Cracks happen when the leather dries out or is exposed to sunlight for a long time, as the fibers of the fabric are rubbed against each other. Although the damage is permanent, many cracks can be masked with rehydration or a good conditioner. Deeper ones need to be filled or tinted to give them their original color. With the proper treatment, it is possible to breathe new life into a beloved piece. Come on?
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Rehydrating Leather with Conditioner
Step 1. Clean the part with a proprietary cleaning product and a cloth
Using a leather cleaner is the best way to prepare the surface for repair. Spray some of it on the flannel and wipe off any dirt. Rub towards the fibers to prevent the crack from getting worse.
- Mix one part neutral soap with eight parts distilled water if you don't have an industrialized cleaning product. Use baby soap, dishwashing detergent or liquid hand soap.
- Using a small amount of water is a safe way to remove soap. Moisten the flannel, wring out excess and wipe the leather in the direction of the fibers.
Step 2. Wait for the leather to dry before treating it
Touch the piece to assess its condition. Cracks form when there is dryness, so the piece will dry within five to ten minutes. To speed up the process, dry with a flannel.
Remember that the surface must be free of soap or other cleaning products for the conditioner to work well
Step 3. Apply a concentrated conditioner to the cracks
Choose a specific one to restore and rehydrate leather. Place a small drop on your fingers, on a sponge or soft tissue, and rub directly into the cracks to clean the pores and prepare them for deeper conditioning.
- This product is sold in stores specializing in leather goods, supermarkets and some department stores. It can also be found online.
- Leather absorbs cleaner quickly. This happens with objects that have dried out over time. Regular hydration keeps the leather soft and supple.
Step 4. Improve cracks with more conditioner
Apply a generous amount to the sponge. This time, rub over the cracks and areas around them. Always in the direction of the fibers. The leather will gain a more consistent color, hiding the marks.
Moisturize the entire piece if you haven't applied conditioner to it in a while. This prevents new cracks from forming in other areas
Step 5. Let the leather sit for two hours until it dries completely
Read manufacturer's instructions for recommended drying time. Leather needs a long time to absorb all the conditioner. Wait until it is dry before continuing to treat it.
Let the piece dry overnight if you have time. Waiting a little longer gives the conditioner plenty of time to rehydrate the leather
Step 6. Repeat treatment if cracks are still visible
Depending on the product, it may be necessary to treat the part several times. Put more conditioner on the sponge and rub over the cracks. Look at the piece one more time the next morning after allowing enough time for it to dry.
Continue until the marks are gone or the leather stops absorbing the conditioner. It may be necessary to use a substance to fill in the cracks or a dye if you do these treatments and they are still visible
Method 2 of 3: Sealing Cracks with Filler Compound
Step 1. Remove dirt with soap or leather cleaners
Use mild soap or other suitable product - baby soaps, mild detergent and liquid soap are safe options for using on leather. Avoid heavy cleaning or degreasing substances. Apply the product to a cloth and wipe off any dirt.
When using soap, mix with distilled water first and dampen a cloth to clean
Step 2. Allow the piece to dry overnight
Any moisture in the leather will prevent the filler from sticking to the cracks. To help dry faster, use a flannel. The piece must be free of dirt and completely dry before treating cracks.
- Remove soap residue with water, but always with a damp cloth. Do not splash water on the leather, or you risk damaging it.
- Store the garment in a cool place away from sunlight and extreme heat so as not to damage and fade the leather.
Step 3. Smooth the cracks with 600 grit sandpaper
Apply light pressure while sanding until the leather is even and smooth to the touch. Afterwards, clean with a dry cloth and remove any dust from the cracks to fill them without any problems.
Remember to use high-grit or super-fine sandpaper and avoid the roughest ones, as they can leave more noticeable marks
Step 4. Spread the leather filler over the cracks with a spatula
These products are like a paste and are sold in small tubes. Apply a little to the spatula and then fill in the cracks with a thin layer. Apply more until everything is filled.
- The spatulas are thin and unsharp, which makes them perfect for spreading filler. Use another wireless object, such as a credit card, if you don't have a spatula. Avoid knives or other objects that could damage the leather.
