What Causes Leather to Peel? Top Reasons and How to Stop It

Ever wondered ‘What causes leather to peel'? At Andar, we're experts in handcrafted full-grain leather products, and we're here to help you understand and prevent leather peeling.

In this article, we'll explore common causes of peeling leather, like coming into contact with sharp objects, broken sealant layers, and damage from sunlight and humidity.

Plus, we'll help you discover how regular cleaning and conditioning with The Leather Care Kit from our range can keep your leather accessories looking pristine.

Dive in to learn how to maintain your leather's beauty and durability!

What this article covers:

What Are Some of the Reasons for Leather Peeling?
How to Prevent Leather From Peeling
How to Restore Peeled Leather

What Are Some of the Reasons for Leather Peeling?

There are a number of causes for peeling leather.

1. Sharp Objects Can Cause Cuts And Peels

Sharp objects like keys, scissors, or even sharp edges of furniture can easily scratch and damage leather surfaces.

Drawing from our experience at Andar, we've seen how even minor cuts can lead to peeling over time if not addressed immediately.

2. The Sealant Normally Peels Off First

The protective sealant layer on leather is often the first to peel. While this layer is designed to protect the leather from moisture and other environmental factors, it can wear off over time.

3. Neglect And Carelessness

Leather needs regular cleaning and conditioning to preserve its moisture and flexibility. Our findings show that when leather isn't conditioned regularly, it loses its natural oils, becoming dry and brittle.

4. Exposure To Direct Sunlight Or Humidity

Exposure to direct sunlight or high humidity levels can cause leather to dry out and peel and also why leather cracks in some instances. UV exposure in particular accelerates the deterioration of leather.

If you're wondering what happens when leather gets hot, sunlight can bleach the color and dry out the leather, while humidity in contrast can cause mold and mildew growth, leading to peeling.

5. Using Harsh Cleaning Products

Harsh cleaning products can be too abrasive, subsequently stripping the leather of its protective oils and resulting in peeling.

By understanding these common causes of leather peeling, you can take proactive steps to protect your leather products.

How to Prevent Leather From Peeling

By following our leather care guidelines below, you can prevent leather from peeling off your treasured possessions.

Take Care Of Your Leather On A Regular Basis

Consistent cleaning and conditioning help preserve the leather's natural oils and flexibility.

By using The Leather Care Kit, which includes gentle cleaners, conditioners and cream specifically designed for leather, you can help your products remain soft and supple.

We suggest cleaning your leather items weekly with a damp, microfiber cloth (which can also be found in The Leather Care Kit) and our Andar leather cleaner.

Follow this up with conditioning them monthly to keep the leather hydrated and protected from everyday wear and tear.

Avoid Over-Exposure To The Sun For Lengthy Periods Of Time

Our research indicates that storing your leather items in shaded areas and avoiding leaving them in direct sunlight for extended periods can prevent the color from bleaching and weakening the leather's structure.

When using leather products outdoors, consider applying a UV protectant like our Andar leather conditioner to add an extra layer of defense against the sun's harmful rays.

Apply Oils To The Leather's Surface

After putting it to the test, we found that regular applications of The Leather Cream can help maintain the suppleness of your leather items.

Apply a small amount of cream to a soft microfiber cloth and gently rub it into the leather in circular motions, allowing it to absorb fully before using the item.

Keep Sharp Objects Away From Leather

Store sharp items like keys or scissors in separate compartments or protective covers to minimize the risk of accidental damage.

We're dedicated to helping you carry what matters with style and confidence, ensuring your leather accessories remain a cherished part of your collection for years to come.

That's why we always apply items from The Product Care range to our leather wallets in particular before we send them to you, so you get an added layer of protection right from the get-go.

How to Restore Peeled Leather

There are a number of things you can do to restore your leather items to their former glory.

Use Leather Cream

Regular use of The Leather Cream is essential to restore and preserve the softness and luster of your leather items.

Apply the cream generously to a soft cloth and rub it into the leather using circular motions. This will help to restore moisture and create a protective barrier, preventing further peeling and damage.

Apply A Filler For Cracked Leather Parts

For deeper cracks and more severe peeling, applying a leather filler can be an effective solution. Fillers can seamlessly fill in cracks and smooth out the leather surface.

Here's how to do it:

Choose a filler that matches the color of your leather.
Apply it with a spatula, pressing it into the cracks and smoothing it over the surface.
Once the filler has air-dried, lightly sand the area so that it blends seamlessly with the rest of the leather.

Follow up with our Andar leather cream or conditioner to keep the leather soft and supple.

Sew Patches Of Leather Onto Product

Select a patch that closely matches the color and texture of your leather item. Using a strong thread and a needle designed for leather, carefully sew the patch over the damaged area.

This method works well for bags, wallets, and larger accessories where the patch can be easily incorporated into the design.

If you've sewn patches onto a leather bag, you can pair it with The Tassel by us at Andar to give your carrying experience some added flair.

Stain The Leather

Choose a premium leather stain that matches the original color of your item. Apply the stain with a sponge or brush, working it into the leather evenly.

Allow the stain to air-dry completely to seal in the color and then apply our leather conditioner from The Leather Care Kit to protect the leather from further damage.

Recolor The Leather

Here's how to recolor your leather to give it a fresh, new appearance and effectively hide any peeling areas:

Clean the leather thoroughly with our Andar leather cleaner and air-drying it thoroughly before applying the color to ensure it adheres properly.
Use a sponge or brush to apply the color evenly, allowing each layer to air-dry before applying the next.
Finish with a leather sealant like our leather cream to protect the new color and add a glossy finish.

Cut Your Losses And Invest In Something Better

If your leather item is beyond repair, consider upgrading to one of our premium leather goods that combine style, functionality, and longevity.

At Andar, our products are crafted with durability in mind, helping you get the best value for your investment.

From a leather phone case like The Fitz to full grain leather bags like The Memphis, we've got everything you need.

Conclusion

In this article, we've discussed ‘What causes leather to peel?', how to prevent it, and effective restoration techniques for severe damage.

For long-lasting quality, our full-grain leather products are crafted to withstand the test of time, ensuring you carry what matters with style and robustness.

Ready to upgrade your leather collection? Explore our modern leather goods and experience the Andar difference today!

If you want to learn more, why not check out these articles below:

What Causes Leather to Peel?

What Are Some of the Reasons for Leather Peeling?