Leather shoes are known for the real deal. You can wear it in interviews, corporate meetings, and other formal events. But this real deal costs a lot. So it is wise to use Faux leather until you gather enough money.
Faux leather is famous for using cheap base fabric and polyurethane coating. On the surface, it is a synthetic material. After some time using it, the leather starts to peel off. Many of the experts advise not to repair Faux leather because it only brings damage to the shoe. But some ways can extend the usages of these piled-off leather shoes.
Materials
First, gather some materials that you are going to use in this process. You will need 4 to 5 pieces of 180 grit sandpapers along with permanent markers and shoe polish.
Try to match them with the shoe. Other materials are a shoe goo and a paintbrush. Now you can start repairing your shoe.
Steps
Sandpapers
The first thing you need to do is to remove all the flakes on the shoe. Use the sandpaper on the top and sides of the shoes wherever you notice those flakes. Rub it in circles and put lots of pressure on the shoe.
Color the cracks with a permanent marker
Now it needs a base form. For the base, you can use a matching permanent color marker. Apply color in any discolored areas or cracks on the shoe. This process is necessary because it boosts the appearance of the shoe.
Polish all over
Get a clean rag and use polish to coat it across the surface wherever you used sandpapers and markers on the shoe. Try to stroke all around the shoe to look even. By this, the shoes will look unified.
Paint shoe goo with a paintbrush
Squeeze a little by little goo out onto the shoes, grab a paintbrush to coat the thick goo around the surface. Continue goo down and make sure to cover every spot of the shoe.
You can also remove the shoelace when doing this step. But remember to avoid doing it on the sole. Shoe Goo will seal the shoes and protects the base fabric that undergoes the Faux leather.
Final act
All you have to do is to find a good place for them to dry. After 24 hours, check if it is still wet. You can tap it with your finger gently and see. If your finger comes away clean and if the goo doesn’t feel wet, then it’s most likely fully dry. On the other hand, if it comes wet, then set it for another 12 hours to fully dry.
Important note
These materials you can get easily from the nearby hardware stores, office supply stores, and department stores. You do not need to panic and order online. And also while buying them, try to find these in the same color as the shoe.
How to Prevent?
In most cases, a cobbler or shoe repair store may able to repair your shoes but it only depends on the damage. If the damage is extensive, then it is no entirely repairable.
Rather than repairing shoes, again and again, you can try to prevent them from getting worse. Down here you will find some tips to keep your leather shoes in good condition.
Number one
Always clean your shoes after returning home from work. Then store them while protecting the shapes of the shoes. Because the dirt can be absorbed into the fabric which will cause harm.
Number two
About storing them, never pile them one on top of the other or never throw them randomly in a shoe closet.
Number three
The structure of a leather shoe is very important because if the shape is uneven then you may start finding cracks on the shoe.
Number four
Place these leather shoes in cold and dry storage. The storage must be away from direct sunlight or any kind of source that provides heat and moisture. Over time the sunlight heat may damage your shoes to get discolored or maybe some flakes too.
Number five
If your shoes get wet, do not let them be exposed to sunlight. Always air dry your leather shoes.
How to Fix a Faux Leather Sofa?
Repairing a Faux leather sofa is different than leather shoes. For the peeling session, you need a razor blade. You can use it in the peel, scrape and cut away the extra peeling sections on the noted area.
Then apply a thin coat of soft filler on the peeled area by using a putty knife. Try avoiding the unpeeled area as much as you can. Then get a stiff piece of paper to rub it off to get a smooth surface. After 20 minutes of drying, then coat a second layer of soft filler on that same area.
For matching with other parts, you need to get some plastic wraps. Wrap this plastic around your hand and rub on against the semi-dry second layer of soft filler. Your goal is to get a light texture on that particular area, so repeat the process until you get that.
The last step is to use leather paint on them. Apply a thin coat of paint across the entire repaired section of the faux leather. After blending them smoothly, set them aside to dry. This way your sofa will look brand new and again usable.
FAQ
Q: Why are my leather shoes peeling?
Ans: Real leather does not peel off. But if your leather shoes are peeling after a short time of usages, they might not real leather. Intense exposure to heat may cause your shoes to peel.
Q: How do I stop my shoes from peeling?
Ans: Always clean your leather shoe with a soft cloth and try to avoid using a shoe brush. The shoe brush may cause harm to leather by scuffing them. Make sure you store your shoes in a dry, cool place to prevent them from peeling.
Q: Will this process really be worth it?
Ans: These steps can extend your shoe’s life span. Until you buy a new pair, you can use your faux leather shoes.
Conclusion
Try as much as possible to prevent your shoes from getting peeled off. Take extra care of them but it is the truth that this faux leather will get flakes. Then you can easily repair these shoes following the above steps and fix them by yourself in no time.
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