How To Repair Splits In Vinyl Or Leather

Like genuine leather, vinyl cracks as information technology ages and desiccates (dries out). Different leather, however, the cracks often create abrupt edges that coil upwardly and stand above the surrounding surface. Even the most expert repairs oftentimes result in a slightly elevated mound. Bear in mind as well that if the original vinyl cracked, a repair cannot be expected to last any longer. Information technology may be simply as expensive to reupholster or supervene upon the component.

Yous can repair cracking vinyl with an air-dry chemical compound like our Soft Filler, only every bit you would real leather. This video demonstrates how to repair leather and vinyl with filler.

But if you borrow a heat gun and buy some graining papers, you'll get a ameliorate effect (then long as the vinyl is non a flimsy variety that shrinks with heat). If y'all programme to make this a hobby or vocation, invest in a graining kit to brand your own.

The graining kit includes a compound and a catalyst. Mix these together and pour onto an undamaged horizontal surface and let to cure (nigh 20-30 minutes). You'll have a stiff, floppy, rut resistant pad with a negative of the material'due south grain that can be used to emboss the filler every bit it cools. Purchase merely as much equally yous need, equally the compound and catalyst spoil within a few months. Or commit to making a diverseness of grains, every bit they will concluding decades!

Here'southward how to repair bully vinyl with a heat gun and grain pad. This method also works for leather, but take care with the estrus gun. Leather tin shrink and crease if information technology is overheated.

Subpatch any holes.
Holding a clean, new razor bract virtually parallel to the surface, carefully shave away any sharp, curling edges that stand high above the surface.
Those too depression-profile or risky to shave can be gently melted with the heat gun ~550°F at a distance of 2-6″ and immediately pressed with the grain pad (we've even 'nuked' some heavier duty vinyls with 1000°F and a reducer nozzle, but be cautious).
Earlier the vinyl cools, utilize the grain pad and press with a small board or cake to exert even pressure level and avoid dents in the upholstery. The surface needs to exist room temperature and as level as possible before filler is applied.
Clean the surface with denatured or rubbing booze.
Use a heat-cure filler like SEM Leather & Vinyl Repair Compound. The application procedure is like to that of Soft Filler: utilise a thin glaze, level and remove backlog with a plastic spreader or carte.
Rather than letting it air dry, however, use the heat gun ~550°F a distance of 8-10″ from the repair and warm until the filler begins to change from a glossy white foam to a more translucent, frosted appearance. If it gets very hot, it volition go glassy again, which will actually receive the grain better, but careful non to cook the surrounding area.
Immediately employ the grain pad and block with gentle, fifty-fifty pressure to the repair area for a few seconds. This will emboss the filler as it cools.
Permit the surface to return to room temperature before continuing. Some pros invest in a chill block, but h2o and a few minutes will practise the play a trick on.
Repeat steps 4-7 until the surface feels fifty-fifty.
If necessary, do a thin last coat of filler, texturize with a gloved hand to blend lines, heat, and emboss with grain pad.
You can also use a spray grain like SEM Scrap Baby-sit to further alloy texture.
Use Rub 'due north Restore® color and Clear Prep+Finish™ if desired.
If the repair needs, re-working, use Flite™ or rubbing alcohol to remove the color earlier applying more filler.