You’ve had that leather jacket or bag, have you ever taken a look at it and cringed at how the little scratches seem to appear out of nowhere? It’s frustrating, right? Scratches can spoil the look of leather, and it’s one material that gets better with age. We understand if you’re wondering what to do, to keep your leather as beautiful as the day you bought it, we’ve got you covered. Here, this guide tackles everything it takes to break down every kind of leather scratches from lightweight surface marks to those very deep, difficult-to-remove grooves. Using a few household items and a little bit of patience, you will be able to fix your leather goods up nicely!
Step-by-Step Guide to Fixing Leather Scratches
This guide will guide you through the steps to fix the leather scratches on your handbags, jackets and the others. These methods can clean and condition, buff and polish depending on the type of leather, and the severity of scratch, to keep your leather things looking beautiful for years.
Step 1: Evaluate the Scratch
Check to see how bad the scratch is before you dive into any repair. Light scratches on leather are pretty much easy to repair with a few ingredients you may get in your kitchen whereas deeper scratches may require some unique treatments.
For Light Scratches
If the scratch is a lightly and shallower side, first of all, clean the leather surface. Mix a little mild soap with water, dampen a microfiber cloth with that mix and wipe over the scratch gently. If the leather is dirty, clean it first and then put on a leather conditioner to the scratch and massage it in a circular motion. It helps leather keep its moisture and softness. Allow it to dry naturally, or use a leather-safe marker and blend the color of the scratched area if required.
For Deeper Scratches
A little more work is needed for deeper scratches. Clean the leather as described above and begin. Secondly, use a colorless shoe polish which you can apply directly to the scratched area Allowing time for the polish to fill in the scratch will help to smooth the scratch. If you can still see the scratch, mix a little of the polish with some leather conditioner and apply again. Perhaps, a leather marker can help hide the scratch.
Step 2: Clean and Prep the Leather
Whatever the scratch, always clean the leather first. Scratches look worse with dust and grime over them, and they get in the way, so it’s better to remove the dust and grime. For most leather, a simple soap and water solution will do the trick. Don’t use an abrasive material like a towel or a paper napkin as using this will cause further scratches, so use a microfiber cloth.
Step 3: Use Leather Conditioner on Light Scratches
Leather conditioner is the best solution for minor leather scratches. Softening the leather and improving the appearance of light scratching, conditioners tend to add shine. All you have to do is just dab a little of it onto some cloth and work it into the leather in gentle circles until you rub away the stains.
Step 4: Buff and Polish
Once you apply conditioner, it’s time to buff. Use a dry, clean cloth to buff the area gently. This evens out any treatment you’ve already done while allowing the natural shine to come through. For extra luster and scratch protection, you can also use a leather-safe polish or wax too.
Repairing Deep Scratches on Leather
However, deep scratches are tough to fix, but still possible. Here’s how to tackle them:
Step 5: Apply Colorless Shoe Polish
For deeper marks, apply a colorless shoe polish directly onto the scratch. It fills the gap and helps blend the scratch into the leather. Then let it dry.
Step 6: Combine Shoe Polish and Leather Conditioner
If you still see the scratch, put a little of your shoe polish and your leather conditioner together. It also adds extra moisture and gives a more seamless look.
Step 7: Use a Marker for Final Touches
If needed, finish with a leather-safe marker of your leather color to touch up the scratch. The repaired area blends with the surrounding leather so perfectly.
Special Care for Nubuck and Suede
Two of the most delicate leather types are suede and nubuck. They are easily messed up with water but very prone to scratching.
Step 8: Clean Carefully
Gently rub dirt off a scratched surface by using a pencil eraser. It is never a good idea to clean nubuck or suede with water because it will likely ruin the fabric. Dry cleaning is important for these types of leather.
Step 9: Buff with a Soft Brush
Buff the scratch when the leather is clean to lift the fibers and return the leather texture with a soft brush, such as a toothbrush. This works quite well on smaller scratches.
Step 10: Apply Suede-Safe Conditioner
Check if there’s a conditioner for suede available. Use in small, circular motion over the scratch and it will smooth and renew the surface.
FAQs About Leather Scratch Repair
Can leather scratches be removed?
While most scratches can be removed with a leather conditioner, shoe polish, or marker, the depth of the scratch and the type of leather determine whether they can be removed.
How do you fix deep scratches on leather?
Colorless shoe polish, leather conditioner and even a marker may have to be used depending on the depth of the deep leather scratches that want to be treated.
How does Vaseline help fix scratched leather?
In some cases, Vaseline can be used to get rid of minor scratches by moisturizing the leather. Yet, unlike many others, it may not be effective for deep scratches.
How do you fill in scratches on leather?
Clean off the leather first, then use a leather-safe marker for light scratches or a combination of condition and polish for more deep marks.
How to remove scratches from shiny leather?
Clean shiny leather gently with a damp cloth, apply a leather conditioner and buff it until it regains its gloss.
Conclusion
Repairing leather scratches can be easier than you think. By using a leather conditioner, colorless shoe polish, and even a marker, you don’t need too many expensive pricy items to revive your leather goods. It doesn’t matter if it’s a light scratch or a deeper one, these steps will keep your leather as shiny and good as new. You need to always remember a few things before choosing to repair your scratched leather – clean the leather first, examine the scratch, and then choose the right repair method. Using a bit of time and care, your leather bags, jackets and similar items will continue to look sharp for years to come.
Don’t stress the next time you see a scratch on your leather products. Follow this guide to repair them and keep them looking spectacular!
