Vinyl is a common material for furniture that is simple and easy to work with. It’s durable and comfortable, but over time vinyl can sometimes rip, crack, or tear. This is especially true for vinyl chairs, which must handle frequent fluctuations in weight and friction. You may also notice vinyl in your cars or boats on the dash, door, and other surfaces. Fortunately, repairing cracked vinyl is a process that can be done as a DIY project. Of course, there are professional vinyl restoration specialists available too…
How Do You Finish Vinyl Repairs Professionally?
Prepping the final surface. Smooth the surface only if necessary using a cotton swab moistened with rubbing alcohol. Since alcohol can damage vinyl, wear the topcoat down and allow plasticizers to escape, use it sparingly. Lightly rub the repair a few times. That’s it.
Set a grain in place. Place graining paper over the repair. Heat an iron as instructed and slide it over the paper for 30–60 seconds to emboss the grain pattern. Finish with a spray of clear vinyl topcoat to restore shine and protection.
With these steps, vinyl & leather repair is simple at home for minor cracks, helping save both money and the life of your furniture.
What Supplies Are Needed for DIY Vinyl & Leather Repair?
You’ll need a few key items to get started.
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
- Hair dryer (optional)
- Iron
- Cotton swab
- Mild hand soap
- Washcloths
- Sandpaper, 320-grit
- Vinyl repair kit
Vinyl is essentially plastic (specifically polyvinyl chloride). Special plasticizers are added to make the PVC flexible and suitable for furniture. A clear topcoat seals the vinyl to lock the plasticizers in place. When this topcoat wears away or becomes damaged, the vinyl can crack. You see this often in cars, boats, and other furniture that experience high-wear. The solution is a liquid vinyl repair kit, combined with keeping your vinyl conditioned to prevent further wear and tear.
How Do You Perform the Vinyl Repair Steps?
Run the tap water until it is hot. Soak a clean washcloth, then wring it out until it’s about as wet as if you were planning to wash your face. Put a small dollop of mild hand detergent onto the washcloth and move it to the damaged vinyl area.
Scrub the cracked area with the soapy cloth to remove dirt, oils, and other residues. This step is very important. Extend past the damaged area 1 to 2 inches so the repair material has enough surface to bond securely.
Rinse the cleaned portion with a fresh cloth. Run water over the rinse cloth to flush soap and contaminants, then wipe over the area again. Repeat until all soap is gone. Wipe the area with a dry cloth and let it air dry until all moisture has evaporated.
Sand lightly over the cracked area of the chair. This may seem intimidating, but it’s necessary. Extend about 1/2 inch past the damage using 320-grit sandpaper. Just take a few gentle swipes; you don’t want to pierce the remaining topcoat, simply scuff it slightly to improve adhesion. Wipe away sanding dust with your dry cloth.
Mix the liquid vinyl formula, if needed, according to the manufacturer. Some products come pre-mixed in colors. Others may require blending with vinyl or applying color separately. Follow the instructions for your specific kit. Grab your small spatula tool from the repair kit and dip it into the liquid vinyl, dabbing it onto the cracked area. Spread the vinyl in a thin, even layer across the damaged area, slightly extending past the crack. You can also wet your fingertip to smooth the surface.
Apply layers if needed. This is where your hair dryer can help. Apply successive layers, feathering the edges slightly outward to avoid ridges. Allow each layer to dry as directed—typically 10–15 minutes. Use the hair dryer to speed drying, keeping it about a foot away.