Repair Tears, Holes or Cracks in Leather or Vinyl with Filler Putty

Repair holes, cuts, tears, and cracks in leather or vinyl with a flexible leather filler putty. Buy it here: rubnrestore.com/leather-resto... Learn more here: www.rubnrestore.com/how-to/le...
00:00 - Intro
00:30 - Cutting the subpatch
01:00 - Inserting the subpatch
01:20 - Glueing the subpatch
03:14 - Cleaning excess glue and readying the surface for repair compound
03:50 - Applying the leather filler, spreading, and feathering
05:16 - Dry time and how to tell when the filler has cured
06:22 - Sanding
06:58 - Additional layers of filler repair compound
08:32 - Texturizing and final sanding
09:41 - Recoloring the repaired area
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[@RubnRestore]

Learn more here: www.rubnrestore.com/how-to/leather-filler-repair/ Buy FC1 filler putty and other restoration products here: rubnrestore.com/leather-restoration-products/

[@mitraleaf495]

This very well-explained and comprehensive tutorial deserves a big compliment! Well done!

[@rilysmom7267]

This is absolutely no joke. I just did everything they said. Bought the different kits on their website. This stuff is phenomenal. I wish I could post my before and after. It will blow you away.

[@RubnRestore]

Wonderful to hear, and thanks for taking the time to share the good word! Yep, it's not really any different than wood repair. It's just a more flexible fiber. Cheers!

[@samsen201]

I like your DIY processes because based on one prior follow up, all you show, worked exactly as it should. Thanks for sharing knowledge.

[@VinylToVideo]

The final result looks great! I might do another coat of the new color as I do see some black still, though it might be fine depending on the look you're going for.

[@MichaelCarmichael]

Impressive technique and amazing results.

[@sassycat6536]

Great tutorial!! Very detailed and well explained. Thanks for posting. 👍🐱

[@suquis4520]

Great instructional video, and really great in-depth details-thanks! I was researching to fix a small tear in a vintage vinyl stool, but after watching this, I think I may also next try to repair a fabulous MCM Ekornes Stressless chair and ottoman I just acquired for free, that has slight cracks all over the arms and corners! After watching you, I may even possibly (after a few test runs) try to change the color too, as it is not exactly the right brown for my taste! THANK YOU! I really thought my chair and ottoman's damage was something I was just gonna have to gently live with, as I can't afford to have a professional re-upholster them any time soon - I will definitely be ordering your product asap!

[@catsoandahalf]

Very informative and simplifies an otherwise dificult task. BRAVO!

[@mackmack2534]

Excellent video, excellent job, I'm a perfectionist and it's very easy to complement your work! You're a woman after my heart, You're a natural! Thank you for the great advice!

[@andrewlawson3694]

Hey girl, great video have just done a repair on a leather jacket very pleased with the results.Seeing the size of your repair gave me confidence to take it on, thank you, regards Andrew

[@RyouConcord]

Actually extremely helpful. Nice video, thanks!

[@AcornHillHomestead]

How cool is this? Thanks so much. We have club chairs and one that's going to need work in the years to come. We love them. Now We don't have to throw it out!

[@jeffrey64]

You made it look easy, thanks!

[@PCFithian]

Thanks for posting this, it is very helpful to my project!

[@gergemall]

Looks great, thx for the wonderful video

[@ShowYouOnceAgain]

i love nothing more than instructions from those that KNOW what they are talking about.. you are wonderful. you should be getting my money real soon as i find usable furniture frequently that is of leather and has damage. now I am not afraid hahahah thanks ... jen

[@rs2143]

I need to fix my ford explorer consol lid good info. thanks

[@gracielamaria285]

My daughter ordered from Texas but I live in Venezuela, S.A. Is the best! Ty!

[@dgillies5420]

This is fantastic it's the second video of yours i have seen we have a $1500 (originally) lazi-boy chair from 2000 and needed and idea to fix 3 tears in the arm - thanks so much !!!

[@Wilantonjakov]

I just bought a Datsun Bluebird from the 70s and its has a pretty large tear on the driver's seat. I think this should do the trick!

[@Robinicat]

WOW! Who would ever imagine being able to repair a big chunk out of that leather seat.

[@timhawkins8470]

Thanks great advice from Tim in london.

[@clutchcargo2419]

Wow - learned a lot - you've got a new fan !!!

[@tylerstewart2244]

Really great video thanks for the info and tips!! Needle Denim and the food gloves were awesome ideas.

[@xNachoPandaXx]

Just bought this, i will be making a video on the process/ results (: ( i have two small holes in my car seat!!!

