Do you want to know how to stop your leather from peeling?
Follow these simple steps to stop the peeling and keep your leather looking great for years to come.
How to Stop Leather From Peeling: A Summary
Leather can last a lifetime if you take care of it properly. Here are some steps you can take to stop your leather from peeling:
- Keep leather clean
- Use a leather conditioner
- Protect leather from the sun
- Use a waterproof protector
- Know when to contact a professional
For more details on these steps, keep reading.
How to Stop Leather from Peeling in 5 Steps
Photographee.eu/Shutterstock
Leather can be a beautiful and luxurious material, but it can be prone to peeling. If you’re having trouble with your leather peeling, here are four steps that can help:
1. Keep Your Leather Clean
If you want to keep leather in good shape, you need to clean it regularly. If you don’t, dirt will clog the pores, and the leather can begin to peel and look faded.
Dusting and vacuuming your leather’s surface will help to keep it free from dirt and dust buildup. Dirt can seep into the fibers of the leather and cause staining. Occasionally, you can wipe down your leather with a damp cloth to remove any leftover dirt.
Leather is easy to clean, but it has specific needs that other fabrics do not have. Make sure you have a cleanser designed specifically for leather, or else it may damage the surface of your leather.
Always test any cleaning product on an inconspicuous area first, because a product that is safe for one type of leather might harm another.
2. Use a Leather Conditioner
Insufficient care of leather can cause it to dry out and become damaged. As it dries, leather becomes prone to cracking and peeling. So regular conditioning is vital for this material.
Leather conditioners replenish natural oils that are worn away through regular use. Most importantly, they will help keep your leather soft and hydrated, which can prevent it from peeling.
Apply a thin layer of leather conditioner, and wipe away any excess with a soft cloth. Be careful not to use too much conditioner, as this can cause the leather to peel.
A light coating is all you need. Once again, make sure that you test any conditioner on an inconspicuous area first because it might cause damage if used incorrectly.
3. Protect Your Leather from the Sun
The sun can be harsh on leather, and it’s essential to protect it from the damaging effects of the sun’s rays. One way to do this is by using a sunscreen or UV protector designed for leather.
Leather sunscreen comes in various forms, including lotion, spray, and wax. It helps keep your leather from fading, cracking, and becoming brittle. Be sure to apply it in a thin layer and give it time to dry before using your leather again.
Another way to protect your leather from the sun is by using a cover. A cover will help keep the sun’s rays from reaching your leather and keep it clean. You can remove the cover when using your leather and then replace it afterward to prevent further damage.
Be sure to read all instructions before applying any sunscreen or UV protector to your leather because they might need to be used in a specific way to work correctly.
Protecting your leather from the sun will help prevent it from drying out, which can lead to peeling.
4. Use a Waterproof Protectant
If you want to go the extra mile in protecting your leather, you can use a waterproof protectant. A protectant will create a barrier between your leather and any liquids or moisture that might come into contact with it.
Waterproof protectants prevent the leather from staining, fading, and becoming brittle. It’s a good idea to reapply it every few months or whenever you notice that it’s wearing off.
Before using a waterproof protector, it’s essential to ensure that the leather is completely clean and free of dust or dirt. Apply several thin layers of the protective coating, allowing each layer to dry before adding another.
You can apply it to your leather with a brush, cloth, or sponge. Waterproof protectants come in both spray and liquid forms.
Read the instructions before using a waterproof protectant because some of them might need to be applied in a certain way to work effectively.
5. Know When to Contact a Professional
If you’re having trouble stopping leather from peeling, it might be time to contact a professional. A leather restoration specialist can help repair the damage and restore your leather to its former glory.
A specialist has advanced tools that can help remove the damaged surface of your leather and give it a new layer, which will prevent it from peeling again and keep your item looking good for years to come.
They will clean, condition, and protect your leather, which will help to prevent further damage. Restoration can also repair any cracks or tears that have occurred. It’s important to seek out a qualified and experienced professional if you want the best results.
Do your research and ask around for recommendations before choosing someone to work on your leather. If you follow these four steps, you can help stop the leather from peeling.
Things to Consider
Dini.S/Shutterstock
These are a few things to consider now that you know how to stop the leather from peeling:
- When leather peels, it is usually because of inadequate care.
- To prevent the leather from peeling, clean and condition it regularly.
- Use the correct cleaning products and conditioners, as using the wrong ones can worsen the problem.
- If leather is peeling, don’t fix it yourself; bring it to a professional.
- If you do try to fix it yourself, be sure to use the right products and follow instructions carefully to avoid making the problem worse.
- When cleaning leather, don’t use harsh chemicals, as these can strip the natural oils from the surface.
- Some conditioning products may work better than others, so it may take a bit of experimentation to find one that works best for your leather.
Frequently Asked Questions
These are some of the most commonly asked questions about how to stop the leather from peeling.
Can peeling faux leather be repaired?
Peeling faux leather can typically be repaired by applying vinyl adhesive as a stopgap measure. This temporary fix should allow the damaged area to keep its shape and appearance until measures such as reupholstering or replacing the affected areas.
Why is my leather flaking?
It is vital to condition leather regularly to keep it supple; otherwise, the skin will develop a hard surface. Regular conditioning can prevent the leather from drying out and developing cracks on the surface.
How do you fix peeling bonded leather?
The best way to fix peeling bonded leather is to purchase a leather repair kit from a hardware store or online. These kits typically come with a bottle of adhesive and a few tools to help you make the repairs.
Follow the instructions on the kit to properly set the adhesive and allow it to cure. The peeling should stop after the leather is thoroughly dried.
Can peeled leather be repaired?
Yes, but not easily. The leather must be sanded smooth before applying a special compound to the surface. Then it must be recolored and protected with a sealant or lacquer.
The repair may not be permanent, and the leather may peel again.
Can I paint over peeled leather?
Yes, you can paint over peeled leather:
- Clean the surface of the leather and let it dry completely.
- Apply a primer to the surface and let it dry.
- Apply a coat of paint specifically designed for leather and let it dry.
How do you repair a tear in leather?
To repair a tear in leather, you can use a patch or superglue:
- Clean the area around the tear and let it dry.
- Cut a patch to fit the size of the tear and attach it using superglue.
- Let the glue dry completely before using the leather item again.
So, How Do You Stop Leather from Peeling?
Leather is a durable and long-lasting material, but it has its limitations. One of the biggest problems with leather is peeling, so it’s essential to take care of it properly. If you follow these four steps, you can help stop the leather from peeling.
Dust regularly, wipe down with a damp cloth, apply a leather conditioner, and protect from the sun. If the leather is still peeling after trying these steps, contact a professional for help.