How to Fix Cracked Leather
One of the most commonly asked questions is whether it is possible to fix cracked leather and if something can be done. The answer to this question is variable because the feasibility of restoring cracked leather depends on the amount of damage that is done to the leather.
Restoration of cracked leather is possible but only to a certain degree. To avoid leather from getting damaged, you need to maintain it regularly by moisturizing it, so it lasts for a long time.
You are probably here today because you have a cracked leather item in your wardrobe or are just curious. Whatever the reason is, in this article, we will discuss how to fix cracked leather. So without any further wait, keep on reading to find out how to fix cracked leather.
Why Leather Cracks?
Leather is a natural material that can get damaged after some time. Leather is not immortal, and it is prone to damage. The same is true with any other natural material or anything else made from animals. After a while, it will start cracking, and you will notice microscopic changes in the leather, which will be obvious.
It happens because leather becomes dry after some time has passed. After all, it is made of interwoven fibers that can only be seen under a microscope. When the leather fibers become dry, it starts to give a worn-out appearance. The leather begins chaffing and will not be as shiny as it used to be when it was brand new.
Leather has natural oils in it but can only be maintained in it due to the natural oils present in the animal's skin during the lifetime of the animal. To maintain flexibility in any leather product, you need to lubricate the leather using different types of waxes and lubricating oils available in the market.
It will increase the lifespan of the leather by keeping it well lubricated, and you will be able to wear Shiny leather for a long time. Keep in mind that leather is just like your skin. You need to keep it moisturized to not crack and give you a good look when wearing it with any outfit.
Things Required to Fix Cracked Leather
When the time comes to moisturize the leather, grab all the supplies you need.
You need the following items to fix any cracked leather item:
- Spoon
- Soap
- Fine Brush
- Conditioner/Cream
- Cloth
Methods To Repair Cracked Leather
When dealing with leather, you need to keep in your mind that the cracks that are going to come on any leather item are going to be almost permanent. You can't eliminate them because a sign of them will always be there.
You can maintain your leather jacket so that it does not get any new cracks on it. However, the good news is that you can try to hide the cracks already appearing on the leather. Certain conditioners and creams are available in the market, and you can get your hands on them to fix the fibers of cracked leather items in your wardrobe.
The first step is to inspect the cracks on the leather and then decide whether they are light cracks on the surface or if they go deep enough in the leather. It will give you an idea of how to repair the leather item.
Generally, there are two main methods; you can use them to fix cracked leather. Let's take a look at the methods below.
Leather Crack Filler
The first method is to use leather crack filler, and you need the following equipment to get started:
- Cloth
- Palette knife
- Sandpaper super fine 600 grit
- Soap
- Leather filler
This is the proper method if the leather has deep cracks and is extremely brittle. No need to worry because it is not a lost cause, and you can get the leather bag to its original shape. Let's look at the steps you need to follow below.
1. Cleaning
Clean the leather item, such as a jacket or a zip wallet, using soap or a leather cleaner. If it is a men's wallet, it is recommended to use a professional leather cleaner because a lot of dirt will be stuck in the nooks and crannies of the wallet.
Don't reply to the cleaner directly onto the leather surface because you must first test it on a small section. Mix the soap with the water first and then apply it to a particular area to check if it suits the leather.
2. Dry
The next step is to dry it thoroughly and wipe off any access moisture the next day. If there is moisture on the leather item, the filler will not settle properly in the crack, which is different from what you want. So, make sure that it dries as fast as possible. Wait, at least overnight.
3. Smoothen
Use a fine piece of sandpaper to smooth the cracks on the leather item. If it is a delicate leather accessory such as a travel wallet, you should not skip this step because you want a smooth finish. Wipe the extra dust particles on the wallet using a dry cloth so that it does not leave any scratches on the surface.
4. Application
Apply the leather filler all over the leather's cracks and use a palette knife. Brush the paste completely and fill all the cracks in the leather.
5. Removal
If any extra filler is left on the wallet or the leather accessory, remove it with the knife. You want to fill the cracks sparingly because they should be filled perfectly.
6. Wait
Now all you have to do is wait at least 6 hours for the filler to dry completely. Make sure you do not expose the leather product to direct sunlight because it will cause further cracks and damage to the leather. Keep it away from highly high heat.
Using Leather Dye
Using a leather dye is an excellent method to cover up the damage on any leather product, such as a wallet. You will need the following items to blend the cracks on a leather item by using a leather dye:
- Sponge
- Leather dye
- Sealer
- Hairdryer
- Sandpaper
- Knife
- Leather filler
Follow these steps to fix the leather cracks using a leather dye:
1. Prep
The first step is to prepare the surface of the leather by using a filler. Apply the leather filler and wait for it to dry for a few hours, then move on to the next.
2. Sanding
You want to make the surface as much as possible so you can quickly fill in all the cracks and eliminate them as much as possible. Use sandpaper to sand the surface of the leather and then gently rub it to make the area smooth.
3. Application
Apply a leather dye on top of the cracks. Make sure that the color of the leather dye is close to the color of the leather product you are trying to fix.
4. Dry
Wait for the product to dry for a few hours, and you can use a hair dryer.
5. Blend
Blend all the cracks on the leather product. You can apply different layers on top of it until you cannot see the cracks anymore. Wait for each layer to drive before you apply the next layer. A hairdryer makes this process much faster.
6. Sealing
Spray the seal directly on the affected area to protect the surface and moisturize it for a long time.
How To Prevent Leather from Cracking in The Future?
It is possible to hide the cracks on any leather product, but how long will you do it? It is common not to maintain the leather product and then worry about the cracks later. If you don't want to have any regrets or worries, you can keep your leather products in good condition by moisturizing them at the right time.
This is how you can prevent the leather from cracking in the future and make it as durable as possible. If you want to keep using your leather products for a long time and keep them shiny, avoid taking them out in direct sunlight. Don't expose your leather products to direct heat; store them in a dry place.
Use a conditioner or a moisturizing cream from time to time on your leather products to keep them shining like new. It will take patience and time from your routine, but it will be worth it when you can get value for your money and make the most of your leather products. The rule is simple: treat the leather regularly, and it will be worth it in return.
Final Thoughts
Leather clothing and items are valuable products; many like to include them in their collections and wardrobe. If you are in the same boat, then you need to understand that you need to keep maintaining them from time to time to make them durable. If there are cracks on your leather items, then the good news is that you can hide them as much as possible.
Take a look at the steps mentioned above, and you can quickly get rid of most of the deepest and light cracks on the surface. However, moisturizing leather products religiously is the only long-term solution.
