Over the years we’ve been asked hundreds of questions about leather furniture, leather cleaning, leather repairs and leather restoration.
Whether you’re trying to understand the difference between leather cleaning and restoration, wondering if a scratch can be repaired, or simply want to know how to care for your leather furniture, we’ve answered some of the most common questions below.
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, please feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to help.
Whether you’re considering professional leather cleaning, wondering if restoration is worthwhile, or simply looking for advice about your furniture, these are some of the most common questions we’re asked by customers across Shropshire.
Prices are charged per seat for hand cleaning of the leather and the application of conditioning or protection cream. Our current price for leather cleaning is £55 per seat (2026).
Yes. In many cases we can restore the finish to almost how it looked when it left the factory. The cost of restoration is typically well under half the cost of replacing your furniture.
Every sofa is different. White and cream leather suites often take longer to clean and may require several hours depending on their condition and level of use. Other types of leather can often be cleaned in around an hour.
Once cleaned, we normally recommend waiting at least six hours before sitting on the sofa.
No. We always try to assess furniture before making any recommendations. In most cases we’ll ask for photographs first so we can determine whether restoration is possible. If photographs aren’t suitable, we’ll arrange a visit and assess the furniture in person.
In most cases, yes. Restoration is usually significantly less expensive than replacing a suite. It also allows you to keep furniture that has moulded to your comfort and the way you use it over the years.
Leather cleaning is one of the most misunderstood areas of leather care. Different types of leather require different cleaning and maintenance methods, and using the wrong products can sometimes do more harm than good. Below are answers to some of the most common leather cleaning questions we receive. You can also visit our leather cleaning page
No. Pigmented leather suites (sometimes referred to as painted leather) are made from a leather hide with a colour coating and protective lacquer applied to the surface. This creates a sealed, waterproof finish.
If you were to spill a liquid on this type of leather, it would simply sit on the surface rather than soak in. Because the surface is sealed, it isn’t possible to feed or condition the leather underneath. Any conditioning products applied to the surface are unable to penetrate through the protective coating.
Aniline and semi-aniline leathers are porous and require regular conditioning to help prevent them from drying out over time.
We use a range of specialist moisturising balms, conditioners and waxes depending on the type and finish of the leather. Conditioning can often improve the appearance of dull, dry leather and help restore some of its natural character.
We would always recommend seeking professional advice before applying products yourself, as over-conditioning can sometimes cause damage and create further problems.
Unfortunately not. On aniline and semi-aniline leathers, these dark patches are usually caused by body oils from our skin penetrating into the leather over time.
Once the oils have soaked into the leather, removal is extremely difficult and often impossible. In many cases, correcting the appearance requires professional restoration rather than cleaning.
There is a small chance that it may improve with cleaning, but in most cases these dark patches are caused by body oil contamination and a loss of colour in the finish.
If the area feels sticky to the touch, this is often a sign that oils have affected the leather. In severe cases, the affected section may need to be removed and treated in our workshop using specialist degreasing processes over multiple applications to remove as much contamination as possible.
From cat scratches and cracked finishes to burns and peeling surfaces, these are some of the most common leather repair questions we receive. Every repair is different, and the final result will always depend on the type of damage and the condition of the leather.
Most cat scratches on pigmented leather can be repaired or significantly improved. The success of the repair will depend on the severity of the damage and whether the scratches have only affected the finish or have damaged the leather itself.
Most cracks that customers describe as cracked leather are actually cracks in the colour coating rather than the leather hide itself.
Where this is the case, repairs are often possible, although the final result will depend on the severity of the damage and the overall condition of the furniture.
In many cases, yes. However, we would always need to inspect the furniture first to determine why the surface is peeling and whether repair is possible. Different types of peeling have different causes, and the appropriate repair method will depend on the type of leather and the condition of the finish.
Small burns and cuts, typically under two inches in length, can often be repaired and visually improved. The success of the repair will depend on the size, depth and location of the damage.
Some repairs blend in better than others. The final result depends on the type of damage, the age and condition of the leather, and what material we have available to work with. While we always aim to achieve the best possible result, we can never guarantee that a repair will be completely invisible.
