How to Fix Cat Scratches on a Leather Couch

Introduction

Cats are very cute creatures, however, devastating to some furniture. In this guide, the repair of minor cat scratches made on a leather couch will be documented in a detailed process with visuals and explanations.

The repair process is fairly simple, however, be sure to allow ample time for the products to dry. Not doing so could prolong the repair and/or damage items that come in contact with the repair area.

This guide is intended for minor damage to a leather couch and does not cover repairing major holes and/or restuffing the furniture.

What you need

Step 1 How to Fix Cat Scratches on a Leather Couch

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Apply a small amount of the 50% isopropyl rubbing alcohol to a paper towel or cloth.
Wipe down the damaged area of the leather with the rubbing alcohol.
Refrain from rubbing too aggressively as this can further damage the couch.

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Step 2

Move a spatula/scraper up and down over the scratches to determine the gradient (the way they open).
Opt for a plastic or rubber spatula rather than a metal one.

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Step 3

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Apply glue to the spatula/scraper and spread it over the damaged area on the couch.
Ensure the scratches are fully saturated in this step.
Refrain from pushing too hard with the tool as this can increase the size of the scratches.

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Step 4

Push the spatula/scraper toward the gradient of the scratches, closing them, and removing excess glue.
Wait for the glue to fully dry before moving to the next step.
A hairdryer may be used in this step to speed up the drying process.

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Step 5

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Use the available colors in the dye kit with the paintbrush to spot-treat the repaired area.
Use light coats with this process for a clean and thorough application.
Let the product fully dry before moving to the next step.
This step can take 1-3 hours of waiting time for the product to dry.
Avoid touching the repaired area while it is drying.

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Step 6

Before proceeding, you may use an 800-grit section of sandpaper to gently remove stiff or spiked remnants of color.
Apply 50% isopropyl alcohol to a paper towel or cloth.
Gently move over mistakes or areas with excess color.
The rubbing alcohol will remove more color if used in abundance or if too much pressure is applied during this step.

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Step 7

The following steps are optional depending on the overall condition of the couch.
Apply a small amount of leather conditioner to a microfiber towel.
Work into the couch using circular motions, ensuring the product is massaged into the leather.
Depending on the location of the damage, allow 2-4 hours for the product to be absorbed into the leather before using the couch.

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Step 8

Observe the finished product. Determine whether the leather surface is adequately scratch-free.
If the area needs more attention, repeat steps 1-7 accordingly.

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