Fixing a Scratched Leather

While leather garments are quite durable, they do occasionally show scratches and pulls. The good news: Most minor scratches are pretty easy to fix.

The key is to condition the leather. Apply a leather-protective cream or lotion to the scratch and surrounding area, using a soft cloth. According to the experts at Wilsons Leather, lotions made especially for leather care are formulated with lanolin oils, which mimic the natural oils in the leather. Most times, a quick buffing with such a lotion will cause minor scratches to disappear back into the grain.

Avoid lotions and creams which contain silicone or wax; both ingredients break down leather's natural oils, causing the garment to dry and crack. If your scratch is more serious, or has resulted in a tear in the leather, find a leather repair specialist to take care of it. A final tip: Steer clear of regular dry cleaners for leather cleaning and repair. Often the chemicals they use will cause your leather to dry out and shrink.