How To Repair Peeling Faux Leather Jacket

Dealing with a peeling faux leather jacket is not just frustrating but also time-consuming, especially if you don’t have the right tools, knowledge, and techniques to address the issue. Most people make the mistake of treating faux leather like real leather, which can result in more damage.

Although faux leather looks and feels similar to real leather, it is made of synthetic materials, typically polyurethane (PU) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which are more prone to peeling and cracking. 

These materials lack the natural elasticity and resilience of real leather, and using products such as mink oil or leather balm to fix the peeling is not only ineffective but can also make it worse as they’re designed for real leather use. It’s essential to use products specifically designed for faux leather to avoid further damage and ensure proper repair.

At Love Your Leather, we provide comprehensive leather care services for all types of leather items, including faux leather jackets. As leather experts with extensive experience, we know the unique needs of both real and faux leather. 

 In this blog, we will give you a proper guide on how to care for your faux leather jacket to prevent it from further cracking, ensuring it stays in excellent condition for years to come.

Why Does Faux Leather Peel?

Due to its composition, faux leather tends to peel when it is exposed to harsh environmental conditions such as extreme heat, humidity, and direct sunlight. These factors cause the synthetic layers to degrade and separate from the fabric backing, leading to peeling and flaking.

Other factors that can cause faux leather to peel include poor maintenance and care,  such as failing to clean and condition the material regularly, exposure to sweat and body oils, which can break down the synthetic surface, and improper storage. 

How To Fix Peeling Leather Jackets

There are many ways you can repair a peeling faux leather jacket. For major peeling issues, we recommend taking it to our leather care experts. But for minor repairs, here are three different methods on how to fix faux leather that’s peeling: 

Method 1: Using Repair Dye

One of the simplest ways to fix peeling faux leather is by applying leather repair dye. It’s a colouring agent that’s specifically designed to restore the colour and appearance of faux leather items. This solution can effectively cover up the peeling faux leather, making it appear smooth and new again.

Here’s how to use repair dye to fix your peeling faux leather jacket:

• Before everything else, make sure your jacket is free from any dirt, oils, or residues that can come in contact with the dye. Clean your jacket with a soft cloth dampened with water and mild liquid detergent soap. 
• Choose the exact dye colour that matches the shade of your jacket and slowly and carefully spray it on the cracks and peels. 
• Distribute the dye evenly to balance the colour with the tone of the jacket.
• Let the dye sit for 15 minutes to dry.
• Apply a new coat of spray to the jacket and repeat the process as many times as necessary until you achieve your desired look. Make sure to wait 15 minutes between each spray to get the best results. 

While this method can visibly improve the appearance of your faux leather jacket, it primarily covers up the peeling rather than fully repairing the damage. This means this method is only a good option for minor cosmetic touch-ups when you don’t have time for a more thorough repair.

Method 2: Applying Synthetic Leather Patches

For a more durable repair, you can try covering up the peeling with synthetic leather patches. Just make sure that you find patches that match your faux leather jacket’s colour for a more seamless fix. Here’s a quick guide on how to do this method:

• Thoroughly clean your leather jacket with water and mild soap to avoid any buildup of dirt and grime that could compromise the quality of the repair. 
• Trim the synthetic leather patch to the exact size needed, making sure the edges are neat.
• Spread fabric glue or a synthetic leather adhesive on the back of the patch, making sure it’s evenly covered.
• Carefully position the patch over the peeling area and press down firmly. Smooth out any air bubbles or creases with your fingers or a soft cloth.
• Allow the glue to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring a strong bond.
• For added security, apply a clear sealant around the edges of the patch to prevent future peeling.

Method 3: Use a Faux Leather Repair Kit

For a more specialized repair, consider getting a faux leather repair kit. This set has the tools and materials specifically designed to address damages to your faux leather items, including peeling and cracks. and tears. To use a faux leather repair kit, make sure to do the following: 

• Use mild soap and water to clean your faux leather jacket, and make sure to remove all dirt, oils, and residue. 
• Once your jacket is dry, carefully apply the adhesive to the peeling sections, pressing them down to bond them back to the surface. 
• If there are cracks or gaps, apply the leather filler to these areas using a spatula and smooth it out, making sure it is level with the rest of the surface.
• Use the texturing paper or tools included in the kit to imprint a leather-like texture onto the filler while it is still wet.
• Once the adhesive and filler are dry, apply the colourant to the repaired area using a brush or sponge. 
• Apply multiple thin layers of colourant if necessary, allowing each layer to dry before applying the next. Make sure to blend the edges of the repaired area with the surrounding material for a seamless look.
• Some kits include a sealant to protect the repair. Apply it according to the instructions and allow your jacket to cure or the recommended time before using it. This ensures the adhesive, filler, and colourant are set properly.

How To Stop Faux Leather From Peeling

Preventive care and timely maintenance are required to protect faux leather from peeling. Clean your faux leather items regularly with a mild, non-abrasive cleaner to prevent dirt and oils from building up and causing damage. 

Use a conditioner specifically formulated for faux leather to keep the material flexible and hydrated. This will help protect faux leather from peeling by maintaining its structural integrity. 

When storing your faux leather,  keep them in a cool, dry environment to preserve their integrity. Regularly inspecting your items for early signs of wear and addressing them promptly can also significantly extend their lifespan.

Love Your Leather is Your Partner to Exceptional Leather Care

Your leather items deserve the best, and Love Your Leather is here to provide just that. Our expert team is dedicated to providing unparalleled service, ensuring that your leather items receive the best possible treatment.