- By David Gonos
- In Blog
- Tags car leather, car leather repair, car seat repair, leather, leather repair, seat refinishing, seat repair
Car Leather Repair: A Helpful Guide!
Car leather repair is always needed with today’s cars and trucks. Leather is a popular choice for interiors due to its durability, luxury, and ease of cleaning. However, leather is also susceptible to damage from scratches, tears, and burns. If your vehicle needs car leather repair, don’t despair! There are a number of things you can do to repair it.
Assessing the Damage
Before you attempt to repair the damage, it’s important to assess how severe it is. If the damage is minor, such as a small scratch or tear, you may be able to repair it yourself using a leather repair kit.
However, if the damage is more severe, such as a large burn or tear, you may need to take your car or truck to a professional, like Austin Area Color New in Central Texas. Just text us pictures at (512) 810-3014, and one of our technicians will reply back with a free quote!
DIY Car Leather Repair
For minor damage, using a car leather repair kit is a cost-effective and convenient option. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to repair a small scratch using a leather repair kit:
- Clean the area: Thoroughly clean the area around the scratch with a mild soap and water solution. This will remove any dirt or debris that could interfere with the repair process.
- Apply leather filler: Use a small spatula or applicator to apply a thin layer of leather filler to the scratch. Smooth out the filler to ensure it fills the scratch evenly.
- Allow the filler to dry: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for drying time. This usually takes a few hours.
- Apply leather colorant: Once the filler is dry, apply a small amount of leather colorant to a cloth. Gently rub the colorant into the scratch until it matches the surrounding leather.
- Apply leather sealant: Finally, apply a leather sealant to protect the repaired area and prevent future damage.
Professional Car Leather Repair
For more severe damage, professional car leather repair is recommended, which is what Color New has specialized in for nearly 20 years. We have the experience and tools to handle even the most extensive leather damage, such as:
- Large burns or tears: Color New expertly repairs large burns and tears by using specialized techniques and materials to restore the leather’s integrity and appearance.
- Color matching: We have access to a wide range of leather colorants and can precisely match the color of your car’s interior to ensure a seamless repair.
- Recoloring: If the leather has faded or lost its original color, professional recoloring can restore its vibrant appearance.
- “Seat Refinishing”: Many of our customers love our Seat Refinishing process for their vehicles. You can choose to do one seat, two seats or get the best price by getting both front and back seats done (we’ll also do the center console for free). Call us at (512) 810-3014 to schedule an appointment!
Preventing Car Leather Damage
Preventive measures can significantly extend the lifespan of your car’s leather interior and minimize the need for repairs. Here are some essential tips for preventing leather damage:
- Regular cleaning and conditioning: Regularly clean your leather seats with a mild soap and water solution. Use a leather conditioner every few months to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking.
- Sun protection: Protect your leather interior from the sun’s harmful UV rays by using a sunshade or parking in a shaded area.
- Prompt spill removal: Immediately clean up any spills on your leather seats to prevent staining. Use a clean cloth to absorb the spill and then apply a leather cleaner.
- Careful handling: Avoid scratching the leather by being careful when getting in and out of your car. Also, avoid placing sharp objects on the leather seats.
- Professional cleaning: Consider professional cleaning every year or two to remove embedded dirt and grime and maintain the leather’s overall condition.
By following these tips and addressing any damage promptly, you can enjoy your car’s luxurious leather interior for many years to come.
If you live near Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Round Rock, or Waco, feel free to send us pictures of your seats to (512) 810-3014, and we’ll give you a free quote on your car leather repair cost.