Leather sofas can peel for several different reasons. If you have a coloured sofa, such as cream, black or red, you may be seeing the clear protective topcoat peeling away. This can sometimes be caused by spillages, incorrect cleaning products or wear to the finish and can often be repaired.
Peeling around high-contact areas such as armrests and headrests may be the result of body oil contamination. Oils from our skin can gradually break down the finish, causing the colour and coating to peel away. This type of damage usually requires more extensive restoration.
Some sofas are made from bicast leather or split leather with a polyurethane coating bonded to the surface. In these cases, the peeling is actually the plastic coating failing rather than the leather itself. Unfortunately, this type of peeling cannot normally be repaired.
Leather restoration can often transform tired, worn furniture and provide a cost-effective alternative to replacement. Below are answers to some of the most common questions we receive about restoring leather furniture and recolouring worn finishes. You can find out more about our leather repairs and restoration services here
We always recommend avoiding use of the furniture for a minimum of 48 hours after restoration work has been completed. This allows the colour coatings and finishes sufficient time to fully harden. Although the leather may appear dry, the finish can still be soft underneath and may be damaged if used too soon.
No. Damage can still occur underneath the throw while the finish is curing. We always recommend allowing the full 48-hour drying period before using the furniture.
Every restoration project is different. The time required will depend on the type of damage, the amount of preparation needed and the extent of the restoration work being carried out. We will always discuss the process and expected timescales with you before any work begins.
Yes, in many cases they can. Whilst the natural grain of the leather may have worn over time, areas that have lost colour can often be restored by carefully recolouring the affected sections to improve their appearance.
We generally do not recommend changing leather from one colour to a completely different colour. Leather naturally stretches and flexes during use. Over time, small cracks can develop in the finish and these may reveal the original colour underneath. For this reason, restoring the existing colour is usually the best long-term option.
Following restoration, we will explain how to care for and maintain the restored finish, including any areas that may require additional attention.
Like any surface, leather will continue to experience wear over time, particularly in high-use areas. Proper cleaning and maintenance can help maximise the lifespan of the restoration. We also offer specialist leather cleaning kits to help customers care for their furniture correctly.
Over time, furniture can lose its comfort and support through everyday use. From sagging seat cushions to damaged panels, these are some of the most common questions we receive about furniture repairs and cushion refurbishment. More information can be found on our page for cushion padding
Sagging cushions can be caused by a number of different issues. In some cases, the foam or cushion insert may have worn out and require replacement. This is often straightforward if the cushions are removable.
In other cases, the problem may be within the structure of the furniture itself, such as stretched webbing or support issues underneath the seating area. Where necessary, we may need to inspect the interior of the furniture to determine the cause before recommending the most appropriate solution.
Yes, but only on removable sections such as cushions, arms and similar components. Once we have inspected the furniture, we can advise whether panel replacement is possible and whether it is the most cost-effective repair option. More information can be found on our panel replacement page,
At present, we do not offer recliner repair services. However, we are always happy to advise where possible and may be able to recommend alternative solutions depending on the issue.
Car seats experience significant wear over time, particularly on driver’s bolsters, seat bases and areas that receive constant contact. Below are some of the most common questions we receive about car leather repairs and restoration.
In many cases, yes. However, the best solution will depend on the severity of the damage. Where wear is limited to the surface finish, restoration is often possible. In cases where the leather itself has become heavily worn or damaged, we may recommend replacing the affected panel.
Panel replacement is not a service we currently offer, and we cannot repair vinyl seats. Full restorations often require the seat to be removed from the vehicle, which we are unable to do.
It depends on the extent of the cracking and the condition of the leather. Minor cracking can often be improved through restoration techniques, while more severe cracking may limit the results that can be achieved. We are always happy to assess photographs and provide advice before recommending any work.
The time required will depend entirely on the type and extent of the work being carried out. Minor repairs may be completed relatively quickly, whilst more extensive restoration work can take considerably longer. We will always discuss expected timescales with you before any work begins. You can find out more information on our car repair service here
If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, we’re always happy to help.
Whether you need advice on leather cleaning, repairs, restoration, cushion refurbishment or car leather repairs, please feel free to contact us for honest, professional guidance.
We work throughout Telford, Shrewsbury and the surrounding Shropshire area and are happy to discuss whether a repair, restoration or cleaning service is the right option for your furniture. Fill in the form Here