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

[@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/

[@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!

[@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!

[@mitraleaf495]

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

[@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!

[@wivaquif]

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

[@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!!

[@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 !!!

[@rs2143]

I could watch her all day. Smart person

[@oby-1607]

Amazing. Never saw this done before.

[@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

[@papphenriett]

Thank you for making this video. I am going to repair my leather sofa based on it.

[@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!

[@sassycat6536]

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

[@gracielamaria285]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@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!

[@tylerstewart2244]

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

[@heitmaja1]

Thank you! A very talented and intelligent young lady.

[@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! 😊

[@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

[@Robinicat]

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

[@catsoandahalf]

Very informative and simplifies an otherwise dificult task. BRAVO!

[@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?

[@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

[@MichaelCarmichael]

Impressive technique and amazing results.

[@billhamilton1187]

cutest video ive seen very awsome fix good job

[@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.

[@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.

[@clutchcargo2419]

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

[@MrFeasterbunny]

Great video, thanks for making it

[@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!

[@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!

[@Rachelmarie22]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@ChristineMarks-s5i]

Thank you, excellent video

[@fjallabrjotur]

Now how would you be able to actually dye it all back to the black color. Great video by the way

[@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.

[@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 =)

[@ral819]

Nice Job !

[@jayk7422]

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

[@tombochenek2047]

Hi, it looks great. But my project is for a leather car seat with a rip and many cracks to fill in. So, my question is: #1 Will the repair hold up in a very hot car 100 degrees at times and also very cold, below zero often. Do you think the repair would remain flexible in those conditions? #2 I would be coloring the repair with a paint that is oil or latex-based, is that compatible? thanks tom

[@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...

[@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

[@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

[@llewellyn56]

great video

[@teem9010]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@marcodevries4481]

So many times where “that’s what she said” is perfect.

[@brendansandford2460]

I'm 1 minute in and counted at least 5

[@iits_OG]

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

[@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.

[@PCFithian]

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

[@themanmaschine]

Damn! You’re good!

[@attocoulomb]

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.

[@grharr4136]

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

[@jeffrey64]

You made it look easy, thanks!

[@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!

[@nfnf8529]

Nice video. Couple questions. Will the same repair method work for vinyl? If the intent of the repair would have been to restore back to the 'original' worn black color & texture - could that have been achieved? If so, generally how would one go about applying the 'original' worn black color & texture? Thanks again!

[@nfnf8529]

@@RubnRestore Thank you!

[@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?

[@slvrktman7824]

Would it have been hard to color match the original blue color? Or does doing that always look suspicious?

[@RyouConcord]

Actually extremely helpful. Nice video, thanks!

[@tiffanybruner6002]

Will leather filler work in place of the adhesive?

[@cindywright10]

I bought these products and this compound dries totally clear and remains tacky. I haven’t sanded or dyed it yet… I’m hoping that perhaps sanding it will take away the tackiness 🤷‍♀️ So far I’m disappointed and these products were expensive. Is this compound supposed to dry totally clear and remain tacky or did I get a bad batch?

[@RubnRestore]

Depending how deep the void was and how many layers of filler you have in there, it may look hazy and whitish and not totally clear. There are a couple of explanations for the tackiness. A coat of color should correct it. See here: rubnrestore.com/how-to/leather-filler-troubleshooting/#filler-tacky This and other troubleshooting topics can be found by searching the FAQs or How To Library.

[@cindywright10]

I cut out the leather to make smooth edges on the tear, like the video and glued in a patch underneath with the locktight like she suggested, then applied the 1st layer of compound and put the couch in the sunlight. It dried totally clear, but was tacky. I applied a second layer of the compound but used the light bulb and it dried totally clear but is still tacky. The compound is not quite flush so I am about to add one more thin layer of compound and dry it with the lightbulb. I’m surprised that the compound is tacky when dry. I’ll check out that link and update this when I finish sanding and coloring it. I bought colors to match it to my very dark brown/espresso colored couch. I hope this works.

