Scratches on your leather couch are not only unsightly, but they can also indicate that the quality of the leather is substandard. Luckily, there are several different ways to fix those pesky scuffs and scratches without having to buy a new couch. Cleaning your leather couch regularly can help reduce the likelihood of it getting scratched in the first place. However, if this happens anyway, here are some tips on how to fix scratches on a leather couch:
How To Fix Scratches On A Leather Couch
Dry Cleaning
If the scratch on your leather couch is shallow, you may be able to dry clean it off. This is a great option if the scratch isn’t very noticeable, or if it’s in an area that you can’t easily get to. To dry clean the leather, you’ll want to use a special cleaning product designed for leather. If you don’t have any on hand, you can also try using a mild soap, or even dry shampoo. After cleaning the scratch, you may want to use a leather conditioner to help lock in the moisture and prevent the area from drying out and cracking. You can find leather conditioners at most home improvement stores or online.
Hide the Scratch With Paint
If the scratch on your leather couch is deeper, or very noticeable, you may want to try covering it up with paint. Painting over a scratch can help it blend in with the rest of the couch, while also protecting it from further damage. You can paint over the scratch with any type of paint, as long as it’s meant for leather. Before painting the scratch, you’ll want to clean off the leather with a damp cloth. From there, you can choose how you want to paint over the scratch. You can either apply the paint with a paintbrush or use a paint roller for larger areas. After the paint dries, you can seal it with a coat of clear spray paint to protect it from staining.
Dye the Area
If the scratch on your leather couch is deeper, or very noticeable, you may want to dye the area surrounding the scratch to blend it in. Dyeing a leather couch is fairly easy, although it’s important to choose the right type of dye for leather. It’s also a good idea to test the dye on an inconspicuous area of the couch first to make sure it doesn’t change the colour of the couch too much. There are several different types of leather dye available. You can choose a dye that is designed specifically for leather, or one that is made for colouring other types of materials. Before dyeing the area, you’ll want to thoroughly clean the couch to remove any dirt or dust that could prevent the dye from adhering properly to the leather. After the dye dries, you can seal it with a coat of clear spray paint to protect it from staining.
Repair with Filler
If the scratch on your leather couch is deeper, or very noticeable, you may want to try repairing it with filler. Filling a scratch in your leather couch is a great option if you’re planning on re-colouring the couch, or if the scratch is in an area that you can’t get to very easily. You can find leather filler at most home improvement stores. There are also a few different types of filler that are designed specifically for leather. Before you start repairing the scratch, you’ll want to thoroughly clean the leather to remove any dirt or dust. After the leather is clean, you can apply the filler by using a putty knife to scoop it out of the container and into the scratch. Once the filler is in place, you can use your fingertips to smooth it over the scratch so it’s flush with the rest of the couch.
Change Your Furniture Covers
If the scratch on your leather couch is deeper, or very noticeable, you may want to consider changing your furniture covers. Although this option isn’t ideal if you really like the look of your couch, changing the covers is an easy way to hide damage on your couch while maintaining the style of your home. You can find furniture covers at most home improvement stores, as well as online. Before you start changing your furniture covers, you’ll want to thoroughly clean the couch to remove any dirt or dust. After the couch is clean, you can put the covers on the couch. You may want to wait to put the covers on the arms of the couch until after you’ve repaired the scratch with filler since that process can leave marks on the couch covers.
How To Repair Scratches On A Leather Couch With Dye?
- Dye is a good option if the leather couch is already stained. It can be used to cover up the scratches, whether they are very light or quite large.
- To use dye to repair scratches on your leather couch, purchase leather dye at a craft or fabric store.
- Next, clean the couch thoroughly with a solvent cleaner, as any dirt or oil on the surface of the couch will inhibit the dye from taking. Use a clean, soft cloth to apply the dye evenly.
- Allow the dye to dry completely before using the couch again. If you’re not happy with the colour the dye has given your couch, you can try again with a different colour. However, be aware that repeated use of the same dye could cause the colour to build up and look unnatural.
How To Repair Scratches On A Leather Couch Using Shoe Polish?
- Shoe polish is a great option for repairing light scratches on your leather couch—as long as the scratches are not too deep.
- Apply a layer of shoe polish over the scratches with a clean cloth. If the scratches are very light, the polish might be enough to cover them up.
- If not, apply another layer. Once the shoe polish has dried, buff the couch with a soft cloth to even out the colour.
- If the shoe polish is not the right colour, you can spray the couch with a paint-and-stain remover to remove it.
How to Repair Scratches on a Leather Couch with Nail Polish?
- If the scratches are not too deep, you can also choose to repair them with a matching nail polish colour. Again, clean the couch thoroughly with a solvent cleaner, as any dirt or oil on the surface of the couch will inhibit the polish from taking.
- Use a clean, soft cloth to apply the polish evenly.
- Allow the nail polish to dry completely before using the couch again.
- If the nail polish is not the right colour, you can spray the couch with a paint-and-stain remover to remove it.
Tips On Fix Scratches on a Leather Couch
Check Your Warranty
First, we recommend checking your warranty. Most manufacturers will cover damages to your couch, but only if you’re careful. Make sure to keep your couch clean – dirt, dust, and animal hair can all contribute to scratches. If you follow proper cleaning methods, you shouldn’t have any issues getting your couch fixed or replaced. If your couch doesn’t have a warranty, there is still hope for you! You might not be able to get a replacement or a full refund, but it’s worth a shot.
Repair It With Dye
You can try to dye the scratches out of your couch. This is a great option if the scratches are mild and you have a dark-coloured couch. First, you will need to clean the area very well. Make sure there are no traces of dirt or dust left behind. You don’t want those to show up in the new colour. Allow the leather conditioner to sit on the couch for a few minutes before wiping it off. You’re all done! The scratches should be gone.
Fix-It With Paint
If the scratches are more severe, you might want to paint them out. This might sound a little crazy, but it can work! There are certain paints that work great with leather. Make sure to read the label before buying them. Allow the paint to dry entirely before moving on to the next step. Make sure to use a leather conditioner to help the paint adhere to your couch.
Conclusion
Scratches on leather couches can be easily fixed with the right products. While scratches can be disheartening, they don’t have to be a deal-breaker. With the right tools and products, you can make your couch look as good as new.