[@rksalesconsulting9863]

Great Video! We buy and sell truckloads of liquidation furniture and also retail individual pieces. Going to share this with our new repair tech!

[@heitmaja1]

Thank you! A very talented and intelligent young lady.

[@theglobalvagabond3074]

I'm going to give this a try using E6000 with the sub-patch underneath and then use Coconix to color match and fill any small gaps. I showed my local furniture repair shop the tear and he said it's best to buy a new couch because it will be too expensive to reupholster. He never mentioned or sold any repair options. Also, I've seen very nice furniture at Habitat for Humanity with small tears that are incredibly cheap. I think this repair method might be a nice way to find an alternative to new furniture shopping or open a furniture boutique if you have the time and space. Thank you for posting!

[@billhamilton1187]

cutest video ive seen very awsome fix good job

[@Robert8455]

Nice tutorial thank you.

[@stripeytapir]

Really informative and well-presented! I've got a super-flakey vinyl chair, so I'll have a look at some of your other videos and see if there's anything that can be done for it. Thank you!

[@stripeytapir]

...Yup, that looks just like the kind of damage I'm dealing with! Wow, thank you for the reply. What a shame, though... the chair itself is comfortable for me - I have a tendency to sit in odd positions so coming across something that worked for me seemed like a windfall. It's just so frustrating and unsightly to have it peeling all over the place.

[@oby-1607]

Amazing. Never saw this done before.

[@jayk7422]

good video.... helped a lot... cheers from Australia

[@amiedavis5257]

This is brilliant!!

[@artvandalay6161]

Lasandre, thank you so much for doing the excellent tutorial. I’m trying to hold on to my 2002 “luxury” (i.e. way too expensive) SUV that’s no longer made. I didn’t take care of leather for years and now regret. Local family owned auto upholstery repair shop quoted me a price of $600 to repair drivers seat/console. The tears aren’t bad but a lot of $$ for an older vehicle (not saying they’re over charging though...). Having done leather work as hobby & spare income decades ago I’m thrilled to be learning new methods of repair & restoration. Your tutorial now has me planning to repair SUV leather & nice furniture scratched by cats. Thank you so much for showing me how to save some major $$. I’ll be sure to wear respirator to hold back my urge to start huffing the vapors!!

[@5100yes]

Great vid! I think i'll be your next customer!

[@MrFeasterbunny]

Great video, thanks for making it

[@thegooddoctor8479]

I know I'm late to the show but great video. Makes me want to add leather texture to my auto paint - it would be easier then making it smooth. Thanks for the lesson.

[@lasef247]

Try not to "Huff the rag"! lol love that phrase. Great video, very detailed. Thanks

[@tearl5676]

I didn't know if anyone else caught that or not. LOL

[@PhxDesertGal]

Never heard that before and have no idea of what it means.

[@tearl5676]

Huffing is a practice used by drug users to get high off paint fumes by spraying aerosol paint into a bag or onto a rag, then holding it up to their mouth and nose and inhaling. Usually they used gold and silver paint and they would have a ring of paint around their mouth and nose from "huffing" the bag or rag.

[@huntjunky1]

"Huff the rag", "easier insertion", "smaller hole", "rub it in", "lickity split", "blow in there", "more rigid"...some submittal connotations here...just sayin

[@CrazyXFox]

wow I am stunned seen this you seem awesome love it and I love your hair hanging on right you seem so smart as designed love it so much made me blink till I fall a sleep ^^ and red is my also favorite color ^^ good job :)

[@tubilth]

Just repaired a 3 inch hole in one of my 20 year old BarcaLounger theater seats using this kit. I was a bit worried because I purchased the kit about 4 or 5 years ago, but the filler compound and the stain worked great. My hole repair is just a little lumpy, but that’s just my inexperience with this type of job. Regardless, it looks 1000% better than before. I also used the stain to go over the entire set of seats and then with the clear coat. It took years of wear and tear off of these chairs and they now look almost like new! Great products! 👍

[@RubnRestore]

Wow! This air-dry filler putty typically expires in 6 months or a couple years. Delighted you still made use of it, and thanks for sharing! FYI, you can aways re-work your repair. A little denatured or rubbing alcohol will strip the color and gradually melt the bump. Just re-apply a thin coat for texture followed by color. Cheers!

[@user-qh4zs6cg5s]

Thank you, excellent video

[@wivaquif]

Not only very interesting and informative but she's SOOOOOO ! GORGEOUS !

