How to Repair Auto Seat Covers

Auto seat cover repair can be done for a fraction of the cost of going to a professional. Using a repair kit can be a time consuming but satisfactory process if instructions are followed correctly. The kits tend to come in multiple colors that match the auto manufacturers' originals. Using a repair kit will not only extend the life of your car seats, but can be done in approximately 24 hours.

Things You'll Need

  • Leather conditioner
  • Liquid dish-washing detergent
  • Wash cloths
  • Towel
  • Bucket filled with luke-warm water, never hot
  • Scissors (optional)
  • Repair Kit; Includes:
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Repair compound
  • Spreading tool
  • Sandpaper 600 grit (optional)
  • Color-Flex
  • Applicator brush
  • Apply the conditioner to the damaged and surrounding areas. Allow it to condition the leather for 24 hours.

  • Wet a washcloth in water bucket and wring it out. Put a small amount of the dishwashing detergent on the damp cloth. Wash the area, including the stitch lines. Rinse the cloth and repeat until the surface is clean. Use the towel to dry the area.

  • Wipe the area with an alcohol pad to remove any lint or debris. Push any loose threads into the damaged area or cut them off.

  • Adhere any loose flaps with a small amount of repair compound as adhesive before starting the next step. Remove any ragged edges with scissors. Spread a thin layer of repair compound over the area you're repairing with your spreading tool, overlapping about a half inch around the damaged area. Smooth out the compound; you can smooth out the edges with a wet fingertip. Allow it to dry completely, approximately 15 minutes. Wipe any excess compound off the spreading tool between applications. Repeat this until you are satisfied with the repair.

  • Smooth out the surface with a new alcohol pad. Be careful not to remove the repair compound. Use the sandpaper (600 grit) to lightly sand if needed.

  • Remove any particles from the sanding. Apply a light coat of the Color-Flex with the applicator brush. Repeat this several times until satisfied with result. Let the area dry for 15 minutes between coats. For the final coat, use the wide flat side of the brush. In 24 hours it will be completely dry.

  • Apply conditioner on the entire area after your repair is completely dry.