Do Leather Sofas Peel?
Is your leather sofa starting to peel? Are you wondering if a leather sofa will peel if you buy one? While a leather sofa is trusted for its durability and easy-to-clean features, there are various questions tied to its maintenance and quality preservation.
Whether you plan to shop for a leather sofa in Singapore or are searching for information on how to maintain your existing leather couch, we’ll try to answer some important questions regarding leather sofa peeling. We’ll also look into some tips to help you with your leather sofa maintenance.
Can a Leather Sofa Peel?
The answer is both yes and no, depending on the type of leather used to create your couch. Genuine leather sofas are highly sophisticated and durable, especially when thoughtfully taken care of. In fact, they develop a patina that adds to their beauty as they age. However, although genuine leather is a stylish and durable material, it will still require some regular upkeep and moisturising to prevent it from drying out.
Technically, a genuine leather sofa made from pure, high-quality leather will not peel but may start losing its lustre if not properly moisturised. Peeling may also be caused by exposure to direct sunlight and the quality of the products used to treat the leather. This is also true for armchairs, recliners, dining chairs, and office chairs that are made from the same material quality.
Bonded leather and faux leather, on the other hand, are more susceptible to peeling.
Bonded leather is a less expensive type of leather made from genuine leather scraps that have been bonded with a polyurethane material. This mimics the feel of a fully authentic genuine leather couch, but it won’t present the same flexibility and durability that the former has. Because of the presence of synthetic materials, bonded leather sofas are more likely to peel than genuine leather couches.
A faux leather sofa is another cheaper furniture variety that mimics the look of a genuine leather sofa but offers a different feel and less endurance. Ultimately, a faux leather sofa will peel and degrade faster than a bonded or genuine leather couch.
Can You Fix a Peeling Leather Couch?
Thankfully, there are some measures that you can follow to treat your peeling sofa. If you notice minor peeling on your sofa, we highly recommend working on it immediately. Note that the treatment will differ depending on the type of leather used for your sofa. Bonded and faux leather couches will be harder to treat than genuine leather sofas.
How to Repair a Leather Sofa?
A simple way to hide the problem is by using a leather recoloring balm. This will conceal minor leather peeling but will not completely resolve the problem. To thoroughly fix the damage, follow these steps.
- Remove dust and dirt from your genuine leather sofa using a vacuum cleaner or a clean cloth.
- Use a leather repair kit to fix the problem. This comes with cleaning and repair tools to address the problem.
- Use a leather prepping solution to prepare your leather couch for treatment. This will help you remove the peeling leather parts before you proceed with the next step.
- Apply rubbing alcohol to your leather sofa and wait for it to be absorbed.
- Apply a leather binder to strengthen the leather material. Add more layers until you get your desired result, but make sure to dry out each layer before applying the next one.
- Fill the cracks with leather filler. Smooth it out using a small spatula, and let it dry for a couple of hours.
- Smooth the surface with sandpaper and wipe off the residue.
- Apply some colourant and follow the colour of your couch. You can apply more layers until you find the right colour for your couch. You may use a sponge or an airbrush for this process.
- Finally, apply some leather finish to strengthen your leather sofa!
How to Take Care of a Genuine Leather Sofa
A leather sofa is a significant investment that you ought to enjoy for a very long time. To ensure that you’ll make the most of this sophisticated furniture, you should take care of your leather sofa the right way. To maintain its best quality, clean your leather sofa at least once a week to prevent it from wearing out due to dirt and stains. You may wipe your sofa with a damp cloth to remove dust, but make sure not to soak your leather sofa in water. Let your sofa dry naturally after cleaning.
Use a specialised conditioner to keep the supple feel of your leather sofa and prevent it from becoming dehydrated and cracked. You may also use a leather cleaning kit to make sure that you have the right products to condition your leather couch.
Make sure to position your sofa away from direct sunlight to avoid cracking. Buff your sofa regularly to keep its shine and prevent it from looking tired and old. Like a regular fabric sofa, you can also fluff the cushions of your leather sofa to maintain its best shape.
Conclusion
Leather sofas are elegant and durable options that can significantly transform your interior design. The first step to taking care of this excellent furniture is to follow the regular steps to preserve its quality. If you are already dealing with a peeling leather sofa, you may try to use a leather repair kit at home or ask for a professional repair service.