How to Repair and Restore Cracked Leather

by Albert Varkki updated 01-30-2024

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As experts in leather, here at Von Baer we often get asked if it is possible to fix cracked or scratched leather.

The answer is not completely straightforward.

Not every type of imperfection can be completely repaired, but with some know-how, we can confidently tell you that it is always possible to get your leather items looking better than before.

TL;DR - you can hide most cracks with a good leather cream; we recommend this one.

SKIP TO SECTION: Why does it crack? | Fixing Light Cracks | Fixing Deep Cracks

The luxury and beauty of leather are second to none and nobody wants to see their beautiful leather items lose their good looks.

Whether you hope to guard against possible damage in the future or repair a leather crack in your favorite handbag this article can help.

Why does leather crack?

Leather is a natural material; like all natural materials, leather can get worn and damaged over time. Leather will become worn-looking, dry, and prone to cracking without proper care and maintenance.

To avoid leather cracks, it may be helpful to understand a little bit about how leather is made. Leather is comprised of small tightly woven fibers, these fibers are especially dense near the surface of the material. When these tiny fibers start to dry out, the material will show signs of aging, including a worn-out, cracked appearance.

As you know, leather is made from the skin of animals. While the animal is alive the skin will be kept smooth and supple because the natural oils will be continuously replenished, but when the animal skin is transformed into leather, water and natural oils are replaced with tanning agents.

Lubricating oils and waxes will help the leather retain its beauty and flexibility. There are different methods of tanning leather.

Using natural vegetable tanning agents is environmentally friendly, and vegetable-tanned leathers are arguably the most robust leather type available.

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You have probably experienced dry areas on your skin. Leather is similar to your own skin, in that lack of oil and hydration will result in rough and dry areas.

If you don’t moisturize your skin, you will eventually start to see even more damage, and the same is true for leather. When the fibers that make up leather become too dry, they constantly rub against each other and this may eventually cause unsightly cracks.

Steps to Repair Cracked Leather

It is not actually possible to completely remove a crack from leather.

When you see a crack occur in one of your leather items, you know that the core of the leather has been damaged, and that crack will always be there.

However, you can usually hide a leather crack with a good leather conditioner (we recommend this Premium Leather Cream).

Light surface cracks or scratches in your leather can be treated and hidden easily by applying a good leather conditioner. If the cracks are deeper, you may need to take further and more complicated steps.

Leather crack filler, coloring, and nourishing techniques can hide deep cracks.

Light Leather Cracks? Do This:

The leather conditioner you choose should do two things:

It needs to strengthen the leather fibers surrounding the crack.
It also needs to effectively blend in and hide the crack.

With the right leather conditioner or cream the results can be incredible, and a light crack or scratch will be made virtually invisible.

In order to repair a light crack, here is a list of items you will need:

A strong leather conditioner or cream (we like this Premium Leather Cream)
A soft dry cloth (a soft brush would also work)
A fine-bristled brush such as a toothbrush
Gentle soap
A spoon or sponge

Part 1: Clean

Begin by testing the soap on a small hidden section of the leather. Using a clean dry cloth or brush clean off any loose debris from the leather. Use the fine-bristled brush and mild soap to fully clean the cracks in the leather.

Part 2: Condition

Test the conditioner on a small section of leather before proceeding. Use the sponge or the back of a spoon to smooth the conditioner into the cracks. Apply enough conditioner so that the crack is less visible.

Wipe any excess conditioner off and leave your leather item to dry naturally. Allow the leather to absorb the conditioner and completely dry, this could take several hours.

Part 3: Repeat

If the cracks are still visible, repeat the process one more time, but if, after the second try, there is still no change, you may need to try something else.

Over conditioning your leather will just collapse the structure, causing an unappealing waxy look.

The conditioner should be applied to your leather items once a month to keep them looking beautiful and prevent cracks.

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Deep Leather Cracks? Do This:

If your leather is very dried out and has visible deep cracks don’t give up hope! With a little bit of effort, you still have a good chance of repairing the damage. Here are two methods for treating leather that has very deep cracks.

First Method: Leather Crack Filler

You'll need the following:

Mild soap or leather cleaner
Cloth or sponge
600-grit super-fine sandpaper
High-quality leather filler
Palette knife

Part 1: Clean your leather

It is a good idea to test your leather cleaner on a small section before cleaning your leather item. Once you are sure it is safe, thoroughly clean the leather using soap and water or a specialized leather cleaning solution.

Part 2: Let it Dry

Wipe off any visible excess moisture with a dry cloth. The leather must be allowed to dry completely before proceeding. Any leftover moisture can prevent the filler from working effectively.

Part 3: Sandpaper

Use very fine sandpaper to smooth out the leather cracks. Apply gentle pressure with the sandpaper. A course, gritty sandpaper can leave scratches on your leather so be very careful to use only the finest 600 grit sandpaper. Use a dry cloth to wipe off any dust.

Part 4: Use Filler

Use your palette knife to spread filler over the cracks. Ensure you use enough filler to completely fill the cracks.

Part 5: Remove Excess

Use the side of the palette knife to thoroughly scrape away all excess filler.

Part 6: Let Dry

Letting the leather dry in a well-ventilated room for several hours is important. Keep it away from direct heat or sunlight which may cause more cracking. Check your leather after a minimum of six hours. If the filler has shrunk, re-apply.

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Second Method: Leather Dye

Gather up the following supplies:

In some cases, you will only need filler or dye to correct a flaw in the leather, however, if deep cracks are present combing the filler with a leather dye is the most effective solution.

Part 1: Filler

If you are using filler, follow the steps above. After the leather has completely dried proceed to step 2.

Part 2: Sandpaper

Use your superfine 600 grit sandpaper to ensure you have a smooth surface on which you will apply the dye. Use gentle pressure with the sandpaper in the direction of the leather’s grain. Use your cloth to wipe away any debris before continuing.

Part 3: Apply Dye

Ensure the dye is a close match to your item’s color. Use a color-fast applicator to apply a thin coat of dye over the cracks. Blend the dye with the area surrounding the cracks.

Part 4: Dry

Set your hair dryer to the lowest setting and dry the leather by moving the hairdryer back and forth across the cracks for approximately two minutes.

Part 5: Blend

It may take up to five coats of dye to completely hide the cracks. Every time you apply the dye be sure to blend it into the surrounding area and dry it with the hairdryer.

Part 6: Sealer

The final step is to apply a leather sealer to the cracks. This will protect and condition the dye preventing further damage. Spray the leather sealer onto a cloth or sponge and rub into the treated cracks. You may want to apply a second coat of sealer. Use the hairdryer on a low setting for two minutes to dry and cure the sealer.

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How to Stop Leather from Cracking

There are several steps you can take to prevent damage to your precious leather items. Begin by keeping them away from direct sunlight or direct heat. Once a month apply a good conditioner to your leather. These easy steps should prevent any drying and cracking. If damage does occur use the steps outlined above to treat the cracks.

The Von Baer leather conditioner is perfect for this, keeping it looking new for years to come.

Learn more about types of leather here, and more about full grain leather here.