Procedure to Fix/Repair Leather Couch/Sofa with Cat Scratches
There can be two types of scratches that can occur on to the leather couch due to cat scratching. First, in which the cat scratches the seating of the couch and more often than not, such scratches are very light and can be repaired with a Leather Recoloring Balm. All the user needs to do is apply a leather recoloring balm on to the scratches and blend the scratches with the surrounding leather that should be enough to restore the scratched leather color. In the second scratch type, cat plucks the fibers from the leather and such scratches are hard to repair. In order to fix strong cat scratches, the user needs to follow the below-given steps:
- Clean The Area:
The first step will be to clean the scratched area with a leather ultra-cleaner in order to remove grime & dirt from the scratches that can affect the repair process. - Trim Loose Fibres:
Once the scratched area is cleaned and dried, the user needs to trim down loose fibers from the scratches with a pair of scissors. The user needs to cut longer fibers only rather than going for the shorter ones with which he can puncture the leather couch. - Apply Binder:
After trimming the loose fibers, the user needs to follow it up by applying a leather binder on to the scratched area. The user needs to apply a small amount of leather binder on to the sponge and then rub the sponge directly over the scratched area. It has been recommended by the experts to apply 8-10 coats of leather binder on to the scratched area providing enough time for each coat to dry before applying the next coat. - Sand The Area:
The next step will be to sand down the entire scratched area in order to create a smooth surface for the repairing process. Before sanding, it is necessary to let the leather binder dry completely on to the leather couch. - Apply Heavy Filler:
After that, the user needs to apply heavy filler on to the smooth scratched area but before that, it is necessary to clean sanding residue from the area. The user needs to apply the heavy filler with a palette knife by spreading a thin layer of it over the scratched area. The heavy filler takes around 30 minutes to dry after which the user can apply another coat or two on to the scratches if required. - Sand The Area Again:
After the heavy filler dries, the user needs to sand the area again with 1200 grit sandpaper that has been recommended by the experts. Once the entire area is sanded, the user needs to follow it up by cleaning the area with an alcohol cleaner in order to ensure that there is no dirt and residue left on the repairing surface. - Apply Color:
Once the area dries, the user needs to apply a coat of color on to the area with a sponge. First, the user needs to pour paint on to the sponge and then rub the sponge over the area in order to create a thin layer of paint. In case, the user feels like some of the areas need extra filler, he can apply heavy filler on to such areas followed by sanding & coloring. A single coat of paint will not be enough to match with the leather couch so the user needs to apply a few more coats of paint. The user has to let each coat of paint dry completely before applying the next coat. - Apply Finish:
The last step will be to seal the paint once it dries completely by applying a coat of lacquer on to the leather. It would be better to apply 3-4 coats of finish in order to form a robust and flexible finish.