- Leather fillers are sold over the internet and at some construction depots. They are usually sold in kits that include a sandpaper and a spatula.
Step 5. Remove excess with the edge of the spatula
After spreading the filler, there will likely be residues outside the cracks. Tilt the spatula and gently run the edge of the spatula over the leather to remove excess. Keep doing this until there is only filler inside the cracks.
Put the excess removed in the cracks, back in the container or wash the spatula in water to remove it
Step 6. Allow to dry for six hours until the filler solidifies
Leave the garment outdoors to dry faster, but remember to keep it out of direct sunlight and extreme heat to protect the leather.
Heat sources such as ovens and stoves can dry out the leather and cause it to crack further
Step 7. Apply more layers of filler as needed to even out cracks
It shrinks when it dries, so a second coat needs to be applied. Spread more with a spatula or other blunt object. Remove excess and then wait for it to dry. Once the leather is repaired, cracks will no longer be visible.
Depending on their depth, it may be necessary to apply additional layers of filler. In some cases, five layers are required. Repeat the treatment until all is filled
Method 3 of 3: Sealing Cracks with Dye
Step 1. Treat cracks to facilitate color matching
The dye is applied directly to the leather if it has not been necessary to apply the filler. This might be enough to fix most cracks, but they can still be noticeable. The filler is colorless, so it's a better option for hiding cracks.
For deeper cracks, apply filler first so they aren't too visible
Step 2. Sand the leather with 600 grit sandpaper and remove any residue
Smooth out the cracks and prepare them for dyeing. Press the sandpaper against the piece and gently rub towards the leather fiber. The leather should feel soft to the touch. Clean the dust with a cloth.
Use a flannel to remove any dust that falls into the cracks. These residues prevent the leather from absorbing the dye evenly
Step 3. Spread a thin layer of leather dye over the cracks with a sponge
These products can be found in a variety of colors, so choose one that matches the item being repaired. Then apply some of the dye on a sponge. Rub into the cracks so that the dye spreads inside them.
- It is possible to buy this product on the internet and at craft stores. They are usually sold in kits that include a sandpaper and sponge for application.
- Another way to color cracks is to use spray paint and varnish solvent. Choose one that can be used on leather. Apply some of it to a fabric and then apply the varnish to the fabric. Rub against cracks to dye them.
Step 4. Dry the dye for two minutes with a hair dryer at full speed
Turn on the device and aim directly at the dyed areas. Move from side to side in the cracks to prevent the leather from drying out. After finishing, the dye layer will be dry.
Use another appliance, such as a heat gun, if you don't have a hair dryer, but be careful as they can easily burn the leather. Move the gun to prevent any areas from overheating
Step 5. Harmonize cracks with several layers of dye as needed
It usually takes between two or three treatments before the leather looks good. Spread more product over the leather and, this time, apply directly over the crack, rubbing the surrounding area so that the color harmonizes.
Dry after each application with a hair dryer. Continue to apply the dye until cracks are no longer noticeable
Step 6. Treat cracks with a sealant to protect the dye
Spray the product onto a clean sponge and rub into the cracked area, applying a second coat as needed to cover everything. The sealant acts as a conditioner and protects the cracked area from stains and further damage.
Buy a bottle of sealant online or at your local store
Step 7. Heat the sealant with a hair dryer for two minutes to cure
Turn the dryer on one more time to complete the repair. Hold it close to the leather, pointing directly at the treated area. Move the dryer along the crack so as not to overheat at one point. Once the leather is dry, take a good look at the piece to make sure everything looks good.
Tips
- To prevent the leather from cracking, apply a conditioner every three months. Leather cracks when it dries out, so a good conditioner prevents most damage.
- Keep leather away from direct sunlight and heat sources. The heat causes the leather to dry out, which leads to cracking. When you notice that a piece of leather often cracks, it is possible that it is because of this.
- Use leather glue to seal cracks and tears. Just apply the glue and press the torn pieces together until they are firm. Then treat with filler or dye to harmonize the color.
- Contact a professional if the part is badly damaged or you are afraid of damaging it because it is an item of emotional value. Professionals can make major repairs or even upholster them again to preserve them.