Leather peeling when cleaned

Question

Leather peeling when cleaned

Doumic50 04/10/2020 · 3 replies · 3988 views

Hello,

I have a 7-year-old sofa (Brando cowhide leather, cat B/C) which I admit I have never really maintained, shame on me.

I cleaned it with the appropriate cleaning spray, but on a dirtier, more heavily used seat, the leather peeled during cleaning, like skin flaking off during an exfoliating scrub. I used an abrasive sponge, telling myself that whatever had to come off should come off, and it flaked off even more.

The result on this seat is much more matt than the other seats, and a few small flakes remain.

My questions:

1) Should I sand off the remaining small flakes?

2) Is it the original varnish that I have removed? Should I apply your "Satin Varnish" over it? In the satin version?

3) Is the black that settles a little in the creases of this leather in places the normal result of the leather wearing?

In the photo, it is the middle seat. The one on the right has not been cleaned yet.

A big thank you for your advice!

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Manu 29/10/2026 #

Hello
I have a problem with my armchair on castors
I rubbed too hard and the surface film has come off
What can I do to make it look good again
Thank you for your replies
Reply
SOFOLK SOFOLK Team 29/10/2026 #
Hello,
Thank you for your message and for the photo.
Rubbing too hard has removed the surface layer of the leather. Depending on its original condition, it may be either the protective varnish alone, or the colour layer itself, which creates a faded effect. In both cases, you have two solutions.
1. Simple and economical solution: stabilise with a clear varnish
The idea is to apply a coat of clear Protective Varnish over the whole seat. This stops the deterioration and protects the leather so that the problem does not happen again. However, the damaged area will remain visible: the varnish protects, but it does not recolour.
Choose the finish closest to the current look of your armchair (matt, satin or gloss):
https://www.renovation-du-cuir.fr/ameublement/salon-cuir/vernis-soyeux-cuir--veso.html
Before applying the varnish, clean the surface thoroughly with our Cleaner / Stain Remover, then leave it to dry completely:
https://www.renovation-du-cuir.fr/ameublement/salon-cuir/nettoyant-detachant--003.html
2. Aesthetic solution: recolouring
To get an even armchair again, you need a proper renovation. We advise against a partial touch-up: matching the colour would be very difficult and the result could be worse. Recolour at least the whole seat, and ideally the entire armchair for an even finish.
You have two options:
- The complete renovation kit, which contains everything you need, from preparation to the final varnish:
  https://www.renovation-du-cuir.fr/ameublement/salon-cuir/kits-renovation-canapes-cuir--krcs-1.html
- The Pigment Leather Paint on its own, to be completed with the Protective Varnish above:
  https://www.renovation-du-cuir.fr/ameublement/salon-cuir/recolorant-pigmentaire-cuir-pour-canape,-fauteuil--repi250tc.html
To get the right shade, there are two possibilities:
- Choose from a colour chart, as you prefer:
  - the SOFOLK Colour Chart: https://www.renovation-du-cuir.fr/accessoires/accessoires/nuancier-sofolk--nuancierv1.html
  - the RAL Colour Chart: https://www.renovation-du-cuir.fr/accessoires/accessoires/nuancier-ral-216-couleurs--ralk7.html
- Send us a sample for a made-to-measure colour. In this case:
  1. First order the kit or the Pigment Leather Paint.
  2. Tick the option "I provide a sample".
  3. Slip your order number in with the sample.
The sample must be flat, clean, of an even colour and measure at least 1.2 cm x 1.2 cm. You can take it from a hidden area, such as under the seat or on the back. If that is not possible, you can also send us a removable item, such as a cushion cover.
Address to send it to:
SOFOLK
7 chemin Lartigot
ZI La Palu
33360 LATRESNE
Application tips: apply the colour in thin coats, letting it dry thoroughly between each coat. Only apply the varnish when the colour is perfectly dry and stable. All the steps are detailed in our instructions:
https://www.renovation-du-cuir.fr/instructions/fr-fr/
Please do not hesitate to come back to us if you have any questions.
Kind regards, the SOFOLK support team.

**SOFOLK** · Accepted Answer · 2020-10-07T14:43:00

Hello,

We can assume that the product applied was a little too strong, but the most likely explanation is that it was applied to a leather whose varnish had gone long ago, and the product was able to attack the colour.

The damaged area will need to be cleaned with acetone and/or abrasive paper to restore a smooth surface.

Then recolour the whole sofa to obtain an even colour again.

You then need to varnish your leather to protect it against rubbing, scratches and UV rays.

This work does not require any special skills and, should you need to, we are easy to reach by telephone.

At your service, the SOFOLK support team.

Leather peeling when cleaned

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