Leather Jacket Tear? Here’s How to Fix It Yourself

Leather is a strong and durable material that can easily withstand abrasion and almost anything else you throw at it. This strength allows leather to last for decades, provided it is taken care of properly. However, a lack of proper care and exposure to the elements can lead to the deterioration of the material, making it weak and prone to tears and damage.

In this article, we are going to discuss some effective ways to fix a leather jacket tear. Additionally, we will explore how you can prevent such damage from happening in the first place. So let’s get started with another useful article about fixing torn leather pieces.

Types of leather jacket tears

Surface tears

Surface tears are the types of leather tears that do not involve any penetration through the leather surface. These tears are deep scratches and scuffs in which only the upper layer of leather is affected. These tears are comparatively easier to fix using leather fillers only.

Puncture tears

These types of leather tears involve the penetration of the leather material, where the damage extends through all the layers, creating a hole in the leather structure. This is why they are also known as structural tears. These tears are comparatively difficult to fix and require special treatments to fill the punctured surface. If the tear is not wide, it can be fixed by stitching; however, if it is wide, patches will be needed to repair it.

How to fix leather jacket tears

To repair certain tears that involve wide holes in leather, which is a severe type of leather damage, we have to use the leather patch method. For this, we will need a complete leather repair kit. Additionally, it requires a moderate level of expertise in leatherworking. If you think you cannot do it all by yourself, it is always a good idea to contact a professional leather repair service.

What should a leather repair kit contain?

1.| Leather prep pad to clean the leather before repairing

2.| Leather glue

3.| Repair sub patch

4.| Leather filler and applicator

5.| Sandpaper

6.| Tweezers

7.| Palette knife

8.| Scissors to trim

9.| Cotton swab

10.| Colorant kit (Leather colorant, sponge, stirrer, and mixing kit)

Steps to repair leather jacket tear

1.| Preparation of spot

Clean the spot- Clean the affected spot with leather cleaner and let it dry completely. You can also use a damp cloth but it will take some time to dry unlike a dedicated leather cleaner which evaporates quickly

Trim loose threads- If there are some loose threads or leather strands then cut them carefully with the help of scissors. You can also use tweezers in leather kit to remove them gently

Condition the leather (optional)- You can condition the leather before starting work on it to make it softer and easier to work on but make sure that it is completely dried before starting the patch repair

2.| Patch application

One of the most crucial and challenging steps is to apply the patch properly and finish it. I must emphasize again that if you have any doubts about your skills, contacting a professional leather repair service is a good idea.

Prepare the patch- If your leather repair kit does not include the leather patch then don’t worry you can cut out a piece from some other leather hide (like scrap leather or a piece from the inconspicuous area), try to cut the patch of slightly bigger size than the actual puncture size so that it can cover the spot properly. You can later alter the size of the patch by further trimming if it is bigger in the first place

Apply adhesive- Now, apply a thin layer of adhesive to the inside surface of the leather patch and let it dry partially by blowing air on it. Be careful not to use too much glue, as it can squeeze out and create a mess.

Position the patch- Now insert the leather patch carefully over the torn area, you can also use tweezers to do that. To stick it properly, you can press it gently, it will also help to remove any air bubbles or wrinkles.

3.| Securing the tear

To secure the patch in place and ensure the proper sticking to the leather surface you can use paper clips to secure the patch. Also in the case of thicker leather you can put some weight (like a book or something) on the patch so that it sticks to the surface properly

4.| Allow to dry

Let it air dry for a couple of hours at room temperature. Keep in mind not to force the process to dry fast as it can further damage the leather. You should also refer to the instructions given by the adhesive manufacturer

5.| Filling tear (optional)

If there is an uneven surface left behind by patching then you can use leather filling cream to fill the surface. Make sure to apply filler cream in thin layers and only add another layer when the previous one is fully dried. Repeat the process to get the desired surface

6.| Finishing touches

Sanding- After the leather filler has dried completely, you can use fine-grit sandpaper to smooth out the repaired area. Keep in mind not to sand the surrounding area of the leather patch.

Coloring the affected area- You can use leather dye or stain to match the color of the repaired area with the rest of the leather. Be sure to test the color by applying it to an inconspicuous area first. Using cotton swabs, apply the color to the repaired area. Repeat the coating if necessary

Conditioning- After the repair is done and the leather is completely dried, don’t forget to apply leather conditioner in order to restore the flexibility and softness of the leather

7.| Final inspection

Here comes the final step: inspection. Whether you have had your leather jacket fixed by a professional leather repair service or have done it yourself, the inspection is very important. Carefully examine the affected area and check for any irregularities, openings, or finishing issues. If you find any, you should add some more fixatives or return them to the repair professional to address the issues.

How to prevent leather jacket tears

Leather tears are not that frequent, but they do happen. There are some ways you can prevent them. Leather is a strong material, but it is prone to damage or weakening if it comes into contact with certain factors such as water, direct sunlight, heat, mold, or improper storage. To make your leather last longer, you should avoid exposing it to these elements by ensuring proper care and maintenance. The best way to keep your leather in good condition is to apply conditioner every six months or a year, avoid sunlight and heat if possible, and store it properly to prevent mold from attacking the leather.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I hope our article has been helpful to you in understanding the leather jacket tear, how to fix them, and their prevention. However, you should always prefer buying high-quality real leather goods to prevent unwanted damage.

For more information on leather products, you can check our other articles or you can contact us. LeatherBlues is known as one of the best stores for real leather products. Explore our amazing collection of leather garments and services.

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