How to Fix Cracked Leather on Sofas, Bags, Shoes & More

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Plus, why leather cracks and how to protect leather items from damage
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Cracks often appear when leather dries out or is exposed to sunlight. Although the damage is permanent, many cracks are easy to hide by rehydrating the leather with a good conditioner. In this article, we explain how to hide and repair those cracks with the help of certified leather care technician Mallika Sharma. Read on to learn how to fix shallow cracks with conditioner , fill in deep cracks , or blend cracks with dye . Your sofa, purse, shoes, wallet, and other leather items will look nearly new in just a few steps!

How to Repair Cracked Leather

Certified leather care technician Mallika Sharma says to buff the scratches and scuffs out by rubbing them with fine sandpaper. Then, use a leather filler cream to fill in deep cracks and buff further. Finish with matching color dye or polish to retouch the area and blend it in with the upholstery.

Section 1 of 6:

Repairing Shallow Cracks with Leather Conditioner

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  1. Using a store-bought leather cleaner is the easiest way to prepare the cracked surface for repairs. Spray the cleaner on the cloth, then wipe away any grime to clean the leather. Rub along the leather’s grain to avoid deepening the cracks. [1]
    • If you don’t have a commercial cleaner, mix together 1 part mild soap with 8 parts distilled water. Use baby soap or a liquid dish or hand soap.
    • Using a small amount of water is a safe way to rinse off soap. Dampen the microfiber cloth, wringing out the excess moisture, then wipe the leather along its grain.

    Meet the wikiHow Expert

    Mallika Sharma is a Certified Leather Care Technician and the founder of The Leather Laundry, a spa service for luxury leather based in India.

  2. Your item will most likely feel dry in 5 to 10 minutes—wait until it’s dry to the touch before proceeding. Select a bottled conditioner designed to restore and rehydrate leather, like Saphir Renovateur . Put a small dollop of the conditioner on your finger or a soft applicator like a sponge or cloth. Then, rub the conditioner directly into the cracks to clean out the fabric’s pores and prepare them for deeper conditioning. [2]
    • Leather conditioner is available wherever leather items are sold, particularly online, at general stores, and at some clothing shops.
    • The leather will absorb the cleaner right away. This happens with items that have dried out over time. Regular conditioning keeps leather soft and pliable.
    • Sharma says common household items like “vinegar, good old warm water and baby soap, glue, oil, [and] shoe polish” can also be used to restore leather. [3]
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  3. Apply a generous amount of conditioner to the applicator pad. This time, scrub over the cracks and the areas around them. [4] Continue scrubbing along the grain. As you scrub, the leather will become a more consistent color, hiding the cracks.
    • If the leather hasn’t been conditioned in a while, consider treating the entire item now. Conditioning it prevents new cracks from forming elsewhere.
  4. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended drying time. Generally, it’s around 2 hours, but each product is different. The leather needs plenty of time to absorb all of the conditioner. Wait until it feels dry to the touch before continuing to treat it. [5]
    • If you have the time, let the leather dry overnight. Waiting a little longer gives the conditioner plenty of time to rehydrate the leather.
  5. Depending on the conditioner, you may need to treat the leather multiple times. Spread more conditioner on an applicator pad and scrub it across the cracks. Check the leather again the next morning after giving it plenty of time to dry.
    • Continue treating the leather until the cracks are gone or the leather stops absorbing the conditioner. If it stops absorbing the conditioner but the cracks are still visible, you will need to try a filler or dye (more on those below).
    Valerie Michael, Leather Repair Expert

    When beloved leather goods crack and peel, restoration starts from within. Clean gently to remove dirt while maintaining suppleness. Massage conditioner into distressed areas to revitalize. For cracks, apply a flexible filler along the length of the fissure. Once bonded, buff to a subtle sheen. With care and skill, even well-worn leather can be revived to its former strength and beauty.

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Section 2 of 6:

