Never Throw Furniture Away Again with Leather Upholstery!
Leather upholstery is on a class of its own especially when it comes to cleaning and repairs. While it is easy to assume that any type of upholstery can be cleaned through DIY method, leather is too great a risk to DIY. When it comes to restoration procedures, leather is not like other fabrics or materials. A small mistake can result in permanent damages. Leather is a very beautiful, long-lasting, and elegant quality material. No wonder many stylish homes have leather furniture in their collection. However, it can also suffer from damages through years of use. These damages include scratches, discoloration, body oil stains, brittleness, fade, and loss of supple texture. Restoration of a furniture piece damaged through time and years of use can be difficult, albeit possible. There are certified furniture technicians who are equipped for the job.
What Happens During Leather Upholstery Repair?
The initial step when repairing upholstery leather is cleaning. Because of its naturally absorbent quality, it quickly absorbs body oils. The color and beauty of leather hides can be affected when sweat comes in contact with it. This and other elements can cause a stain on leather or tanned hide. For this reason, professional cleaners perform a cleaning process. This involves vacuuming to get rid of loose dirt to keep these from scratching the furniture in the repair process. The repair technicians wash the upholstery with water and a gentle detergent. As soon as the leather is clean, technicians may start the repair procedure. They use a certain technique when dealing with discoloration, punctures, and scratches.
Initial Treatment
The surface of the leather upholstery is treated with a special abrasion procedure. This is to remove the discoloration and to achieve evenness in terms of texture and color. If there are stains from body oils, some technicians will use a unique absorbent compound to soak up the oil. During this process, the compound turns thick which makes it easy to remove, carrying the oils along with it. This may be a repetitive procedure and drying may last for a few hours. It is, however, the most effective way to remove oily material.
Repair of Scratches and Punctures
After the initial treatment, another unique compound will be generously applied to the area needing repair. This compound works like a tough putty and it fills out punctures and scratches. Upon drying, repair experts abrade the area to even out the area. The leather is then dyed with a color that matches the rest of the furniture. Although this is a long process, it is a very effective technique that results in a seamless output. On another note, fine leather handbags are also cleaned and repaired by hand using a similar process.
Coating and Conditioning
The final part of the repair process involves color coating the upholstery. They will apply a thin layer of coating to cover the whole damaged part. Once completely dry, subsequent coats follow. This will add color and thickness to the damaged area, giving leather another lease in life. This coat will also finish leather with a protective coat that also conditions. It makes leather soft again and ready to use.
Without a doubt, leather furniture offers a stylish means to provide both functionality and comfort. No matter how careful you are, damages happen due to accidents and regular use. In case you purchased a used furniture with leather, know that it can be repaired by experts to make the finishing look new again. Ask for sample works to get an idea on the final outcome of a repair project. This will ensure you with the right level of expectation.