As mobile upholsterers we specialise in the repair of leather sofa problems using the most advanced products in the industry.
The leather Expert is a specialist in furniture restoration of worn, tired, cracked and even torn leather upholstery.
Leather sofas and chairs are intensively cleaned and seat cushions and car interiors are restored to new.
Leather feels sticky
WHAT (is this)
When leather feels tacky and you stick to it – In most cases the top protection finish has worn off.
WHY (does this occur)
This problem occurs with furniture that is usually over a year old. Also a chemical transferred from clothes or just in the air (Air fresheners) can result in a tacky leather surface. Most common with “Bi-cast” hides, which are usually brown. (They can turn dark with patches on the problematic areas.)
HOW (to rectify)
We have successfully resolved this problem on many occasions. In most cases a cheaper option is to resurface the leather. This involves stripping back the top surface and then applying a durable, flexible pigment colour matched to the existing surrounding leather panels. Alternatively the affected leather panels can be replaced with brand new colour/aged matched leather.
Leather peeling off
WHAT (is this)
The top finish and or colour lifting off.
WHY (does this occur)
This is the most common on the back cushion of the sofa/chair where your head is positioned. Contaminants, hair products and natural oils in the skin/hair can cause the top finish and or colour to peel off. (This can occur anywhere on your furniture where you come into contact with it.)
HOW (to rectify)
We have successfully resolved this problem on many occasions. In most cases a cheaper option is to resurface the leather. This involves stripping back the top surface and then applying a durable, flexible pigment colour matched to the existing surrounding leather panels. Alternatively the affected leather panels can be replaced with brand new colour/aged matched leather.
Cleaned & colour come off
WHAT (is this)
Top finish and or colour broken down and lifting off.
WHY (does this occur)
This problem is most common with 2-tone suites (sofas consisting of two colours also called mottled – Not 1 block shade of colour). The top surface is removed exposing a different colour underneath. Contaminates in the air such as air fresheners and natural oils in the skin/hair can cause this breakdown.
HOW (to rectify)
The affected areas are cleaned and prepped. The two colours are matched and blended to recreate the effect of the existing finish on the surrounding leather panels.
Leather changed colour
WHAT (is this)
Leather that changed colour is a breakdown of the finish (top coat sealant) or colour. Sunlight can also be a factor. Dye from clothes is another reason.
2-tone sofas consist of 2 colours (see section “cleaned and colour come off”)
The change of colour is the undercoat being exposed due to the top coat being rubbed off. Bicast hides turn black due to top finish breaking down. Sunlight can bleach leather furniture – causing colour change. Dye from clothes (mostly jeans) scatter cushions and throw overs can transfer from the fabric onto leather.
HOW (to rectify)
All the affected areas are cleaned and prepped, the colour is mixed and matched to finish on the surrounding leather panels. The repairs and finishes are strong, flexible and permanent. Your furniture can be used as if new.
Leather tear getting worse
WHAT (is this)
Leather that splits or tears (usually with no explanation) and continues to tear. In most cases looks very fibrous. Bicast or split hides.
WHY (does this occur)
This problem is mostly common with bicast leather. This is shiny in appearance and in most cases brown. When this type of hide wears it turns black (see section “leather changed colour“).
HOW (to rectify)
We have successfully resolved this problem on many occasions. In most cases a cheaper option is to resurface the leather. This involves stripping back the top surface and then applying a durable, flexible, pigment colour matched to the surrounding existing leather panels. Alternatively the affected leather panels can be replaced with brand new colour/aged matched leather.
Tear along seam
WHAT (is this)
Commonly mistaken for stitching coming undone. A split along the seam line – perforated.
WHY (does this occur)
When there is a tear along the seam line in most cases this is because vinyl has been used in place of leather. (Sometimes described as leather match) Also this is common on older furniture (over 3-4 years) where the leather on the stitching holes grin (becomes elongated). Contaminants get drawn into the raw leather, sponge like, weakening the seam line until it tears.
HOW (to rectify)
If there is some “play” in the affected panels hand stitching is an option. However if hand stitching is not possible the affected panels can be replaced with brand new leather. Colour and aged matched to the surrounding panels of your furniture.
Bubble in leather
WHAT (is this)
This is when the colour/finish top surface separates and lifts off from the leather itself.
WHY (does this occur)
This is the most common with bicast leathers. Bicast has a polyurethane top surface, when bubbles and crinkling effect appears the top surface has separate from the underside. (Floating polyurethane)
HOW (to rectify)
We have successfully resolved this problem on many occasions. In most cases a cheaper option is to resurface the leather. This involves stripping back the top surface and then applying a durable, flexible, pigment colour matched to the surrounding existing leather panels. Alternatively the affected leather panels can be replaced with brand new colour/aged matched leather.
