdryer. [18]
    • Be careful with bonded leather, which is just a thin layer of paint on a fabric-like backing. If you sand outside the painted area, you risk damaging the surface.
    EXPERT TIP

    Mallika Sharma

    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician

    Faux leather cannot be repaired. Faux leather and pleather have significant downsides compared to real leather. Once artificial leather materials start visibly peeling, cracking, and falling apart, they cannot be repaired or restored since the damage is irreversible. The affected area would need to be fully replaced, since faux leather cannot be fixed once it starts deteriorating.

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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you fix scuffed faux leather?
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Expert Answer
    Use filler creams to buff out the scratches in your faux leather. Then, touch up the filler with paint to conceal it from view.
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  • Question
    How can I tell if my couch is faux leather or real leather?
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the Founder of The Leather Laundry, a niche spa service for luxury leather gear in India. Mallika specializes in leather cleaning, coloring, repairing, and restoring for shoes, handbags, jackets, wallets, belts, and sofas. She holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Investment from the University of Edinburgh Business School. Mallika is a certified Professional Leather Care Technician and trained with the globally reputed leather care company, LTT in the United Kingdom.
    Mallika Sharma
    Certified Leather Care Technician
    Expert Answer
    Real leather has the smell of animal hide, while fake leather does not. In addition, fake leather has a fabric-like base while real leather has a rugged and highly textured base, like the base of a genuine animal skin. Real leather is more imperfect, with random grain patterns, while fake leather seems more perfect and synthetic.
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      Tips

      • Make sure that any paint or glue has dried and cured completely before you use the sofa. These times may vary depending on the product that you are using, so read the instructions!
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      • Some paints appear a 1 or 2 shades lighter while they are wet. If you are working with acrylic paint, you may want to make it lighter.
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      Things You'll Need

      Repairing Peeling with Interior Latex Paint

      • Mini foam roller
      • Interior latex paint
      • Paste wax
      • Baby power or talcum power
      • Soft brush or powder brush
      • Soft cloths

      Concealing Peeling with a Vinyl Repair Kit

      • Vinyl repair kit for upholstery
      • Iron

      Sealing Rips and Tears

      • Denim
      • Tweezers
      • Flexible glue (i.e. fabric glue)
      • Super glue (optional)
      • Toothpick (optional)
      • 220- to 325-grit sandpaper (optional)
      • Sponge brush (optional)
      • Vinyl, latex, or acrylic paint (optional)
      • Hairdryer (optional)


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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.hometalk.com/10448623/q-two-chairs-failing-is-there-a-paint-on-fix-for-leather-or-faux
      2. ↑ https://www.hometalk.com/10448623/q-two-chairs-failing-is-there-a-paint-on-fix-for-leather-or-faux
      3. ↑ https://www.hometalk.com/10448623/q-two-chairs-failing-is-there-a-paint-on-fix-for-leather-or-faux
      4. ↑ https://www.hometalk.com/10448623/q-two-chairs-failing-is-there-a-paint-on-fix-for-leather-or-faux
      5. ↑ https://www.hometalk.com/10448623/q-two-chairs-failing-is-there-a-paint-on-fix-for-leather-or-faux
      6. ↑ https://www.hometalk.com/10448623/q-two-chairs-failing-is-there-a-paint-on-fix-for-leather-or-faux
      7. ↑ https://organizeyourstuffnow.com/repairing-leather-faux-leather-furniture
      8. ↑ https://organizeyourstuffnow.com/repairing-leather-faux-leather-furniture
      9. ↑ https://organizeyourstuffnow.com/repairing-leather-faux-leather-furniture
      1. ↑ https://organizeyourstuffnow.com/repairing-leather-faux-leather-furniture
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJCGK1BN-Ms&t=36s
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJCGK1BN-Ms&t=1m4s
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJCGK1BN-Ms&t=1m45s
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJCGK1BN-Ms&t=2m24s
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJCGK1BN-Ms&t=2m48s
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJCGK1BN-Ms&t=3m14s
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJCGK1BN-Ms&t=4m52s
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sJCGK1BN-Ms&t=3m47s

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If your faux leather sofa is peeling, you can fix the damaged areas with interior latex paint. To get the right shade of paint, take 1 of your sofa cushions to the paint store and ask them to color-match it. Before you start painting, prep the area by peeling away any loose material and sanding away rough edges with a fine-grit sponge. Once the area is smooth, apply a coat of interior latex paint with a mini foam paint roller and let it dry. When the first coat is completely dry, lightly sand it until it’s smooth and wipe up any dust. Then, repeat the painting and sanding process up to 4 more times. To seal your paint job, buff the surface with a paste wax until it’s smooth. For more help, like how to repair rips and tears, read on!

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