Repairing Deep Cracks with Leather Filler

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  1. Select a bottled specialty leather cleaner or a mild soap. Baby soaps and mild dish or hand soaps are safe on leather. Make sure the soap isn’t designed for harsh surfaces or grease. Put the cleaner on a microfiber cloth and wipe up any dirt and debris still on the leather. [6]
    • If you use soap, mix it into distilled water first. Then, lightly dampen a cloth with the soapy water.
  2. Any moisture on the leather will prevent the filler from settling into the cracks. To encourage the leather to dry faster, wipe it off with a clean microfiber cloth. Make sure the leather looks free of grime and feels dry to the touch before attempting to treat the scratches. [7]
    • Cleaning up leftover soap with water is fine, but use a lightly dampened cloth. Too much water exposure damages leather over time.
    • Store your item in the open air away from direct sunlight. Exposure to harsh heat and sunlight damages and fades colored leather.
  3. Apply gentle pressure while treating the cracks. Sharma says to keep wearing them down until the leather feels uniformly smooth to the touch. [8] Then, wipe it off with a dry microfiber cloth. Make sure the cloth removes all of the dust from the cracks so you can fill them in. [9]
    • Using higher grit or ultra-fine sandpaper is safe, but avoid harsher sandpapers. Lower-grit papers are coarser and more likely to leave noticeable scratches.
    • Dealing with rips or tears? Sharma says to use a leather glue to seal them. Simply spread the glue, then press the torn piece down to lock it in place. Then, treat the tear with filler or dye to blend it in. [10]
  4. According to Sharma, “any good filler cream can be used to even out or buff the scuffed surface.” [11] Leather fillers are paste-like products that come in small tubs. Pick up some of the paste with a palette knife, then brush it onto the cracks to fill them with a thin layer of paste. Apply additional paste until all the cracks appear filled. [12]
    • Palette knives are thin and fairly blunt, making them a great choice for spreading the paste. If you don’t have one, use another blunt object, like a credit card. Avoid sharp knives or other objects that will scratch the leather.
    • Leather fillers are available online and at some general stores. They are often sold in kits that may include a sanding pad and an applicator knife.
  5. After spreading the filler, you will probably have a fair amount outside of the cracks. Tilt the palette knife sideways, then scrape its edge gently over the leather. It will pick up the remaining paste. Continue removing the paste until you can no longer see it outside of the cracked areas. [13]
    • Place the excess filler in the cracks, back in the container, or wash the knife off in water as needed to remove it.
  6. Leave the filler exposed to the open air so it dries faster. To protect your leather item, keep it out of direct sunlight and away from extreme heat. [14]
    • Heat sources like heaters and ovens run the risk of drying out the leather, causing it to crack further.
  7. The filler shrinks as it dries, so you will need to apply a second layer. Spread more filler with a palette knife or a similar blunt object. Scrape up the excess, then wait for the new layer to dry. When the leather is repaired, the cracks will no longer be distinguishable. [15]
    • Depending on how deep the cracks are, you may need to apply additional layers of filler. Some cracks require as many as 5 coatings. Repeat the treatment until the cracks are well-filled.
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Section 3 of 6:

Blending Cracks with Leather Dye

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  1. If you don’t use filler first, you can try to apply the dye or paint directly to the leather. This is enough to repair most cracks, but they may still be easy to spot. Filler is colorless, so it does a better job of permanently hiding bad cracks.
    • For particularly deep or ugly cracks, add filler first so they don’t stand out as much. [16]
    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

    Fill leather holes before coloring them. Once the damaged area is filled and smoothed out, use a tiny fiber-tip brush or applicator to gently blend leather dye, paint, or pigment over the patched area in a color that closely matches the surrounding material.

  2. Smooth out the cracks to prepare them for the dye. Press the sandpaper or sanding pad down gently and rub along the leather’s grain. Make sure the leather feels smooth to the touch. Wipe up the dust with a clean microfiber cloth. [17]
    • Use the cloth to clear out any dust that falls into the cracks. Leftover dust prevents the leather from absorbing the coloring evenly.
  3. Leather dye comes in a variety of colors, so choose a bottle that matches your item. Then, pour a little bit of the dye on a sponge or applicator pad. Rub the cracks to spread the dye into them. [18]
    • Leather dye is available online or at some craft and general stores. They are sometimes sold in kits that include sandpaper and applicator pads.
    • Another way to color cracks is with spray paint and lacquer thinner. Get a matching color of spray paint safe for use on leather. Spray some of the paint on a cloth, then pour the lacquer on the cloth. Rub the cloth against the cracks to color them. [19]
  4. Plug in the hairdryer and point it directly at the dyed areas. Move the heater back and forth across the cracks to prevent the leather from drying out. After you’re done, the layer of dye will be dry to the touch. [20]
    • If you don’t have a hairdryer, try an alternative heat source, such as a heat gun. Be careful, though, since heat guns can easily burn leather. Move the gun around to prevent any spots from overheating.
  5. Cracks generally require 2 to 5 treatments before they look repaired. Spread more of the dye over the leather. This time, dab some of the dye directly into the crack, then use the applicator pad or sponge and rub the area around the cracks to blend them together. [21]
    • Dry the dye each time with a hairdryer. Keep applying dye until the cracks are indistinguishable from the rest of the leather.
  6. Spray the sealer onto a clean sponge or applicator pad. Then, rub the cracked area, applying a second coating as needed to cover all of the dye. The sealer acts as a conditioner that also protects the cracked area from stains and further damage. [22]
    • Purchase a bottle of leather sealer online or at your local general store.
  7. Turn on the dryer one last time to finish the repair. Hold the heater close to the leather, pointing it directly at the treated area. Move the heater back and forth to prevent the leather from overheating. Once the leather feels dry to the touch, check it to make sure it looks as good as new. [23]
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Section 4 of 6:

