The 10 Best Leather Repair Kits

Editor's Notes

December 14, 2020:

There aren't many significant changes in the market since this list was last updated, but we did find a few items we thought were worth mentioning over some options from the previous year. We also wanted to diversify our mix just a bit, since there are a few types of repair kits, and we wanted to make sure there were a couple options for each type. Also, keep in mind, that these are generally for handling tears or serious cracking and peeling in the surface, and that if you just want to refresh some leather goods with minor signs of age and wear, a quality leather conditioner may better suit your needs.

The simplest type of repair kit is a patch, like the Numola Patch and MastaPlasta First-Aid, which you can simply cut to the desired size and shape and stick directly over the damaged area on your sofa. These can get the job done very quickly and easily, and are perfectly suitable for someone with no previous experience or skills. That said, they won't give you a smooth, uniform look like you can achieve with filler compounds, and they tend to peel over time. That's why we generally recommend these as short-term solutions, or possibly for situations where it's not worth the time it would take to do a proper restoration.

Sewing kits designed specifically for leatherwork, the Finyl Fix kit for instance, are generally only for repairing seams that are tearing or unraveling. The Simpzia 18-Piece comes with awls to prepare fresh holes in case the existing ones have ripped, and the waxed thread is designed to be strong enough to hold together tough materials without snapping. Again, these are not recommended for sewing together cuts, as large needles need fairly sizable holes to pass through, and that could end up defeating the purpose.

The most versatile options are the compounds, which basically serve as both a filler agent and an adhesive. The Leather Furniture Max Mega and Strongman Tools each come with a backing material that gives the compound something to bond to while also helping to keep the existing leather in place. These are your best bet for high-quality results, though they aren't the easiest to work with. Matching colors can be tricky, and creating a smooth appearance that recreates the original look takes skill and experience, so if this is new to you, you might consider hiring a professional to handle the job.

June 27, 2019:

When it comes to leather repair kits, you have three basic options: patches, sewing, or restorative paint/glue mixtures. We've kept selections for all three of these kinds, since the size and type of damage to your leather goods will vary. That said, many people prefer to skip the MastaPlasta First-Aid patches, since they can peel away over time. You may want to reserve these for items or areas of items that don't see a lot of wear and rubbing. As to glue and paint kits, the Leather Furniture Max Mega remains the one to beat. It has directions that even the inexperienced can follow, comes in a wide range of color choices, and is totally non-toxic for your safety. Because it has a high-quality top coat sealant, it lasts longer than some others, too. Finally, for those who need to sew ripped seams, we kept the Finyl Fix, but also added the Simpzia 18-Piece. It has more needles as well as various colors of thread, so you can fix just about any leather or vinyl piece you have. Finally, we removed Visbella Professional due to some ongoing issues with the longevity of the product. If you need a budget-friendly alternative to our top choice, you might consider the Strongman Tools option, instead.