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How do I fix faded leather car seats?
I recently bought a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 560-SEC from a guy online. The body could use some work, but the leather interior is in pretty good shape. The only problem is the leather’s pretty faded in some places on the driver and front passenger seat. Is there some way I can restore the faded leather?
Andrew Biro · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Congrats on the sweet find! Luckily, faded leather is a pretty easy fix, though it’s a little time consuming, too. The first thing you’ll want to do is gather your supplies: 600-grit sandpaper,
Whenever you make repairs to a leather car seat, it’s always recommended to start with a thorough cleaning. Leather cleaner, followed by diluted isopropyl alcohol, should get rid of most dirt and grime. This ensures you’ll have a clear surface to work with and makes for longer-lasting repairs.
Now you’re ready to gently sand down any faded spots with a fine grit sandpaper—remember, light pressure is all that’s needed. Wipe away any dust once you’ve finished sanding.
At this point, you can begin restoring the seat’s faded color by applying thin coats of a non-diluted leather recoloring solution, as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Dry with a hairdryer and repeat as needed, diluting the final coat with 20 percent water. Wipe with a clean rag and let dry overnight.
The next day, apply leather conditioner to your seats—this will help keep them from cracking or fading prematurely.
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