[@RJ-tw4pj]

great video easy DIY

[@berealrelentless6237]

Bravo!! One if not the best tutorial . Esp. for a detail and specific job as this is. Very clear spoken, no umms or ahhh forever. Had everything ready and didn't have to go and find something, like others that think people are really gonna want ot wait for something you should of had. So again, well done. Intelligent, humor, well spoken, and knew how to position on cam, while still working. And you are easy on the eyes, but hope that doesnt make me creepy like some other comments. Thank you kindly, Be well, Be real, and Be YOU!!!

[@berealrelentless6237]

@@RubnRestore just realized I didnt ask my question I had, haha, I was mesmerized, ha. So got an old olive green chair, assume its faux leather, but it's not like yours. It's a harder thicker, and cushion/foam is seperate, not glued like you have shown. So the armrest has a 1" RIP and seat cushion stitching has let go, which I will get re-sawn, but any recommendations for armrest. I got it for free and will just be my studio seat when I cant figure out a paint color, ha. Sorry if not appropriate to ask here, and just ignore me, ha.

[@berealrelentless6237]

I was gonna add that I thought it was vinyl. I assume you have kits for this, so I know I get everything needed...I will go to the site, instead of asking more, haha. THANKS AGAIN@@RubnRestore

[@erod2146]

Wow 👍👍👍 thank you so much your amazing!!

[@davidu2364]

Lesandre, This tutorial is a very useful and definitely the most enjoyable I have seen in a long time. Do I insert the iron-on mending fabric with the "glue" touching the leather or the other side up? Thanks

[@MrGreencheetah]

Nifty work!!!

[@z1522]

AquaSeal dries more flexible than most other Goo-type clear adhesives; it may not bond well with the vinyl fillers however.

[@ler5299]

Thank you for posting. What would you recommend for (badly) peeling vinyl purse straps? Or small tears in the vinyl on the purse surface? These purses are brightly colored, not just black or brown. Thank you =)

[@davidu2364]

Lesandre, This tutorial is a very useful and definitely the most enjoyable I have seen in a long time, thanks to your knowledge and beauty. Do I insert the iron-on mending fabric with the "glue" touching the leather or the other side up? Thanks

[@ral819]

Nice Job !

[@roadstar499]

i guess this method and those products should be able to fix large holes also...Question when you use dye is there a way to match color? i have this car i am fixing up and leather is in good shape not all dryed out...but need to patch holes...i am very good at doing these type of jobs although this system is new to me...This car i need to fix has black leatherseats with a smooth texture...thanks for the great no bs tutorial ...thanks

[@mitraleaf495]

Question: Can you mix a color into the adhesive? If so, what type of paint or dye product works?

[@Life_Is_A...]

It's very pleasing to watch you work. And amazing results in the end. Hard to believe there was ever a cut underneath.

[@mij1840]

Excellent instructions from such a beautiful lady making it VERY difficult to concentrate. After a number of times got the hang of it.

Maurice.... I knew this comment was already typed-Thanks.... Yeah, she's beautiful alright!

[@charissa3598]

Excellent video! I came here after watching your tutorial on patching & protecting the hot tub cover. I'm wondering if these methods/ products will work on cracked marine vinyl for seating on a boat? Thanks! 😊

[@llewellyn56]

great video

[@paulojoo]

Great video. Can I use FC1 to fill stitch holes in leather? I removed a patch in my leather jacket and I am trying to minimize or fill in the holes.

[@shafi420]

Hi Great video. thank you for making, where do you buy FC1 Soft Filler?

[@queeneywarren9474]

Very nice

[@pangeia1010]

gostei parabéns ...

[@mitraleaf495]

I meant... can you mix a color into the 'clear filler compound'? If so, what type of product works?

[@mehtabansari5974]

I like very nice job

[@patmalone4262]

Thanks!

[@redgreen5831]

nice job.

[@roxannlopezroxy4072]

Omg I love this video I don’t have to buy another sofa

[@georgek8282]

Great video and thanks you. It took me a lot longer to get it done. I thought she said to huff the rag, not don't huff the rag.

[@TrueGuess000]

Your super glue method for cat scratches is more along the lines of what I'm looking for, only I have a faux leather couch.. are you able to provide an order of steps I should take to repair these? Thanks!

[@grantp4022]

Good video here - well done. I was just wondering what I should use to restore tired leather running shoes that I like ?? Would I use a dye, or would I use a paint touch up ?? I've seen guys on youtube work magic with cracked leather car seats, and they use an enamel base paint, with laquer thinner at the same time. Results are hard to believe and it says it won't get on your clothes after. Also says the laquer thinner draws out the original dyes in the leather, and the paint touches up the imperfections in the leather. I'm wondering here though--since leathers are all dyed to get their color before they are sold, would I use a dye for my leather running shoes,?? or a paint touch up?? I'm a little confused. Your advice would be appreciated -thanks-from Canada PS-You really get used to the comfort of shoes-- but they lose their looks

[@themanmaschine]

Damn! You’re good!

