Leather bags are stylish and have been in fashion for a long time. If you have just bought a new leather bag, you should know that as long as you take good care of it, it can remain in good condition for many years. The key to keeping a leather bag in good shape is by repairing it any time you notice any wear on the bag. Make sure you clean it well when dirt accumulates. Even though leather is a strong material, it does not necessarily mean that it cannot get worn over time. The good thing is that there are several ways to easily repair any wear or damage. Read more to learn how.

Repairing Scratched or Cracked Leather

With time, you may start to notice small scratches and cracks on the leather. This is a sign that the material is wearing off. While cracks and scratches can distract from the beauty of the bag there are ways of fixing them. Before we look at how to fix cracks and scratches, make sure you have a conditioner, a damp cloth, and a toothpick to hand. You can also browse through a wide variety of adhesives to find the right one for leather. After properly cleaning your bag, start with the conditioner. Apply the conditioner to the surface to moisturize the damaged areas. If there are deep cracks, you can bend the leather to ensure the surface is exposed. Use the toothpick to apply a small amount of glue to the inner part of the crack. After that, you can flatten the leather, pressing the two edges of the crack together. Wipe off the excess glue quickly using a damp cloth. Wait for the leather to dry and apply the conditioner on top.

Cleaning a Dirty and Dull Leather Bag

Before repairing your bag, it is advisable to clean it first. Cleaning the surface will help you see exactly where the damages are and will leave the leather in good repair condition. Use a wet cloth with warm water to clean the surface and remove any visible dirt before applying a leather cleaner and conditioner. Apply the cleaner on any stained parts and use the cloth to rub it off gently. It is advisable not to use a laundry detergent or dish soap to wash the leather. Do this several times and leave the bag to dry.

Repairing Peeling Edges

If your leather is peeling on the edges, it might be an indication that it is of a low quality, meaning it could be difficult to repair. However, even the best leather gets worn with time and may start peeling on the straps or areas of high wear. Areas exposed to high friction are the most susceptible to peeling. The best way to repair this is by applying leather paint with a small brush. Remove any loose peelings and use the brush to apply the paint to the affected area. Wait for the paint to dry off. For areas with high friction, such as the straps, you may need to apply several coats of paint. Wait for each layer of paint to dry before applying the next one.

Fixing Ripped Lining

With use, the lining of a bag tends to wear even faster than the exterior of the bag. Even though the internal lining is not on show, it will be more practical for you if it remains in good condition. The best way to repair the internal lining of the bag is by sowing on patches. Start by choosing a fabric patch that is bigger than the tear. Get an iron box, a needle, a pair of scissors, and pins, and use the pins to secure the patch to the lining. You can then sew the patch on using the thread. Starting from the underside, bring the thread up and continue working this way, removing the pins as you go round. Make sure you sow the whole patch on and tie a knot at the end to secure it.

Conclusion

These are simple methods of repairing a leather bag however, if the damages are excessive, it may be advisable to take it to a professional. The most important thing when repairing a bag is to know the right procedure and use the right products like leather glue, conditioner, paint, and many more. After your bag is in good shape, enjoy trying it out with different clothes in your wardrobe.