How To Repair Leather Car Seats

To repair a leather car seat, you could follow 3 methods. These methods are: patching the leather, a leather repair kit, or liquid leather. All of the methods can be done at your home relatively quickly as a cost-effective option.

What are the different types of leather damage?

Leather can be damaged by overuse or by improper care. Too much sun on your car's interior can speed up this process. Knowing how to fix your leather starts with knowing what type of damage you have. Here are some common types of leather damage:

• Holes

• Cracking

• Tears

Fix it yourself: 3 easy methods

Fixing leather damage at home can be easy and can save you a lot of money. There are 3 methods commonly used for DIY leather repair. Each method should be used for specific scenarios and types of damage. Here are those 3:

Method 1: Liquid Leather

1. Make sure your liquid leather matches your seat exactly. It's a combination of sealant and adhesive.

1. Clean the seats. Get any crumbs or particles off the seat. Then use an alcohol solution to get any residue off the seat.

1. Apply a 30% diluted ether solution to the worn area with a sponge. Use a damp cloth to wipe around the area. Allow the leather to dry.

1. Add a full-strength coat to the entire seat. This keeps the seat the same color and makes the damaged area not as noticeable.

1. Condition the leather once it has dried. This increases the life of the leather.

Method 2: Leather Repair Kit

Before you start, make sure your kit matches the color of your leather.

1. Clean your seat with mild soap and a damp rag.

1. Trim around the tear if strings or pieces are hanging off.

1. Glue the included backing cloth behind the tear and allow it to dry.

1. Apply multiple layers of leather filler. Use a palette knife and allow one layer to dry before applying the next.

1. Use a sand block to sand down the top layer until it's even with the seat. The finer the grit is, the better.

1. Remove any leftover sanding debris with a damp cloth.

1. Apply the colorant with a clean cloth. If you're using multiple layers, allow the first to dry before starting the next.

1. Apply the sealant to lock in the color. Wait until the sealant is dry to sit on it.

Method 3: Applying A Patch

As with all of these methods, choose a leather swatch the matches your seat color.

1. Trim the patch so it's slightly larger than the tear.

1. To prevent the glue foam affecting the foam underneath, put wax paper under the tear.

1. Using leather adhesive, attach the patch to the car seat. Allow the patch to dry thoroughly.

For severe leather damage—reupholster or buy a new car?

Sometimes your seat has more damage than one small tear. The whole seat could have cracks, or you could have foam missing or falling out. If that's the case, you have to get your car reupholstered if you want it to look new again. Reupholstering a car is far different than a DIY repair.

If you want to reupholster your car, you should first look into a few things. The price of reupholstering is an essential factor, as it could be thousands of dollars. You need to know the current value of your car. If the reupholster cost's more than your car is worth, is it worth it?

It may just be time to get a new car. With a new car, you get an interior just the way you want it. Along with the new interior, you get all the other perks of a new car. It can be more efficient, more stylish, or even just a newer model of your beloved old car. A new vehicle gives you new confidence and relieve some stress from your life.

Don't forget to insure your new ride

When it comes to car insurance, there are several factors to consider beyond monthly cost. A policy that covers you when you need it, has a low deductible, and offers several discounts can be hard to find - which is why we've done the work for you.

Get instant quotes tailored to your needs - fill out our short form, today!

‍