Can I reupholster peeling pleather furniture?

Jessica L Scott
by Jessica L Scott

Unfortunately, I have a sofa that is made of pleather. We just purchased this couch 4 or so years ago. I hate being wasteful and would prefer to rescue it, if at all possible? It is still peeling/ flaking... not all areas are peeling (at this time). How can I reupholster or "paint" or... whatever can I do to save this couch? More info... it is a sectional. Not all parts are permanently attached. Chaise lounge piece, and a 2 piece electric recliner piece and 2 individual seat pieces. (No corner seat - the corner is a table wedge). The peeling is happening on the seats that are mostly used of course, due to friction. Thank you for any ideas, help, suggestions! All creativity welcomed! Yes, please! icon

  3 answers
  • Gk Gk on Sep 09, 2019

    Amazon has couch covers for sectional couches. Perhaps you could find one that works. You could also recover the couch or make a slip cover if you are good at sewing. It will take some time and skill but it can be done.

  • Molly Anmar Molly Anmar on Sep 09, 2019

    You can certainly recover your sofa, but it's kind of a big project. Can you just turn the cushions over?


    You CAN paint your sofa.

    Peel and sand away any loose sections of faux leather.

    Faux leather tends to peel, sort of like paint. If that happens, peel away most of the loose “leather” on top of the fabric backing. Next, use a fine-grit sanding sponge to smooth down any rough edges and bubbles. [1] Don't get too carried away here! You only need to peel away the coating that's within the damaged area.


    Apply a coat of interior latex house paint, then let the paint dry.

    For the smoothest finish, pour the paint into a tray, then apply it with a mini foam paint roller. Wait for the paint to dry completely before moving on. This could take a few hours, depending on the type of paint that you are using. Bring 1 of the sofa cushions to the store so that they can color-match the paint for you.


    You can use "fabric and vinyl" spray paint as well. Apply 1 coat of gesso first, let it dry for 1 day, then apply the spray paint.



    See if you don't find this informative: https://www.wikihow.com/Repair-a-Faux-Leather-Sofa


  • Susan Susan on Sep 10, 2019

    Heirloom Traditions has a product that has great reviews for refinishing faux leather. Tap on the pic to see full screen