How to Prevent Leather From Cracking

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  1. 1
    Regularly condition your leather with a leather conditioner. Leather conditioner keeps your leather soft and restores moisture, helping extend its lifespan and prevent cracking. [24] Depending on the conditions of your leather, like whether or not it's been exposed to heat, the application frequency varies. Generally, you should condition your leather every 3 to 6 months.
  2. 2
    Keep your leather away from hot, dry environments. Leather is susceptible to damage if it is overexposed to heat or direct sunlight. Overly dry environments also sap leather of its moisture, which can speed up the cracking process. So, avoid storing your leather anywhere that’s dry, and keep it away from direct heat or sunlight, especially if it's been basking in them for a long time. Instead, you can store your leather in: [25]
    • Dark closets (great for bags and other small leather items)
    • Away from windows (for larger items and furniture, like couches)
    • Basements without direct sunlight
    • Well-ventilated areas
  3. 3
    Store your leather shoes in a shoe tree, rack, or box, and never stack them. To prevent leather creases on shoes, Sharma says to “Always store shoes in shoe trees, never stack them on top of each other. If shoe trees are not available, you can stuff them up with a lot of acid-free tissue paper! Storing in shoe racks or shoe boxes is ideal.” [26]
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Section 5 of 6:

Why does leather crack?

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  1. Leather starts to crack once it's lost its natural oils and moisture. Since leather can’t naturally replenish its oils and moisture, it becomes more prone to cracking. Like human skin, leather requires regular moisture to stay smooth and not crack. While this moisture is replenished through natural oils over the course of the cow’s life, once it’s turned into leather, it’s up to the owner to apply the moisture and natural oils to prevent cracking . [27]
Section 6 of 6:

Leather Conditioners to Use

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  1. When it comes to leather conditioners, practically all of them are suitable for use on any leather item. However, it’s always a good idea to read the product description and customer reviews thoroughly before trying one on your item (some conditioners may discolor certain types of leather, for example). Here are some great options: [28]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Can I use acrylic paint to repair faux leather?
    Community Answer
    Use shoe polish, preferably the color close to it or a shoe dye. Then seal it with mink oil rubbed over it when dried. Buff it off, it should look very nice.
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      Tips

      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Apply saddle soap or coconut oil to hydrate leather and prevent cracks.
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      Warnings

      • Leather is delicate, so any treatment may permanently damage it. If you are worried about damaging a valuable piece of leather, test the treatment in an inconspicuous location first.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.walletopia.info/educate/how-to-repair-cracked-leather/
      2. ↑ https://www.walletopia.info/educate/how-to-repair-cracked-leather/
      3. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview
      4. ↑ https://www.walletopia.info/educate/how-to-repair-cracked-leather/
      5. ↑ https://www.walletopia.info/educate/how-to-repair-cracked-leather/
      6. ↑ https://www.walletopia.info/educate/how-to-repair-cracked-leather/
      7. ↑ https://www.walletopia.info/educate/how-to-repair-cracked-leather/
      8. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview
      9. ↑ https://www.walletopia.info/educate/how-to-repair-cracked-leather/
      1. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview
      2. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwL8O-LZb_k&feature=youtu.be&t=273
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Doa0gzfpQCw&feature=youtu.be&t=405
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Doa0gzfpQCw&feature=youtu.be&t=432
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwL8O-LZb_k&feature=youtu.be&t=376
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Doa0gzfpQCw&feature=youtu.be&t=618
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7CoEgzoJlI&feature=youtu.be&t=33
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvvGLMMTyFw&feature=youtu.be&t=1227
      10. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gI04exWUkKI&feature=youtu.be&t=33
      11. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvvGLMMTyFw&feature=youtu.be&t=1240
      12. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvvGLMMTyFw&feature=youtu.be&t=1277
      13. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_bIuO2Fqs7k&feature=youtu.be&t=130
      14. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Doa0gzfpQCw&feature=youtu.be&t=1133
      15. ↑ https://youtu.be/XKYQFosXHF8?si=Ok4xP9aMdGlr0QW4&t=142
      16. ↑ https://motorist.org/how-to-clean-and-protect-your-leather-seats/#
      17. ↑ Mallika Sharma. Certified Leather Care Technician. Expert Interview
      18. ↑ https://leatherdiscover.com/how-repair-cracked-leather/
      19. ↑ https://stridewise.com/best-boot-conditioners/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If your leather has cracked, the damage may be permanent, but you can hide it by rehydrating the leather with a good conditioner. Start by wiping off the leather with a leather cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Rub along the leather’s grain to avoid deepening the cracks. Once the leather feels dry to the touch, which takes 5 to 10 minutes, dab a strong leather conditioner onto the cracks with your finger or a sponge. Rub the conditioner directly into the cracks, then apply more conditioner to scrub the surrounding areas so the color is consistent. Let the leather rest for 2 hours, or until it feels dry to the touch, then treat it again if the cracks are still visible. To learn how to seal cracks with a leather filler, keep reading!

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