Despite your best efforts to protect your leather, your valuable and heavily-used leather apparel and furniture can be damaged. Because leather can bond to itself, there are simple techniques that you can use to repair unsightly scratches.
While the blemish of a scratched leather couch or jacket may seem permanent, many scratches can be fixed or at the very least diminished. Leather is a very versatile and resilient material. Here is how to remove scratches from leather in three easy steps.
3 steps for leather scratch repair
1. Contact the manufacturer
The first step for repairing a scratch is to contact the manufacturer of your leather accessory, apparel, or furniture. Manufacturers often have special instructions and advice that can help you with your specific piece. Not all leathers are the same, so it is helpful to identify the type of leather you're working with.
2. Inspect the scratch
Once you know what the manufacturer recommends, it's time to assess the scratched leather. Light leather scratches and deep leather scratches each require their own unique approach.
3. Address the scratch
While there is no guarantee that you can remove a deep scratch, these steps can help you try to repair and lessen the appearance of the damage.
Light scratches: If the leather product is only lightly-scratched, a standard treatment of Leather Honey Leather Conditioner is in order. As always, be sure to test the product in an inconspicuous area before applying fully. If the leather responds well, use a cotton swab to apply the Leather Honey Leather Conditioner directly to the scratch. Once the scratch is addressed, apply the conditioner to the entire product in a thin, even coat. Allow the leather to air dry for at least two hours, and up to 24. Do not expose the scratched leather to any direct heat or sunlight.
If the scratch is still visible after the conditioner is dried, you can attempt to dye it using a polish or dye that matches the shade of the leather. As always, be sure to test the polish on a small, hidden area before proceeding. Apply the polish or dye to the scratch with a clean cotton swab and then quickly rub the scratch with a clean, lint-free cloth. You can repeat these coating and buffing steps until you reach the desired color.
Deep scratches: If the leather is scratched deeply, you'll want to start with a good, non-toxic leather cleaner, like our Leather Honey Leather Cleaner. It will help get any grime or debris out of the scratches. Dab the scratched leather and gently wipe away any dirt.
Once the leather is dry, take some colorless shoe polish and gently rub it into the area. When the polish is rubbed into the scratched leather, let it dry once again. Then, use Leather Honey Leather Conditioner to help replenish and preserve the leather.
How to repair scratched suede
Suede is different than other forms of leather. If your scratched leather is suede or nubuck, your best bet is to first use a suede eraser to buff out the scuff or scratch. After that, use a suede brush to add the texture back to the suede and remove any additional dirt. Finally, use Leather Honey Suede & Nubuck Cleaner.
More to Know About How to Remove Scratches From Leather
Some common questions people have about scratched leather repair.
Can you get scratches out of leather?
Yes, most of the time you can get scratches out of leather. You will need a clean, lint-free cloth, leather cleaner and conditioner and perhaps some shoe polish.
Does olive oil repair scratched leather?
We do not recommend using olive oil on leather products, as it can lead to mold and bacteria build-up.
Does Vaseline fix scratched leather?
Vaseline is not good to use on leather. It will clog the leather's natural pores and eventually dry the leather out.
