6 Common Leather Problems and How to Prevent or Repair Them

Leather’s luxurious feel and timeless appeal requires a certain level of care to maintain its beauty and functionality, and problems will show up quickly if you don't take care of it. Whether it's leather sofa problems, car interior damage, or clothes, understanding common leather issues and how to address them ensures your investment stands the test of time.

Here are some common leather problems you'll see and how to make your leather last a long time.

1. Fading and discoloration: Sunlight and direct heat are leather's kryptonite, leading to fading and discoloration over time. The ultraviolet rays cause the leather’s oil to evaporate, which leads to fading. To avoid it, position your leather items away from windows or direct heat sources. If that’s not possible, make sure to rotate your furniture regularly to prevent excessive exposure to one area. If fading occurs, specialized leather dyes can restore the original color. A technician from Creative Colors International, the mobile leader in leather and vinyl repair, can ensure a precise color match for a seamless repair.
2. Dryness and cracking: Leather loses moisture and oils over time, leading to dryness and cracking. Regular conditioning can keep leather supple. If cracks have already formed, our repair services can rejuvenate the leather.
3. Stains and spills: Accidents happen, but they don't have to spell disaster for your leather items. Immediate blotting of spills prevents stains from setting. If you have a stubborn stain and are wondering how to remove stains from leather, a professional cleaning solution can make a difference. We’ve got the stain removal expertise to tackle even the most challenging spots.
4. Scratches and scuffs: Leather surfaces are prone to scratches and scuffs, especially in high-use areas or if you have pets. Light scratches often buff out with a soft cloth, while deeper marks may require color touch-ups or a filler. Our technicians have tools to solve leather sofa problems and smooth out scratches and scuffs. PetRadar recommends keeping your dog's nails trimmed and buying your cat a scratching post to help minimize future damage.
5. Peeling and flaking: Peeling and flaking indicate severe dryness or damage to the leather's finish. We can strip, rehydrate, and refinish the leather to give it a new lease on life.
6. Stretching and sagging: Leather can stretch and sag with heavy use, losing its shape and appeal. While difficult to reverse, we can tighten and restore the original form, ensuring your leather pieces look as good as new.

CCI is the Leader

Jim and JoAnn Foster started our leather repair company nearly 44 years ago in the Chicago area. To pursue growth, the company started franchising in 1991 and now has more than 150 mobile units serving customers across the country.

Our commitment to quality, attention to detail, and unparalleled customer service ensure leather problems at your home or business are taken care of quickly. With state-of-the-art techniques and products, we tackle each problem with precision. Whether it's a minor touch-up or a major restoration, we approach each project with the same level of professionalism and dedication.

Our certified technicians cater to a wide variety of industries, including automotive interior repair, aviation, commercial, healthcare, marine, residential, restaurants, and RVs. Technicians receive extensive training and can come to you to make repairs to minimize downtime and cut costs. We save our customers up to 90% of replacement costs.

In addition to leather and vinyl repair, our technicians offer sanitizing and disinfecting services. Our sanitizer and disinfectant is a one-step, hospital-grade cleaner. We also offer smoke and odor remediation services using environmentally safe cleaning methods.

Learn More About CCI

Request a quote and discover how we can rejuvenate your leather furniture or car interior.