How to Fix a Peeling Faux Leather Couch?

A faux leather couch may not be genuine as natural leather. Still, it has a visual appeal that makes your living area attractive. The problem is it may peel or crack easily or in years.

On the other hand, you may restore your faux leather couch that may look new again. Besides, you can save money and time as there is no need to replace it right away.

Here are some ways on how to fix a peeling faux leather couch. Read on to see which one can work the best for you!

Table of Contents

How to Stop Faux Leather Couch Peeling
Why Do Bonded Leather Crack and Peel?
Conclusion

How to Stop Faux Leather Couch Peeling

Method 1: Apply Interior Latex Paint

Using interior latex paint can stop faux leather from peeling. This paint is used in some furniture at home or office. It is water-based and formulated with vinyl resins, acrylic, or a combination of both.

The paint comes in glossy, semi-gloss, and flat finish. You may choose the one that blends with the finish of your faux leather sofa. Also, this paint can keep up much wear and tear.

What you need for this method to stop leather couch from peeling:

Interior latex paint
Ultra-fine sanding sponge
Paint tray
Paint roller
Fine-grit sandingpaper
Paste wax
Powder brush
Microfiber cloth

You may follow the steps on how to apply the interior latex paint for a quick peeling leather couch repair.

Step 1: Peel only the loose faux leather on your sofa carefully. Then, get an ultra-fine sanding sponge and polish the uneven bubbles and edges.
Step 2: Once the damaged area is leveled, you may apply the interior latex paint. Be sure that you choose a paint color similar to your couch leather color.
Step 3: Fill your tray with the paint and get a paint roller. Soak it on the paint and apply a coat on the leveled faux leather and the exposed soft fabric.
Step 4: Let the interior latex paint dry completely. It may take up to several hours or 24 hours.
Step 5: Once the paint is dried, you may gently level the paint until it becomes smooth. Use an ultra-fine sanding sponge or sandpaper. Also, remove the dust with a clean microfiber cloth.
Step 6: Next, repeat the painting process up to four times. Do not forget to level the paint every time you apply the interior latex paint.
Keep the process until the damaged area looks smooth, even with your existing faux leather.
Step 7: Then, apply a paste wax until it becomes polished and rub out using a microfiber cloth until it is absorbed. Let it dry for 20 minutes.

You may also use talcum or baby powder to dry the wax faster. You may dredge the powder using a powder brush.

Method 2: Using a Leather Filler

Another way to prevent faux leather from peeling is using a leather filler. It repairs peels, holes, and cracks on leather, including faux leather.

It is an easy way to fix peeling pleather couch. It is an air-drying compound, water-based, and sandable with adhesion properties. It also comes in various colors.

What you need to prepare for this method:

Leather filler
Scissors
Putty knife
Microfiber cloth
A dampened cloth

Here are the steps to apply a leather filler:

Step 1: Wet a piece of clean cloth and wipe the sofa to make the peeling easier.
Step 2: Remove the flakes or warp faux leather on your sofa using scissors. Do it correctly so you will not remove the leather that is still undamaged.
Step 3: Apply the leather filler using a putty knife to the damaged area. Use a small amount of filler at a time.
Step 4: Use a microfiber cloth to remove excess filler. But, be careful not to take out the filler on the affected areas.
Step 5: Smoothen the leather filler with a putty knife. It must be even to your existing faux leather.
Step 6: Let the agent cure for about 25 minutes. Do not touch the filler while curing.
Step 7: Once the leather filler is dried, apply the second coat. Then, repeat steps 3 to 5.

Method 3: Making Use of Vinyl Repair Kit

A vinyl repair kit fixes rips or holes on vinyl materials, and leather, such as faux leather. It can also fix fake leather couch peeling. You may purchase it online or in a fabric or upholstery store.

This faux leather couch repair kit comes in different colors, such as red, yellow, white, black, and blue. It requires a heat setting to dry the paint.

You need the following materials for this method:

Vinyl repair kit
Color mixing chart
A container for mixing colors
Stick for mixing
A soft brush
Textured paper that looks like a leather
A heating tool
A burner on a stove

Here are the instructions on how to use the kit to repair bonded leather sofa peeling:

Step 1: Purchase a peeling leather sofa repair kit with 7 to 10 paint colors. Also, choose the one with textured paper, a brush, a color mixing chart, and a heating tool.
Step 2: Using the color mixing chart, mix the paint with the same color as your faux leather sofa.

Also, get some containers you can use for mixing colors and a stick for mixing the colors.

Step 3: Once you have the correct shade, apply the paint to the damaged area using a brush. Extend the paint to the edge of the leather to help it seal better.
Step 4: Get the textured paper that looks like leather and put it onto the paint. It is optional. But, for a more smooth repair, you may use textured paper.
Step 5: Take the heating tool and heat it on the burner of your stove. Put the heat tool onto the paper for about two minutes.

Spread the heat evenly by moving the heat tool. Once done, remove the paper away. The paint is dried when you apply the heat.

Step 6: Repeat steps 4 and 5 until the affected area is restored. You may also apply another coat of paint if the damage is still visible. Then, redo the process.

Why Do Bonded Leather Crack and Peel?

Bonded leather is a kind of faux leather derived from a plastic base. And treated with polyurethane, wax, and dye for added texture, color, and simulation of leather.

Because of these components, faux leather may crack and peel in time, unlike genuine leather. The good news is the above ways can remove peeling faux leather, making it appealing again.

Here are other reasons why bonded leather cracks and peels:

Bonded leather is mainly made from scrap leather and bound by a tough adhesive with a polyurethane finish. After prolonged use, the scrap leather may fall, causing peels. And even the polyurethane may not last long.
Perspirations and oils from our body may cause peels to leather. It is because they are made from enzymes, salts, and acids that can change the pH level of leather.
Faux leather may peel when it is stretched. A couch is prone to stretch once you sit on it always.
Not cleaning the faux leather sofa may also cause peels and flakes. The dirt may give abrasion on your leather sofa leading to peels.
Exposing your faux leather sofa to direct sunlight may also cause peels.
Wrong cleaners with harsh chemicals may also lead to peeling.

Conclusion

Faux leather is easier to maintain than real leather. And it gives you a feeling of natural leather. On the other hand, it is vulnerable to cracks and peels.

To remedy this problem, you may do any of the above methods on how to fix a peeling faux leather couch. It will bring back the beauty and appeal of your faux leather sofa. Also, you can save a lot of money.