It’s nice to be able to surround yourself with some beautiful things in life such as a nice leather sofa. We work incredibly hard, and it feels good when we come home at the end of a long day and can relax in comfort. We just want to grab our favourite beverage out of the refrigerator, kick back on the sofa and watch a little television before it’s time for dinner. After dinner, it’s time for some more couch time as we finally have a chance to relax after putting out so much effort during the day.
It’s wonderful when you have found living or family room furniture that is perfect for you. Leather and faux leather sofas can provide incredible comfort, and it’s so nice to settle into your favourite spot when it’s time to chill out. It can be heartbreaking, though, if you discover a rip or large tear in your beautiful sofa. Fortunately, with some step by step guidance, you’ll be able to repair the sofa and soon have it looking great again. After you have done the DIY repairs, you might even consider adding a faux fireplace as a focal point in your living room.
Why Leather Can Tear
Leather is known as a durable material, but like any other couch fabric it I susceptible to tears. A pet’s nail can cause damage to a leather couch almost as soon as they contact it. When cats use it for a scratching post, the small punctures from their sharp nails can eventually turn into a tear in the leather or faux leather.
Over time, intense exposure to sunlight can cause cracking in the leather. That weakens the leather, and eventually it can tear. Hot, low humidity air can also dry out the leather, which needs moisture. When leather is dried out, it is possible for it to crack. A sharp object could also cause a puncture in your sofa, and it could then spread. It’s best to address any of these issues sooner, rather than later. If you are looking for other valuable ideas for DIY home improvement upgrades on a budget, click here.
Step by Step Guide for Repairing a Rip in the Leather
If there is a clean rip in your leather or faux leather sofa, without any frayed edges, then you can use an adhesive to help make the repair. A powerful gel super glue can be great for repairing leather. The first thing you will want to do is to clean the surfaces around the rip, and make sure that the areas to be bonded are close-fitting.
From there, the porous substrates should be lightly dampened using a wet cloth. Once you have activated the glue pack and taken off the top, distribute the adhesive by applying a small bead along one of the edges of the leather that ripped. You can then join the leather or faux leather parts, and hold in place for 30 seconds. To give time for the full bond to develop, let it cure for at least 10 minutes, or overnight. Once your sofa is fixed, you may want to add to the decor in your living room by creating a beautiful gallery wall.
How You Can Patch a Leather or Faux Leather Couch
When there is a larger tear in your leather or faux leather sofa, you may need to use a sub-patch installation to facilitate the repair process. The sub-patch can help hold the rip in your couch together and also strengthen the bond you create with the adhesive. You will want to clean the area under repair to start the process.
Next, cut a sub-patch that fits into the hole in the sofa, then slide it under the leather surface. It’s important to make sure that the sub-patch rests smoothly under the surface, and has no imperfections or lumps. When it is in place, apply the adhesive to both of the sides of the tear, and also on the patch.
From there, you will need to put the seam back together and then hold it in place. To give it time to set, secure it with masking tape and leave it for about 2 hours. When that time has passed, you can remove the masking tape and wipe away any excess residue.
If you have a rip or tear in your leather or faux leather couch, don’t despair. By following some simple DIY steps, you can repair your treasured sofa. With the right adhesive and these instructions, it will soon look as good as new.
