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Customer reviewsMistakes to avoid when repairing your car's leather seats
Introduction: Repair your leather seats like a professional
The elegance and comfort of leather seats in our cars are undeniable. However, over time, these precious assets can lose their lustre. Your car's upholstery can deteriorate and show inevitable signs of wear. Proper repair of your leather seats is therefore essential to preserve their beauty and durability, while avoiding costly and potentially damaging mistakes.
In this article, we're going to delve into the world of leather seat repair and guide you like a professional. We'll show you the methods, tips and common mistakes to avoid to bring your leather seats back to life. The techniques shared are designed to save you time and money.
Don't let the deterioration of your leather seats spoil your driving pleasure. Learn how to restore them correctly and extend their life for many years to come.
Understanding the leather in your car upholstery
The leathers used in cars are mainly pigmented leathers. They are completely different from those found in shoes and leather goods.
Car upholstery leathers are therefore coated with a protective dye, making them waterproof and resistant. The aim of repair and maintenance is to clean them without altering their appearance. Natural leathers, without this protective layer, are found in older cars. Nappa leather interiors are often found in older cars.
To distinguish between them, do the water test: rapid absorption (less than 2 seconds) for natural leathers, slow (more than 10 seconds) for pigmented leathers.
Mistake 1: Ignoring prior assessment
An inadequate assessment can underestimate the extent of the damage, leading to an inadequate repair and a waste of time and money.
It is vital to take the time to inspect the leather seat thoroughly. At this stage, we recommend that you make a note of any damage, and determine the best approach to repairing it. This will avoid unnecessary and costly repairs.
If the leather of your car upholstery is torn, we recommend that you visit a garage. A garage will be able to take care of this type of repair. If in doubt, it's best to call in a professional who will be able to assess the damage correctly and suggest the best solution.
Mistake 2: Underestimating preparation
When repairing a leather car seat, preparation is often underestimated. It plays a crucial role in the final result. Several aspects of preparation deserve particular attention.
Firstly, inadequate cleaning is a common mistake. Before starting the repair, it is essential to clean the leather surface thoroughly. Residues of dirt, dust and grease can compromise the adhesion of repair products and the quality of the final result. The use of cleaners specifically designed for leather is recommended, avoiding abrasive or chemically aggressive products.
Finally, if the leather has imperfections or deep scratches, light sanding may be necessary to obtain a smooth surface. However, sanding must be done with care and the right tools to avoid further damage to the leather.
Contact a leather repair professional who has the necessary expertise if you have any doubts at this stage.
Mistake 3: Using unsuitable products for car upholstery
One of the most common mistakes made when repairing a leather car seat is the use of unsuitable products. The usual culprits are aggressive cleaners, chemical solvents, or even household products not specifically designed for leather. Among the culprits are white vinegar, washing-up liquid, Marseille soap and so on.
These inappropriate products can cause irreparable damage to leather. They worsen the initial situation. They can dry out the leather, cause discolouration and alter its texture.
To avoid this mistake, it is essential to choose products specially formulated for leather. We recommend a range of quality leather care products, such as the Bōme brand.
These products are designed without solvents and with natural active ingredients. Their aim is to preserve the suppleness and beauty of leather from external aggression without damaging it.
Mistake 4: Ignoring ongoing maintenance
After a successful repair, it is essential not to make the mistake of ignoring the ongoing maintenance of the leather seat. Neglecting this step can lead to premature deterioration of the leather and compromise the results of the repair.
Regular maintenance will extend the life of the repair. Maintenance should be carried out approximately once a month. Maintenance products such as cleaning gel can be used more regularly, as soon as the first stains appear.
Our car upholstery care products will help to keep the leather supple. Softer leather is leather that is more resistant to ageing.
What's more, regular care of your car upholstery will slow down the appearance of wear marks and reduce the number of repairs required.
It's a routine you should adopt as a matter of urgency to prevent cracking and protect against future damage.
Steps to a successful repair
Start by removing any accumulated dirt with a boar bristle brush to avoid scratching your leather car seats. Next, apply a cleaning product in foam or gel form. Bōme car upholstery products are solvent-free. They gently remove dirt without altering the feel or appearance of the leather.
The dirt will mix with the product with each pass and be dissolved. The products do not require rinsing, so simply remove any excess with a microfibre towel. You can then complete your repair with a colour renovation. This step is optional during maintenance.
It is strongly recommended that you always finish your maintenance with protection. Protection prevents dirt from getting into the pores of the leather. It protects the repair and makes future maintenance easier.
Avoid these mistakes to preserve the beauty of leather
It is essential to remember the mistakes to avoid when repairing leather seats to preserve their beauty and durability. The advice given in this article should be borne in mind at all times.
If you're faced with challenges that you don't feel up to yourself, don't hesitate to call in leather repair professionals.
