You’re tired of looking at the scratches on your leather car seats. They’ve been there for months, and you just can’t seem to get them out! And you’re starting to wonder if the scratches can be removed.
Many different methods can be used to remove scuffs and scratches, but some methods are more effective than others.
In the end, there is no perfect solution. But I have learned a few techniques that have provided consistent results.
Scuffs and scratches in leather are easily repaired with DIY kits that use resin to fill in the missing areas of leather. The resin is then sanded to a smooth layer so that the matching color can be applied and properly sealed to prevent dye transfer.
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Can You Get Scratches Out Of a Leather Car Seat?
Leather car seats have a clear coat sealant that acts as a protective layer for the leather. So for most minor scratches are only on the surface of the protective coat and can be removed with a mild abrasive.
However, deeper scratches penetrate the clear coat layer sealant layer. A filler is required to replace the areas devoid of leather, followed by reapplication of the sealant layer.
Ways to Repair and Get Scratches Out of Leather Car Seats
Techniques For Scuffs and Light Scratches
A light abrasive is perfect for scratches that have not completely penetrated the protective sealant layer of the leather seat.
So how do you know if the scratch is a light scratch or a deep one? The best way to lightly sand the area with a 300 – 500 grit piece of sandpaper. And when I say lightly…I do mean lightly. Make sure that you are only sanding the area over the scratch. If the scratch is gone after a light sanding, you know that you were dealing more with a scuff that scraped the surface of the protective layer.
You can breathe a sigh of relief because you just dodge a headache. 😌
If the scratch is still visible, you’re dealing with a deeper scratch that requires a little more work.
Move on to the next section.
Technique For Removing Deep Scratches
For deep scratches, the missing leather will need to be replaced with a filler. A resin-like filler is the best filler for scratches that penetrate the protective sealant layer of the leather seat.
Super Glue Method
The super glue method is one of my favorite ways to repair small scratches and small holes in leather quickly. I have an entire article that goes into how this method is used to repair leather steering wheels. The same techniques can be applied to leather seats.
Make sure you have completed the steps above for removing light scratches.
- Clean the area with 50% or 70% alcohol
- Use a needle to apply super glue to the ripped area.
- Sand the super glue to smooth the surface
- Feel the area. If it’s smooth move on to adding paint and a sealant
- For deeper scratches apply super glue to the scratch, and pour some baking soda on top of the glue.
- The baking soda and super glue combo forms a thicker filler
- Sand the area, add paint and the sealant to prevent color transfer
Boot Polish
I have to admit that an auto enthusiast recommended this technique. The method worked for him, so I’m sure it could work for you as well.
- Mix black boot polish with a leather wax balm in a small container
- Spread the mixture over the scratches
- Allow a dry time of at least an hour
- Apply a sealant to prevent the polish from transferring.
You can substitute any color boot polish for this method.
Professional Repair
You can always call a professional to repair your car’s leather seats. But be ready to pay upwards of $200+ for the repair.
It may sound like a huge price, but I have seen professionals charge up to $500 for some leather repairs! So this shouldn’t even be an afterthought in your mind.
The biggest benefit of using a professional is the color matching capabilities. I’m pretty sure that almost anyone could use some sandpaper, glue, and a little baking soda to repair leather seat scratches.
The problem comes in color matching. I’m going to get into come kits commonly used to repair leather car seat scratches, but the biggest complaint from most people is matching the colors.
And even when the color is matched correctly, I often hear people complaining that the dye/paint rubbed off their clothes. And this happens because the sealant was applied correctly or the wrong sealant was used.
The professional will always use the best materials and processes available to the trade. If you go the professional route, just remember that you are paying for a piece of mind.
The best way to find a professional to repair scratches on your leather car seat is to contact your local dealership. The dealership will be able to make the repairs or refer you to the company that does leather repairs for them.
I had to call around for a while to find a company to do automobile leather repairs for me. And although it took some, I won’t have to do it again.
Best Ways to Remove Dog and Cat Scratches From Leather Seats
Scratches on leather car seats produced by dogs, cats, or any other pets are best treated professionally or with the super glue method. Animal scratches tend to penetrate the protective sealant layer and require an extensive amount of filling to repair.
The best way to remove dog and cat scratches from leather seats is to test various products and procedures on an inconspicuous area before applying the method to the entire car seat.
You will want to be careful with how much pressure you use and make sure that you are using a product designed specifically for your type of leather.
Can Leather Car Seat Scratches Be Covered?
Sometimes the scratch is in an area that is not very visible, and it might not be worth it to spend a lot of time, money, and energy getting it repaired. In this situation, it might be better to cover the leather with a cloth or patch.
If you have a small scratch or dent in your leather car seat, all you need is some super glue and a piece of cloth to cover the area while the glue dries. It’s a method commonly used for furniture.
I think it’s a suitable method, but it might be kind of an eyesore if it were easily visible.
If your really bold you can do the unspeakable…gasp…get a car seat cover.
Don’t tell anyone I suggested that.
What Kits Are Commonly Use To Repair Leather?
As a leather crafter, I enjoy doing a lot of this stuff on my own. But I know everyone is not like me. So I have listed the easiest to use kits while also providing close to professional results…granted you use them correctly.
Coconix Leather Repair
This is probably the best DIY kit on the market for filling in scratches. It comes with everything needed to correct minor scratches, but the most challenging aspect of this product is the color matching.
FORTIVO Black Leather and Vinyl Repair
The Fortivo leather repair kit is made of high quality, super-fast drying repair adhesive compound that will help repair scratches, cut, cracks, and animal damage. It works on all leather surfaces, including genuine leather, synthetic,bycast, faux, and more. It’s priced under $25. It’s kind of hard to beat at a price this low. And guess what? If these kits don’t work, you can always have the seats repaired professionally.
