How to Fix a Torn Leather Seat

Torn leather seats bring down the value and appearance of a car. If the tears are small enough, you can repair them and make the seat appear new. Tears that are larger than 6 inches are harder to repair because the integrity of the seat is destroyed, and the tear will probably open again soon. Small tears, however, patch nicely and the repairs should last for several years.

• 1

  Clean the leather with leather cleaner and a soft cloth. Allow it to dry. Snip away stringy edges from the torn leather.

• 2

  Apply a leather preparation substance to the leather area immediately around the torn area. Sand the area lightly with sandpaper to improve adhesion with the leather patch.

• 3

  Cut a leather patch that is 1 inch larger than the torn leather. Round the corners to prevent the patch from peeling. Glue the patch beneath the tear in the leather.

• 4

  Fill the area between the patch and the original leather with leather filler. Wipe away any excess filler with a soft cloth. Press a leather grain patch over the surface of the leather filler to give it the appearance of the original leather. Allow the leather filler to dry for 24 hours.

• 5

  Apply a small amount of leather dye to the surface of the leather filler. Work the dye into the filler with your finger. Allow the dye to dry overnight.

• 6

  Coat the leather with leather conditioner. Work the leather conditioner into the patched area and the rest of the leather seats to create a smooth, soft surface. Leather conditioner helps prevent the leather from soaking up unwanted dirt and oil.

• 7

  Clean and condition the leather twice a year after repairing the patch to keep the leather in good condition. Softer leather will crack and tear less than hard leather.