How to Fix Leather Office Chair Scratches

Updated: Feb 11, 2024 5:38 PM
how to fix leather office chair scratches guide

Leather office chairs are a staple in many home office workspaces, offering both comfort and a touch of sophistication. However, they’re not immune to wear and tear.

Scratches, whether from accidental scrapes or the claws of a pet, can mar their elegant surface. Peeling, too, can detract from their professional appearance.

Before you start to fix your leather office chair, you’ll want to check into the chair’s warranty to see if the material is covered for repair.

If it’s not covered, then you’ll need the fix below.

How to Fix Leather Office Chair Scratches: Quick Action

For those in a hurry, here’s a rapid rundown on fixing leather chair scratches:

  • Clean the Area: Wipe the scratch gently with a soft cloth and mild soap.
  • Apply Leather Conditioner: For minor scratches, rub in a leather conditioner or olive oil.
  • Leather Repair Cream: For deeper scratches, use a color-matched leather repair cream.
  • Protect: Finish with a leather protector to prevent future scratches.

Repairing Scratches in Leather Office Seats

For those who need a walkthrough, click the video below.

Identifying Leather Type and Assessing Damage

Before diving into repairs, it’s crucial to identify whether your chair is made of real or faux leather, as this will dictate your repair approach.

Assess the damage: Are the scratches superficial or deep? Is the leather peeling?

Preparing for Repair

Cleaning: Regardless of the damage type, start by cleaning the area.

Use a soft cloth with mild soap or a specialized leather cleaner to remove any dirt or oils.

Surface Preparation: For deeper scratches or peeling, prepare the surface.

This might involve degreasing and lightly sanding the area to ensure the repair products adhere properly.

Repair Techniques

Cracked leather chair before and after repairs

Minor Scratches:

  • Home Remedies: A dab of olive oil or leather conditioner can work wonders on light scratches. Gently rub it in and buff it out.
  • Professional Approach: For more noticeable scratches, apply a leather repair cream that matches your chair’s color. This will blend the scratch into the surrounding area.

Deeper Scratches:

  • Filling Technique: Fill deeper scratches with a leather filler, then apply a colorant that matches your chair.
  • Specialized Products: Consider using a leather repair kit for these more significant damages. Follow the kit’s instructions carefully for the best results.

Peeling Leather:

  • Binder Application: Apply a leather binder to areas where the leather is peeling. This will help stabilize the surface.
  • Color Restoration: After the binder, use a colorant to match the original leather, blending the repair seamlessly.

Finishing Touches

Protection: Once the repair is complete, apply a leather protector.

This will help shield your chair from future damage and keep it looking sharp.

Color Matching: It’s vital that any repair blends well with the original leather.

Take the time to ensure your repair products match the chair’s color as closely as possible.

Maintenance Tips

Regular maintenance is key. Clean your leather chair regularly and treat it with a leather conditioner to keep it supple.

Address scratches and peeling as soon as they occur to prevent them from worsening.

With the right care and repair techniques, your leather chair can continue to be a helpful part of your workspace for years to come.

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F.A.Q.S

How can I protect my office chair from my cat?

One of the best ways to cat-proof your desk chair is to use cat scratch spray. Cat scratch spray works as a repellent while being completely safe for humans. It is usually made from natural ingredients. Note that different cat scratch sprays vary wildly in terms of effectiveness, so you may have to experiment with a few to achieve the best results.


Do cat scratch sprays work?

It depends on the regimen. Cat scratch sprays are designed to be sprayed frequently to build up effectiveness. Some require spraying every 24 hours to truly work.


How do I get my cat to stop scratching my office chair?

There are many ways to prevent a cat from scratching an office chair, including cat-scratch sprays, furniture shields, double-sided tape, or pheromone diffusers.


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