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DIY: Can You Repair Car Leather Seats By Yourself?
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DIY: Can You Repair Car Leather Seats By Yourself?

Car leather seats are one of the best parts of owning a car. They're smooth, comfortable, and easy to keep clean. But as time goes on and on, and you start using your car more and more, you become aware of a few issues.

You start seeing signs of wear and tear, noticing every crack or scratch on its surface. From a beautiful brown color, your leather seats might have faded or discolored due to sunlight exposure. And it's no longer as smooth as it used to be.

Remember, cars are expensive machines. They even come with a long list of maintenance costs, such as oil changes and tire rotations. And if you don't take care of your car, it'll eventually become damaged beyond repair.

We're not here to be your mechanic, but we want to help you take care of your car. With that in mind, here are some tips on how to repair your leather car seats.

So... What are My Options?

Should you ask for help, or DIY works best? Take a closer look at your options.

Bring your car to an auto body shop.

You might want to consider going to the nearest auto body shop to revamp your leather car seats. Why?

It's a great option because they have all the equipment and expertise needed to give your seats a new life without causing unnecessary damage.

Besides, if you're unsure how to restore your leather car seat or don't have the right tools for the job, just leave it to an auto body shop.

But one thing to note, this kind of repair can become expensive. You can ask for a few quotes before deciding on a shop. Your car's interior may also need additional work after repairing the leather, such as replacing broken buttons or worn-out fabric.

Fix the car leather seats by yourself.

Alternatively, you can simply do it yourself at home. It can be a fun and rewarding experience!

First, it's cost-effective. With the right tools, products, and know-how, you can save time by fixing your leather seats at home. It can also save you time from taking your vehicle to the mechanic or the shop. You don't have to deal with any transportation costs and other related expenses.

This DIY project will also help you learn about how your car works! You'll know what to look for, how to fix it, and even how to prevent future problems.

But here's a gentle reminder. If you don't know what you're doing, things could go wrong pretty quickly, including damaging the leather further than necessary or causing other damage to your car. The wrong products can also do more harm than good.

This doesn't mean that you can no longer fix it alone. Our guide should help you repair cracks, scratches and other imperfections on your car seats.

 

How Do You Repair Your Car Leather Seats?

Clean the Damaged Areas

This step may seem obvious, but when you have something as valuable as an expensive set of leather seats, it is important that you get rid of all dirt and debris before doing anything else. This will help remove any dirt or debris that might interfere with the repair process.

Start by removing dust, dirt, and stains using Clyde's Leather Cleaning Foam. Get a rag or cloth, then massage the foam into the leather in circular motions. You can even make sections of your leather for easy, seamless cleaning.

Then, dry the leather surface with a towel.

DID YOU KNOW: Our leather cleaning foam works on all types of leather, whether it may be leather vinyl, faux, or suede leather. There's no need to mix or dilute the cleaner, just apply it where it’s needed.

Choose A Leather Repair Kit and Match the Color

Leather repair kits are available in many different brands and styles. Some are simple one-step solutions, while others are more complex and need to be applied over multiple steps.

So how do you choose the right repair kit? You should consider these things:

  • Is it easy to use? If it requires mixing or heating up, it's probably not for you. You want a simple and easy-to-use repair kit.
  • Is it good quality? If it's cheap and flimsy, then you're going to be disappointed with the results. Look for high-quality brands like Clyde's, where you get all the tools and products you need for your DIY project. We offer several types of kits based on what our customers need.
  • Is it easy to match color? Some kits only come in one color, which means that if you have a car with two-tone seats, you won't be able to use them. There are also a few brands that only offer limited color selections.

DID YOU KNOW: Clyde's Leather Recoloring Balm originally offered 14 shades, but we have expanded our color range due to popular demand. Now, we offer 19 shades, so there's a color to match every interior!

Clyde's Leather Recoloring Balm comes with a color chart with various colors and shades to choose from. Match the color as closely as possible to your original leather seat color. Or better yet, you can buy a darker or lighter shade to mix with the closest shade to your seats, so you can create a more accurate color.

2016 Corvette red leather seats

Recognize the Type of Leather (Absorbent or Non-Absorbent)

But before you use a balm to recolor your leather seats, you need to figure out the type of leather you're using.

Is it absorbent or non-absorbent?

Being absorbent means the seat soaks up liquids and stains, while non-absorbent is its counterpart.

Simply put a few drops of water on your seat to figure out whether it absorbs or not. If it does, then you can move to the next step. If not, you need to use Clyde's Leather Prep and Deglaze.

Dab cotton balls in the preparing solution and rub in circular motions until the damaged area becomes absorbent. Avoid contact with your skin and wear gloves while doing this step.

Use a Recoloring Balm to Conceal Imperfections

Now for the fun part: recoloring time!

First off, make sure that your leather is completely dry before applying the balm. Then, apply a small amount of the balm to your leather using the application sponge that came in the package.

Massage the balm in circular motions. Then repeat this step until you've matched your desired color and concealed hints of imperfections.

DID YOU KNOW: You may need to apply multiple layers of balm for best results. Simply allow the balm to cure for an hour between each coat until you're happy with the results.

Once you have applied the last coat, wait for the balm to cure for 24-36 hours before using the leather again.

Condition the Leather Seats

Leather seats are a premium part of any car, but they can be prone to dryness and cracking. A leather conditioner is the best way to restore your seats' original luster.

After recoloring and allowing it to cure, use Clyde's Leather Conditioning Cream on your seats. Massage the conditioner into the leather using circular motions. It doesn’t need to dry, but it may take a couple of hours to absorb fully. 

conditioned leather car seats in black

How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Leather Car Seat?

There are many ways to repair a leather car seat, but the question is, how much does it cost? It depends on the type of seat and the amount of damage. In general, you may spend $20-$200 if you'll revamp your leather seats on your own. And you might have to prepare $200 and more for professional repairs.

Considering pros and cons of each option, choose the one that suits your budget and needs.

What Results Should I Expect from DIY Leather Car Seat Repair?

DIY leather car seat repair can have a lot of upsides: It's cheaper, you can do it yourself, and you can customize the repair to match your car's interior.

At Clyde's, we know how important it is to keep your car looking great, especially if you love the convenience of driving. So here are a couple of how-to DIY guides that should help you manage your expectations.

Key Takeaway

Going the DIY route will take some time and patience, but you shouldn't have any trouble doing it. You just need to know what to do and why.

Leather car seats are one of the better investments you can make in a car. They're durable, comfortable, and stylish, but not having them repaired could lead to more costly problems down the line. So, simply take care of them and they'll last for sure!

But once you spend time and money on repairs, DIY leather car seat repair will surely take some time and patience. You shouldn't have any trouble doing it as long as you have the tools and products. We hope this article is helpful, and if you have any questions, feel free to comment below!

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