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Leather Repairs
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With over 17 years experience, my repair methods have become the standard
to compare
with all the rest. When I first started my business I became known for my interior repairs and I still take a pride in the
quality of my interior restoration. These special repair techniques are used to repair scratched, scuffed, worn
and torn leather car seats and other leather interior trim.
The
repair of holes, abrasions and cracks as a result of age is achieved using various durable filling compounds specifically
designed for leather.
After repairing the damaged leather, a durable and flexible water based pigment is applied, blending
the finish into the surrounding leather ensuring a natural look. With
my process, the natural look of the seat remains therefore ensuring the finish matches the age of the vehicle. I
believe it is important to avoid the seat looking as though it has been freshly painted as, in my opinion, this
stands out just as much as a worn seat ! As with all of my repairs, preparation is everything. There are different repair techniques available,
depending on the type of material and damage. My first priority is to establish which method to use and to preseve as much
of the original material as possible. My repair techniques will restore the leather's original look and feel. LABORATORY TESTED
The coatings which I use have been laboratory tested
to withstand a 21 stone man getting in and out of a leather car seat up to 60,000 times with zero failure. I use
colour pigments and not dyes, that will withstand UV fading for up to 10 years. After
the initial stages of the repair are complete I apply a clear water flexible primer coat which is specially formulated
to adhere to any type of leather or vinyl, along with some plastics. An accurately colour matched top pigment coat is then
applied. Reliability, flexibility and durability are guaranteed whilst keeping the look and feel of the original material. The coatings will not rub off ( unless you get in and out of the car over 60,000 times ) and are not affected
by atmospheric conditions eg salt spray and humidity ( ideal in a coastal area like ours ). Normal car care products such
as leather/vinyl cleaners and rejuvenators will not damage the coatings, in fact they are encouraged. The coloured pigment
is also waterproof therefore will repel water.
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Leather Repair - Example 1
This drivers seat in a Range Rover Sport had a vertical tear and
some "rub" marks.
As with any leather repair the first job was to thoroughly clean the
affected area with speciality cleaners and de-greasers. The edges of the tear were then flattened and then filled
with a flexible leather compound. This compound moves with the leather, therefore is very durable. Having sanded the compound
a second flexible compound was applied and then imprinted with a pattern. It is important to do this otherwise you end up
with a flat/bald area where the repair has taken place.
I have a choice of approximately 100 "moulds"
which are used to imprint the pattern.
I then mixed the colour (always from eye) and then sprayed the affected area. Having dried the dye I applied
a leather conditioner.
It took 1 hour and cost the customer £ 60 plus VAT. This
repair was carried out at the customers home, on his day off.
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Smartfinish , 9 Hursley
Close, Boscombe East, Bournemouth, Dorset BH7 6SE Tel : 01202 416757 Mobile : 07774 967950 Please
note : I only operate in the BH postcode areas of Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.
Areas covered - Boscombe
, Branksome , Broadstone , Burton , Canford Cliffs , Christchurch , Ensbury Park , Ferndown , Highcliffe , Longham
, New Milton , Merley , Mudeford , Parkstone , Parley , Poole , Redhill , Ringwood , Southbourne , Verwood
, Westbourne , West Moors , Wimborne .
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