Spillage on leather
WHAT (is this)
When spills occur leather colour can fade, discolour or be stripped completely.
WHY (does this occur)
Although leather is very durable and hardwearing, when certain contaminants come into contact with the leathers top coat sealant they can have an adverse effect and cause a breakdown. If the contaminant is strong enough this won’t only strip the top coat but also the pigment (paint colouring on your furniture).
HOW (to rectify)
We have successfully resolved this problem on many occasions. In most cases a cheaper option is to resurface the leather. This involves stripping back the top surface and then applying a durable, flexible, pigment colour matched to the surrounding existing leather panels. Alternatively the affected leather panels can be replaced with brand new colour/aged matched leather.
Cracked/Brittle leather
WHAT (is this)
Leather becomes cracked and brittle, the top surface and pigment has dried out, if caught early enough before contaminants impregnate the hide itself repairs are successful and very strong!
WHY (does this occur)
The hide has sustained heavy or long term wear. Heat from radiators and the sun can also be factors causing leather to crack and become brittle.
HOW (to rectify)
We have successfully resolved this problem on many occasions. In most cases a cheaper option is to resurface the leather. This involves stripping back the top surface and then applying a durable, flexible, pigment colour matched to the surrounding existing leather panels. Alternatively the affected leather panels can be replaced with brand new colour/aged matched leather.
Leather stretched/Creased
WHAT (is this)
Leather can stretch and crease mainly on seating areas. This can occur anywhere. If leather stretches to the point where it creases and even folds wear can occur resulting in colour loss.
WHY (does this occur)
Leather on wearing areas such as seats, arms and back cushions can stretch as a result of the internal cushions (foam or fibre interiors) degrading, shrinking, softening and flattening. On seating areas, springs and elasticated webbing can wear and slacken causing the cushions to drop and the leather consequently to stretched.
HOW (to rectify)
All affected areas can be re-padded by either adding extra padding to existing padding or “making up” to size and fitting brand new cushions (foam or fibre interiors). Springs and webbing can be tightened/replaced. Sometimes panels can be “heat massaged” to tighten slack leather. All leather damaged through stretching can be repaired.
Can’t clean leather
WHAT (is this)
When leather can’t be cleaned because of ground in dirt or spillages.
WHY (does this occur)
In most cases the top finish has been stripped off or worn off. The pigment is the exposed which is porous and will “grab” everyday soiling.
HOW (to rectify)
The leather is stripped back and prepped. The pigment is then colour matched to the original colour of your furniture. The colour is then applied to all areas of the furniture in layers. Building up the layers until all the darker worn soiled areas are restored to the original depth of colour and the coverage is even throughout. A sealant top coat is then applied. Brilliant results even with the oldest tattiest of sofas.
Ink on leather
WHAT (is this)
Ink, marker pen and dye in most cases can’t be removed or cleaned off of leather.
WHY (does this occur)
Ink penetrates through the top coat. To remove the pen would mean removing the top coat! Once the top coat is erased exposing pigment (colouring), the pigment will be very unstable. This will wear very quickly.
HOW (to rectify)
All the affected areas are cleaned and prepped, the colour is mixed and matched to finish on the surrounding leather panels. The repairs and finishes are strong, flexible and permanent. Your furniture can be used as if new!
Dark patch on leather
WHAT (is this)
Natural oils from hair and skin penetrate the top finish and saturate the leather (contamination). This will appear as a darker patch. The pigment can peel.
WHY (does this occur)
When the top finish is weak from poor manufacturing or every day wear, natural body oils and contaminants impregnate the porous hide, in a sponge like affect. This problem is mostly common with men which have very short hair (shaved or bald heads). Contamination can occur anywhere on your furniture where you come into contact with it. But most common is where your head would be positioned, laying or sitting. Dark patches or pigment peeling is apparent.
HOW (to rectify)
We have successfully resolved this problem on many occasions. In most cases a cheaper option is to resurface the leather. This involves stripping back the top surface and then applying a durable, flexible pigment colour matched to the existing surrounding leather panels. Alternatively the affected leather panels can be replaced with brand new colour/aged matched leather.
Seats uncomfortable
WHAT (is this)
Too soft, too hard, sunk, arms dented.
WHY (does this occur)
Seat foam interiors, back cushions and arm pads lose resilience causing furniture to become very uncomfortable and unsightly.
HOW (to rectify)
Additional padding can be added or replacement foams/interiors can be cut to size, supplied and fitted for your specification.
