Trying to fix car upholstery usually means coughing up a lot of dough. However, it is easy to learn how to repair car upholstery without spending a fortune.
Required Tools and Materials
Vinyl repair gel
Upholstery or canvas needle
Upholstery thread
Patches
Determine what type of upholstery is required. Check if it is woven fabric blend, vinyl or leather.
Step 2
Next, make sure you know what kind of damage you’re dealing with. Cigarette burns and tears are different and are not handled the same way.
Step 3
Start threading the needle. Only use needles that are durable and made for upholstery. The needle must also be curved. Start by sewing the portion that is torn.
You can fix it with the basic X stitch. When you repair car upholstery, place the stitches close to one another. This is necessary to solidify the stitches.
Step 4
Next, apply some upholstery gel on the area you stitched. This procedure should be used only on leather or vinyl upholstery. Be certain to employ a patch with a grain akin to the gel surface. This will produce a pattern that will reduce the hard appearance of the stitching.
Step 5
Let the gel set. You know it is ready when the tear disappears completely.
How to Reattach Car Upholstery
Required Tools and Materials
Spray adhesive
Step 1
Read the product instructions. There are many kinds of upholstery adhesives depending on the upholstery type, the density and the surface. Pick the one suitable for your car.
Step 2
Put the adhesive below the loose upholstery part. Spray the adhesive on the underside, about ten inches away.
Step 3
Let the spray dry. It’s ready if you touch the spray and it doesn’t come off. Now push the upholstery down the fabric or padding firmly. Hold the upholstery down for as long as the product recommends. The upholstery should now be ready.
Tips and Warnings
You can use epoxy rather than spray adhesives. Mix the two solutions to form the epoxy. Apply it evenly across the upholstery. Push it down on the fabric firmly.
Whether you use epoxy or spray adhesives, make sure the upholstery is dry. This will make the bonding agent stick. Only use epoxies or spray adhesives in areas that are well ventilated. Do not inhale them.
Before you repair car upholstery, check the warranty. If this type of damage is covered, take it to the shop and have the part fixed or replaced.