[@zack4382]

thank you.

[@wickedprotos1937]

Awesome.

[@GraeMatterz]

Would Everclear (grain alcohol) work as a solvent instead of denatured alcohol or lacquer thinner? Since it is technically "food grade", it may be a non-toxic substitute.

[@MegaMusical10]

Fantastic, thanks for sharing!

[@rs2143]

I could watch her all day. Smart person

[@buckshotvinny8746]

I'd like your advice on a repair...can I send a picture and if so how...and I will need to purchase supplies...thanks...love your vid

[@jesseeads]

Excellent tutorial. I have a question about compound alternatives. I noticed that Walmart sales All Purpose Acrylic Latex Caulk Silicone in a 10oz tube ($4) that is flexible, waterproof, and easy water clean-up. It goes on white and dry's clear as well. I guess I can test it first but wanted your advice? Any experience with alternatives?

[@jameschan5633]

How do you handle a long tear along the seam in the vinyl chair seat pad when it will be sit on? Please help.

[@garyallman3039]

Have you used the FC2? I have a 2" x 3" hole in the side bolster of my Passat, where my jeans rub it on the way in and out of the car. That area doesn't have to flex very much (bolster to the left of the hip, not sitting on it), and I was considering whether to use FC1 or FC2. I'm thinking about FC2 until the hole is filled, then a top layer of FC1 on the larger surrounding area where the leather is abraded/flaking but not worn through yet. Thanks.

[@tomdunigan234]

Very helpful video. This may work for a mid century Herman Miller chair We bought that has tears. The foam underneath appears to be glued to the vinyl. Have you repaired this type?

[@chrisnaden]

I used a filler called bond and flex and tried sanding it off similar like you did. It appears it's a much harder substance to sand off by hand. Is there an electric sander that you would recommend that is only slightly stronger than doing it by hand.

[@eddiecox9370]

Wow you sure are pretty and you do good work

[@dntlss]

I have these door panels on my car, they are black,i bought them years ago to change the interior on my car to black,the passenger side panel has a few cuts on the vinyl, looks like someone took a razor blade and just made 3 or 4 very small cuts on different spots on the panel,the vinyl is still there,there is no holes,basically they just look like little flaps,Ive thought about maybe gluing them down but what could i use to hide the cut? i dont want to cut the vinyl anymore,just glue them and hide the cut, thank you for your time!

[@privateuploads-geo2625]

I have some 1/2"long cracks in the vinyl part of a car seat, on the vertical side of the seat, below the leather sitting section... Is there a way to strengthen these cracks and prevent them from worsening with a filler, or do I need to cut a hole and put some backing behind them?

[@teem9010]

when you put the subpatch in, do you think it makes a diff which side is up? thank you

[@BoGarris]

would E6000 glue work for this?

[@FieldingQuestions788]

Great product! Rub 'n Restore now includes its own filler compound with its kit, so you needn't buy it separately. Rub 'n Restore's responses to Myrtho Charles etc. provide more valuable info.

[@sweetheartfernandez6805]

hi how to fix the sofa when its burned by iron..because theres a putty mark on it and it cant remove by water thought it will be nice idea to iron with a piece of paper under it and..only the color change . thank u

[@even7steven]

Try not to huff the rag? lemme get this rag off my face to ask "why?". Lmmfao! Great video. Very informative and funny.

[@Rachelmarie22]

Can you use a sew on patch with a light plastic backing? Wondering if the plastic backing will become a problem over time?

[@Gustavo-nu1kq]

can you paint the repaired surface with vinyl paint?

[@JoeAnshien]

I am having trouble getting the filler to absorb the dye. I tried some light sanding. Any suggestions? I had to spread the filler over most of 3 cushions it was so badly damaged with rips and tears.

[@grharr4136]

is this a product I can use on a polyer- coated chair. Thank you.

[@mohawkmike142]

will this work on a vinyl tonneau cover on a truck?

[@raden_pg510]

What about bigger rips where the leather hasent got a lip or any excess and the foam has come out?

[@ral819]

Years ago I owned a Shoe Repair business. Barge cement was my main adhesive for leather / vynil. is it still available...? There may be better alternatives now...

[@dansreallife]

Can I use paint thinner to clean it?

[@finemyu69]

How would this hold up on a work boot