Over time leather sofas begin to show signs of wear and tear. This can present as colour loss, discolouration or cracking. Usually areas of high wear are the first to show signs. In this particular case the areas largely effected are the seat base cushions which show drastic cracking over the sofa. The main cause of wear is body oils. Body perspiration, suncream, moisturiser. These all sit on the leather and eat away at it causing damage.
Hand sanitiser contains alcohol and can take the colour out of the leather should you rest your hands on the sofa after applying. Some medications can affect the rate in which the body perspires and speed up the rate in which the wear appears on the sofa.
In order to complete leather sofa repairs such as this the technician would begin by cleaning the sofa. This would be done using leather cleaner and a scrubbing brush. The use of a scrubbing brush enables the technician to reach the dirt that is embedded into the grain of the leather. We do not recommend that anyone that is not a professional uses a scrubbing brush on leather as it can cause damage if done incorrectly. After the sofa is clean the technician will use leather prep on a lint free cloth to remove the manufacturers coating on the sofa. Next the technician will use sand paper to rub back the seat base cushions and try to smooth down the large patches of wear. Initially 320 grit sandpaper will be used. After this 400 grit.
Once this is completed leather filler will be applied. This will then be dried using a hairdryer.
However if there are large signs of wear by the time the technician moves from seat to seat applying filler to each seat base cushion, the first cushion that was worked on could be dry.
Please note that each repair is different, the technician will repair how they see fit, not all steps are appropriate for each repair.
After the cracking on the seat base cushions has been filled and is dry the technician will refer back to sanding down the leather. Now the technician will move on to applying the leather dye. Our leather technicians match the colour of the leather dye to the sofa by eye. The leather dye is applied by rubbing the dye in circular motions on the leather using a lint free cloth. After a base coat is applied and dried the technician uses an air compressor to apply thin layers of leather dye until they are satisfied.
The use of the air compressor ensures an even finish. Upon completion of the application of the leather dye the technician will apply lacquer. This seals and protects the sofa. Following the completion of the works it is recommended that the sofa is not used for 4 days to allow the sofa to cure.
We advise that all leather is cleaned and protected every six months this allows the leather to stay clean and fresh and the protection cream gives that extra barrier between the wear and tear and the sofa. Cleaning kits are always recommended after every repair to help enable you to maintain your leather from future damage, please feel free to ask our technician any questions where they will be happy to give you any help and guidance that you require.
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