The presence of cracks on leather means above all a significant lack of maintenance. Every time the leather is moved, it consumes a little of the oil that was originally incorporated during its manufacturing. When the oil runs out, the leather deteriorates little by little until cracks appear on the surface until it tears if nothing is done. For this reason, it is essential to maintain the your car seats by regularly feeding them in the areas that are subject to the most stress (seat, backrest and outer padding).
If you also wish to recolor the leather of your car, it is necessary to rehydrate the leather either 15 days before starting your renovation or 30 days afterwards. If your leather is really very dry, you should moisturize it well beforehand.
The repair of cracks or more generally of any lack of leather on the surface is carried out using a leather repair paste. This product is a kind of liquid leather (or putty), which allows the gaps to be filled while remaining relatively supple once dry. Available in white or dark gray, this product must be covered with leather paint or a finishing varnish.
How do I repair a hole or tear in a car seat?
Repairing a hole or tear in leather can also be done with a liquid leather product. To repair a small hole smaller than 5 mm, only the repair paste will be sufficient. However, for a larger hole or tear, it will be necessary to call a professional.
If the tears are at the seams, please note that it is not possible to repair the leather immediately. To repair the leather in this area, it is necessary to stitch up the seams beforehand.
How do I dye the leather of a steering wheel or car seat?
To restore the original appearance of the leather of the seats and steering wheel of your car, it is also possible to dye it. This is a particularly simple operation, which requires you to choose the right color beforehand and to determine how much paint is required for recoloring.
Once you have identified the right color for the renovation, you will then have to apply the product. The application of leather stain is simply done with a small foam roller, sponge or brush. The leather must of course be lightly sanded beforehand and then degreased with acetone.
If you are demanding, do not partially re-color a seat or steering wheel, as it is practically impossible to achieve a 100% identical color. Indeed, many factors (which can be cumulative) influence more or less the color: porosity of the leather, margin of manufacturing error, discoloration of your leather, etc…
Why apply a varnish following a staining of the leather?
Few people know this, but originally all leathers are varnished. Thus, a varnish is not intended to fix the color, but to protect the grain of the leather and the stain from wear and tear. A leather that is regularly varnished on the areas most subjected to friction is a leather that will last much longer!
On the other hand, the varnish also gives shine. Varnish is usually offered in a satin, matt or glossy finish. Note that as a general rule, the satin finish is the most commonly used.
The importance of properly renovating your car’s leather
As soon as the first signs of wear and tear appear on the various leather-covered parts in your car, it is necessary to take matters into your own hands and use the appropriate maintenance products. So, whether it’s the headrest, the seat, or even the steering wheel, several car leather repair kits will allow you to easily repair the interior of your car. In addition to the aesthetic aspect, car leather repair allows you to enjoy a better driving comfort with a better seat and a good grip on your steering wheel.
To choose the most suitable product, it is necessary to take into account not only the color but also the type of leather. According to these characteristics, you will be able to find the product that will give back all the original shine of your car.
Protect and repair the leather of your car seats as well as possible
Over time and depending on the use of your car, the leather in your car will tend to get damaged. To repair or renovate car leather, it is therefore essential to use the right products. In addition to repairing your seats, it is essential to use the right finishes to guarantee the leather’s solidity and comfort over time. Whether the leather of your seats is cracked or torn, Rivero Auto Interior And Electronics offers you the right solutions for rebuilding your leather seats. A good renovation and protection will be real assets for the aesthetic and comfortable aspect of your vehicle.
