If your leather upholstery looks sad, old, faded, worn-down, and almost ready to retire, then it’s high time you give it the attention it truly deserves. There are ways to restore your leather without having to reupholster it. You can have it done professionally or if you don’t have the extra budget, you can actually do it on your own.
We’ll give you some tips on how to bring back the life of your old leather and make it appear brand new. Here are some simple steps.
- Clean the leather.
The first step in leather restoration is to clean the surface. Use a mild dishwashing soap and mix it with warm water using a ratio of one part soap to 8 parts of water. Do not use strong dishwashing liquid because they contain harsh chemicals and can add more damage to the leather.
Dip a clean cloth in the soapy solution and dab it lightly over the surface of the leather. Make sure the cloth isn’t soaking wet. Using too much water and moisture can ruin the leather.
Wipe the entire area thoroughly using circular strokes then rinse off the solution. Allow it to dry naturally. Do not use any heating mechanisms to speed up the drying time because heat can distort the form of the leather and ruin it instead.
- Use a leather repair kit.
A leather repair kit contains all the necessary tools needed to repair the leather. Before buying a kit, do your research first and read all the testimonials and reviews online.
Prepare your restoration project outside your home or in a well-ventilated area. This will help diffuse the smell of chemicals. Don’t forget to wear the proper safety equipment such as goggles and gloves before you begin.
Apply the leather compound gently over the leather surface using a sponge then let it dry. Repeat the process for at least three times. The solution helps bind the leather fibers together.
Once it dries off, apply a thin layer of leather colorant using a foam applicator to restore faded leather. Shake the can first and make sure you include the hard to reach areas then let it dry.
- Apply a leather conditioner.
For car upholstery, use our KevianClean 2-pack Leather Conditioner and Interior Defense promo to get the best interior leather care.
After the colorant dries completely, use a cloth to apply the leather conditioner. Make sure you apply the solution over the entire surface of the leather evenly. Then buff the surface for a more polished and shiny finish.