Cracked leather repair is easier and more affordable than you would expect. Creative Colors International (CCI) can help you learn how to get the job done and the steps to stop leather from cracking after it’s fixed.
Leather furniture, car interiors, and other leather goods exude a timeless elegance and comfort that's hard to match. However, over time, even the highest-quality leather can fall victim to a common issue: cracking. Whether it's due to aging, exposure to harsh conditions, or simply the wear and tear of everyday life, cracked leather is unsightly and can make it uncomfortable to use. The good news is that cracked leather repair is not as daunting as it might seem, and it's often more affordable than replacing your beloved leather possessions.
What Causes Leather to Crack?
While leather is durable, lack of regular maintenance can lead to cracking becoming a problem. Failing to clean, condition, and protect leather regularly can leave it vulnerable to damage. And ignoring minor issues can allow them to worsen over time.
Aside from proper care and age, lack of moisture can lead to leather cracking. When leather loses its natural oils and moisture, it becomes dry and stiff and is prone to cracking. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and excessive heat can accelerate the drying process and cause leather to become brittle. Fluctuations in humidity levels can also lead to leather expanding and contracting, which can weaken its structure and eventually result in cracking.
How to Repair Cracked Leather
Before learning more about leather repair techniques, assess the severity of the damage. If you're dealing with minor surface cracks or creases, you can often handle the repair yourself with the right tools and products. For more extensive damage or severe cracking, it's best to seek professional assistance. CCI specializes in leather repair and restoration, and our skilled technicians have the expertise and tools to tackle even the most challenging leather issues.
Here's a basic guide to repairing cracked leather:
- Clean the leather
- Apply leather filler
- Sand the repair
- Recolor and condition
Preventing Future Cracks
Preventing leather from cracking in the first place is the best approach. Make sure to regularly clean and condition leather items to keep them moisturized and protected. Store leather items away from direct sunlight and heat sources when not in use. To protect furniture, keep the blinds closed or rotate it to limit sun exposure to one part of the furniture. Maintain consistent indoor humidity levels to prevent extreme fluctuations that can harm leather.
If you have bonded leather furniture, stay on top of cracks. Note: Most bonded leathers are not repairable. Bonded leather is made of scraps of leather that are joined to create the base of the material, which is then bonded with a strong adhesive and fabric backing. The polyurethane overlay that seals the surface provides the appearance of genuine leather, even though leather only makes up 10% to 20% of the product.
Why Choose Creative Colors International?
CCI stands out as a trusted partner for leather repair and restoration. Our skilled technicians undergo extensive training to handle various leather issues, from minor repairs to extensive restoration projects. What sets us apart is our commitment to environmentally friendly practices, using water-based products that are clean, non-toxic, non-hazardous, and biodegradable.
Request a quote from CCI to repair your cracked leather pieces and learn more about keeping them in tip-top shape.
