How to Fix Scratched Leather When You Don’t Want to Reupholster

Cat scratches, kids' toys, jewelry, and even excessive moisture or sunlight can all cause shallow to deep scratches on leather furniture. While it might seem easier to pay to have the piece reupholstered or even buy a completely new set, both options are a costly investment. Attempting to repair the leather first could save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars, and it's not as complex as you might think.

Lesandre Holiday, founder & CEO of Rub 'n Restore, Inc., is an expert when it comes to leather repair and restoration, as she began apprenticing at her mother's leather and vinyl repair business in 2000. She founded Rub 'n Restore while filming YouTube videos teaching the public how to fix and rejuvenate their leather furniture.

Holiday says to first make sure you are dealing with genuine leather. Faux leather can be made of polyurethane (PU) or vinyl (PVC) and is commonly mistaken for the real deal—which is more difficult to fix. "Leather is like wood. It's a tough fiber that can be used, abused, damaged, repaired, stripped, gently sanded, and refinished," Holiday says.

Assess the Damage

The level and source of the leather scratch will determine the kind of treatment that should be used on it—either just covering it with a new finish, or filling and repairing deep holes with super glue and/or putty filler. Holiday says that if a dog scratched the leather, it likely only scratched the finish as it takes a lot of wear from dog claws to damage the actual fiber. If the damage cannot be physically felt when running a hand over the leather, then a new finish/color is all that's needed to correct it.

If the area is cracked, chafed, features exposed suede, or the leather feels thin and about to tear, it should be repaired with a flexible filler putty before any color is applied.

"Cat scratches are a different matter [than with dogs]. Those razor claws will puncture and physically damage the fiber. However, isolated punctures will repair beautifully with tiny beads of super glue catalyzed with sanding," says Holiday.

How to Remove Scratches from Leather Furniture

1. Remove and Smooth Loose Fibers

The procedure for severe scratches begins with using scissors or a razor to trim away any shredded or loose fibers. Next, Rub 'n Restore advises using a small amount of super glue and a toothpick to carefully smooth down any loose flaps, wiping away any excess.

2. Use a Patch or Filler

Dave Heaton, owner of Steel Horse Leather, says to use a leather patch or filler if there's a gap or missing piece. He says to apply the patch or filler over the damaged area, following the manufacturer's instructions. Smooth it out and let it dry according to the recommended time.

3. Sand and Dye

Gently sand the damaged area with a small piece of 320-grit sandpaper (use a finer grade if you begin to damage the leather even more). Next, use a small amount of leather dye and spread the color across the area. Heaton says to use a cotton swab or soft cloth to apply the dye in thin, even layers and allow each layer to dry before applying the next, building the color until it matches. Dry the dye faster with a hair dryer.

4. Repeat and Stipple

Add more glue or filler in any valleys left in the leather, and sand again with 500 grit. Apply one more coat of dye and dry with a hair dryer again. Try sponge patting the dye to give a textured and stippled look to hide any streaks.

Must-Know Leather Care Tips

Clean First

Heaton notes the importance of cleaning your leather furniture first. "Begin by cleaning the damaged area with a leather cleaner. Gently wipe the area to remove any dirt, oils, or grime that might interfere with the repair process. Allow the leather to dry completely," he says.

Color Match Properly

"Repairs are pretty straightforward—it's color matching that can be tricky, as a finish or color is needed to conceal a repair," Holiday says. Luckily, among many other leather repair companies, Rub 'n Restore offers color-matching services to aid in the process.

Finish Correctly

Heaton advises to finish and condition the leather when the dye is completely dry. "To protect the repaired area and give it a consistent appearance, apply a leather finish or sealer. This will also help in maintaining the repaired section's longevity," he says. "After the repair is complete, apply a leather conditioner to the entire piece to keep it moisturized and supple. This step helps prevent future cracks and damage."

Cure and Dry

Allowing the leather enough time to adequately cure and dry is integral to the success of the repair. Make sure to follow the recommended curing times provided by the adhesive, filler, dye, and finish products.