Leather is one of the world's most sought-after materials, whether for clothing, shoes, or furniture. It is made from tanned animal hides such as cow, sheep, or goat and has various distinct qualities that are not present in other textiles or materials. However, leather has its own set of drawbacks, one of which is cracking vulnerability. If you've ever come across an old leather material, you may have observed how the surface acquired tiny fractures.
Leather is a beautiful and durable natural material, but over time, it can develop cracks if not properly cared for. Whether it's a jacket, bag, or another leather item, these cracks can appear due to wear and tear, exposure to harsh elements, or lack of regular maintenance. To effectively deal with cracked leather, it's important to understand the type of damage—ranging from light leather cracks to deeper ones—and to use the right products for repair. For minor damage, a simple leather cleaner combined with regular conditioning can help restore the leather and prevent further cracking. However, more serious issues, like deep leather cracks, require a more involved process.
When repairing deep leather cracks, using a leather crack filler is essential to smooth out the damaged areas. This step is often followed by applying a leather sealer to lock in the repair and provide a protective barrier. For those looking to patch cracked leather and restore its original appearance, it's important to use high quality leather care products designed specifically for cracked leather repair. Conditioning leather regularly with natural oils helps to keep it supple as it ages, maintaining its flexibility and preventing future damage. The best approach to leather care depends on the leather type, but with the right tools and techniques, you can repair cracked leather surfaces and extend the life of your cherished items.
Why Does Leather Crack?
It is important to understand that the exterior of leather includes hundreds upon hundreds of tiny pores. While these pores are not visible to the human eye, they play an important part in the leather’s features.
Leather pores are continuously releasing and absorbing moisture, according to the relative humidity. When leather is exposed to a humid environment, the excess moisture throughout the environment settles on the surface and is then drawn into the pores.
Otherwise, when leather is exposed to a dry atmosphere, moisture is released into the air through the same pores. But if it dries out too much and too quickly, cracks may occur on the leather's surface.
However, the quality of the leather plays a significant role in whether or not the leather cracks. Full-grain and top-grain leather are the highest quality leathers since they are both durable and have high tensile strength.
On the other hand, most leather cracks are formed on inferior quality leather, which is commonly referred to as bonded leather. Bonded leather is formed from the trimmings left over from the production of higher-quality leathers.
Bonded leather contains just 20% real leather and the rest is made of synthetic materials. It will provide you with the wonderful feel of leather for only a few weeks or months at most before the cracks, splits, and tears begin.
How to Keep Leather from Cracking?
While there is no simple fix for cracked leather, there are ways to avoid it. Leather requires sensitive loving care at times. This will remove the dirt and excessive moisture that the leather absorbs through its microscopic fibers.
Steps to Prevent Leather Cracking
Preventing leather from cracking begins with regular and proper maintenance. Since leather is a natural material, it needs to stay hydrated and nourished to maintain its suppleness over time. One of the most effective ways to prevent cracks is by using a strong leather conditioner. Applying a high-quality leather conditioner regularly will keep the leather supple and help it withstand the effects of aging. Natural oils in the conditioner help preserve the leather's flexibility, preventing light leather cracks from forming. Additionally, using a leather cleaner before conditioning ensures that any dirt or debris is removed from the surrounding leather surface, which could otherwise contribute to cracking.
To clean leather effectively, start by using a mild soap or saddle soap, which will not damage the leather’s natural material. After cleaning, make sure to let the leather dry completely before applying any conditioner or treatments. In cases where minor cracks appear, you can use a leather crack filler to smooth out the cracked leather surface. For more significant damage, such as deep cracks, leather glue can help fix cracked leather by bonding the fibers together. Once the cracks are filled, apply a thin coat of leather sealer to protect the repaired areas. Be sure to wipe off any excess filler with a clean microfiber towel or dry cloth to maintain a smooth finish. Consistently caring for your leather items with these techniques will help prevent cracking and extend the life of your leather goods, ensuring that they continue to look and feel like high-quality leather as they age.
Key Takeaway
If a leather product is not properly cared for, it might suffer from drying, cracking, and other issues. Believe it or not, your naked arms, legs, and hair are the most typical source of these issues.
While leather cracking is one of the most common complaints among leather users, it is also fairly simple to fix. If you want to maintain the leather forever, remember the tips above on how to keep the leather from cracking and in good condition.
by April Quibido
A wife, a mom, and a definite homebody who loves writing about all sorts of interesting things online. She loves fashion, interior design, and other creative pursuits—writing included. She also has entrepreneurial endeavors and, like everyone else, wants to thrive and grow in all aspects of life.
