Leather repair in Oak Brook

Are you looking for leather repair in Oak Brook?  Maybe a seam split in your favorite jacket or your pup scratched up the living room sofa.  Whatever misfortune has befallen your leather goods, Technique Leather is here to help.  For over 30 years, we’ve been restoring and repairing leather throughout Chicagoland.  Here are just a few of our services: 

• Automotive leather
• Aviation leather
• Bi-cast leather
• Contract leather
• Finished leather
• Italian leather
• Split leather
• Commercial leather care
• Buying leather
• Leather care

Technique Leather has all of your leather repair needs covered. We work on cuts and tears, ink marks, fading or staining, damage, scratches, or split seams. If you’re dreaming of having your leather chair, sofa, stool or car seat look brand new, call us!. We have the experience and proper tools to ensure the job gets done right the first time. And the best part?  We can do it for a fraction of the cost of replacing it!

Leather Damage Causes

Leather is, undoubtedly, an awesome and unique material for so many items.   It does require a bit more care and attention though, than other materials. Awareness of the causes of leather damage can help you avoid them, and prolong the life of your products for years to come. 

• Sunlight

Extended exposure to direct sunlight can significantly harm leather products.  Much like we get burned, sunlight can discolor leather, usually through fading.  There’s no SPF lotion for leather though.  The best practice is to move items and keep them out of direct sun as much as possible.  If you have a sofa right in front of a window, consider moving it to a different part of the room.  Should your car be frequently parked in direct sun, garage parking as an alternative, or even a simple sunscreen would be a good idea.

• Temperature changes 

Drastic changes in temperature can also damage your leather items. Avoid storing items where there isn’t temperature control, like attics. A key method to keep your item looking great is to ensure it stays in a stable temperature. Garage parking again is great at helping to prevent temperature damage to your car’s leather seats.

• Stains 

As careful as you might be, it’s virtually impossible to avoid stains forever.  At some point there’s going to be an accident.  What’s important is that the stain is treated as quickly as possible, else it could become permanent.  Having a leather restoration kit handy in your home or car is a smart move.  Trying to remove the stain with the wrong cleaners could cause further damage.

• Using harsh chemicals 

As just referenced, use only cleaners specifically designed for cleaning leather to maintain your items.  Other detergents and soaps can dry, stain, or crack leather.  Test any product on an inconspicuous part of the garment or furniture first if possible.  

• Heat

Much like sunlight, heat is no friend of leather.  If your leather product is near a heating vent or fireplace, move it if at all possible. If you have leather in your car, park it in the garage when available or try to find a cooler, shaded area. 

Fixing leather

There are different methods to properly care for your leather products. Doing it yourself does bring some risks, but here’s a few things you can try to help you eliminate stains. 

• Leather Cleaners 

Look specifically for a leather cleaner, not an all-purpose cleaner, and follow the instructions closely in terms of application, both the amount  of cleaner and how the product should be applied.  A quality leather cleaner will remove surface oils, dirt and grime, but won’t do much in terms of a deep clean.  

• Leather Restoration Kit

The next level is a leather restoration kit.  This will have a few more tools with it, and should include different oils, creams and applicators depending on the project at hand.  When your leather is starting to look worn out or dull, it will need a little extra TLC to make it shiny once more.  Restoration is usually time intensive, but will moisturize the leather, restore its look and keep it protected from more damage. 

• Olive or Baby Oil

For minor scratches or small tears, try olive oil or baby oil. No seriously, not many people know this.  Apply a small amount with a cotton ball and let dry for an hour, then evaluate how the tear or scratch looks.  You might have to repeat this step if necessary. It’s sort of a band-aid, but it will help until a more full restoration job or repair can be done.

If this all seems like too much, or you’re not sure where to start, don’t hesitate to call the professionals – Technique Leather!  Your leather goods will be in good hands with our pros.