How To Fix Scratches, Cuts And Scrapes On A Leather Sofa

As we use our leather furniture daily we can brush up against it with rough objects or slide it into the wall while cleaning. Both circumstances can cause a scuff in the leather. Even pets can scuff or scratch furniture. Think about it? Leather is tough but just like anything else the surface can be broken. That does not mean your sofa is broken it just means it has a blemish that needs to be touched up with dye. I have a vacuum cleaner that hits the same spots at the bottom of my sectional leather sofa and removes the color each time I vacuum. I have a special spot on the base of my vacuum that is navy blue from the dye transfer. I don’t stress! A little color removed or a small nick in the leather is not considered a defect and will not harm my sectional sofa.

All top grain leather is cut to the exact same thickness by computer. Where it is pulled tight like an arm panel or tight back sofa the leather will feel different than say on a seat cushion, back pillow or out arm where the leather is loose. These blemishes or scuffs, scratches are more likely to occur where the leather is pulled tight since the leather has no give in those areas. The most common spots seem to be arms and corners. 

What Can I Do About Scratches And Scrapes On My Leather Furniture?

I keep a small bottle of leather dye in my laundry room and after I am through running into my sofa with the vacuum I grab a Q-tip and give it a peck or two and the color is back. If I get down on the floor and look I can see a slight difference in the surface but the color is the same. The scuff is not on a pressure point so I don’t worry about it getting any worse. Even if it was on a pressure point have you ever tried to rip leather? You can’t, it's much too strong.

Surface abrasions or scuffs should not be a worry for you if you get them on your leather furniture. If you look close enough you will probably also notice healed scars or fat wrinkles or maybe even a brand mark. Just think about it...What if your skin was tanned? I have had children, surgery’s and sunburns. Cows have ticks, barb wire markings and stretch marks just to name a few features that may mark the surface of a premium cowhide. This lets you know you have the first cut not the split which is less valuable and not used by high-end leather brands for upholstering. The split cut is used more for shoe soles and belts. It is not soft and supple like a true top grain leather hide.  

Leather Is Considered The Strongest Material For Upholstering Furniture

Leather furniture is not invincible. It is the strongest sheet material known to man and the best for upholstering furniture that will last for decades without odor or regular maintenance. Scuffs or small nicks can easily be covered or re-dyed. If the nick or scratch is through the top of the surface down to the suede the dye will hold best, and the color can be restored to its original color. If the scratch or scuff is not deep enough to see suede I would not recommend trying the dye it will just lay on the surface of the leather.

It works a lot like re-dying a pair of leather shoes once you scuff them on the curb. If you are not one to touch up your leather shoes just look at the folks in the airport as you travel that are taking time to get their shoes re-dyed and shined. Some people do it, while others don’t. Eventually if you own leather shoes, bags or furniture it will happen. It doesn’t just happen on its own something has to cause it, but it is totally fixable.

Most people who buy leather furniture never have these kind of scraps or scuffs, but for those that do your furniture is not lost and can be restored easily and fast to its original color. That’s another advantage to owning leather furniture.

If you have a problem with a fabric sofa it would not be easily touched up like leather can be. Typically, a fabric sofa would shred if under the same circumstances.

How To Dye A Leather Sofa

When applying dye to your leather sofa or sectional it should be done in stages. Start with a small amount and apply as many times as necessary to achieve the correct level of color. If you have a small scuff or scrape just dip a Q-tip or something similar into the dye, then apply the dye. Dip the end in the dye and blot it on the area as many times as necessary to achieve the level of color you want. Always start small. You can always get heavier, but cannot remove if too much dye is applied.

If your area where the scuff is happening is larger you can use a cotton ball or color fast white cloth. Again, start small. It may take a few applications to get the color back.

Wellington’s Leather Furniture offers complementary dye for any of their customers that reach out to request it. That is just another free service available when you shop at Wellington’s. It does not matter how long you have had your leather furniture if you are their customer it is sent for free. This service is not available for discontinued leathers or custom dyed hides.

Leather conditioner and cleaner are also available for purchase. You may choose from a sampler size or a larger version that can be used on anything leather. Bags, coats, car seats, furniture etc.….. 

If you did not purchase from Wellington’s you can order dye through companies like Guardsman or Leather Master. To order your free leather dye, please phone 1.800.262.1049.