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@janicemarlow5142]

I have a dark gray leather sectional that I want to repair, what color/ colors do I use?

[@RubnRestore]

Check out our Smoke or Peppercorn colors here: rubnrestore.com/product-category/leather-vinyl-dyes/ Email a photo of the ENTIRE sectional to [e-mail], and we'll give you a better recommendation and a coupon for free swatches.

[@JustAriel]

we don't have holes yet but we do have thinning and the coloring is gone on our false leather sofa in some places and it just looks horrible what would be your best solution to fix it

[@ddepierro]

Can you spray paint over this filler or only dye?

[@rs2143]

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

[@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.

[@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 :)

[@TheRadiojewe1]

I have some vinyl barstools that are just cracked and showing the inside how would I use this for that? Do i cut a hole?

[@RhodeToPrepping]

Is it necessary to use the denim patch, or would just an old piece of jeans work?

[@even7steven]

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

[@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?

[@leasilvia1718]

How I get the glue, compound and the dye?

[@leoralaw5301]

Does this work on areas where there is peeling

[@treygreene4470]

Great video, thanks. For the blue jeans subpatch iron on piece. Does the cloth side of the patch face down or up towards the repair location?

[@treygreene4470]

You are awesome, thanks. Next time I'll read the instructions first.

[@dansreallife]

Can I use paint thinner to clean it?

[@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.

[@claradepre1018]

what if you want the final product to be the same color as the original? Is it possible to color match?

[@rrhodes75rr]

My daughter's dog just chewed up the bottom of my sofa. Would this technique work.

[@raden_pg510]

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

[@MrGreencheetah]

Nifty work!!!

[@ildikocziglenyi9528]

Do you know if the 3M Plastic & Emblem Adhesive &/or the Loctite Vinyl, Fabric & Plastic Adhesive safe to use on the vinyl of a hot tub cover? I have a tear on the edge of the flap that I'd like to repair & I am concerned that it might "melt" the material or remove the color. Please let me know. Any advice would be appreciated.

[@amiedavis5257]

This is brilliant!!

[@papabear007]

Hi I purchased a living room set but only my recliner is pealing small 6in by 6 inch but it's right were your back LEDs wood be in the front seat. Eye sore. I cleaned it with leather cleaner and it stopped pealing but under the leather looks like leather but it's light brown so it sticks out like sour thum. Can this fixed?

[@Ciubaka]

How do you fix flaking or bonded leather failure you showed on the red seat at 8:27 in your video? Why not use the same lc1 filler? Thanks

[@RubnRestore]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIXcpZ19orxmh5Y

[@queeneywarren9474]

Very nice

[@victoriaaletta6804]

Can you use leather dye on soft filler?

[@blackgown7485]

Hiya. Can you use cotton material to tuck into the hole? Thanks.

[@blackgown7485]

@@RubnRestore thanks for the prompt reply. The hole isnt huge...its a straight tear which is good. I havent yet bought the filler as im not sure which one to buy. The glue is flexi glue which ive heard is good for leather sofas.

[@blackgown7485]

@@RubnRestore thank you for your help...its been so helpful. I will try and fix it...im quite nervous incase i glue it wrong lol

[@z1522]

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

[@myrthocharles2525]

Good repair the only thing is ; if you put grain pad on the filler to make the vinyl or leather grain appear, it would look more magnificent , next , a repair like this needs to be sealed after dying it for water proof, you can u use a top coat sealer or add cross linker in the dye .you don't have a phone number here . I Wanna buy the kit I like it !

[@briansharp7053]

Myrtho Charles I

[@robbobcat7286]

@@RubnRestore Hand job Method...lol... Sorry i am a child

[@robertbrandywine]

@@robbobcat7286 Just make sure she doesn't "round your edges before inserting".

[@williamvue3566]

good video

[@kazzos]

@@RubnRestore I have some vinyl spray paint that I was hoping to use over the soft filler, as the paint you sell, while superior, is a bit out of my price range at the moment. Would that require a sealer of some kind?

[@slaydwitafade264]

what type of frabic you use and can I get those type of products in the store