Fixing Ripped Upholstery

Written by Lee Wyatt (last updated May 28, 2010)

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Upholstery is one part of the car that everyone pays attention to. When we get into our vehicle and the upholstery is in good condition, we tend to feel better about the car and are more relaxed when we are driving around. On the flip side, when the upholstery is ripped, torn, snagged, or simply in a bad shape then we typically feel the exact opposite—uptight and crabby. Here are a few options you should consider when trying to restore the interior upholstery of your car.

  • Leather. The easiest way to repair damaged or ripped automotive leather yourself is to purchase a leather repair kit. You can find these online for as little as $9.00, at automotive repair stores, and even at some of the major department stores. Try to match the color of your leather as closely as possible, otherwise your car seat is going to look more like a patchwork quilt than a car. Make sure that you follow the manufacturer directions closely, or you are likely to cause more damage to your upholstery than if you had done nothing.
  • Vinyl. Just as with leather, there are repair kits you can purchase for vinyl upholstery. These kits are more of a cut and paste concept than the leather kits. Once again, try to match the colors as closely as possible. Also, make sure the area of damage is clear of any debris before you begin your repair. As always, follow the manufacturer's directions as closely as possible.
  • Cloth. Cloth is typically both the most difficult and easiest type of upholstery to repair. Easiest because you can often just simply sew it back together. Most difficult because, well, you have to sew it back together. Use a thread that matches the color of the cloth as closely as possible. By using a few simple stitches you can have your upholstery back to normal.

Author Bio

Lee Wyatt

Contributor of numerous Tips.Net articles, Lee Wyatt is quickly becoming a regular "Jack of all trades." He is currently an independent contractor specializing in writing and editing. Contact him today for all of your writing and editing needs! Click here to contact. ...

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What is 8 + 5?

2012-12-30 22:05:03

Joan

How do you repair the cars ceiling upholstry when it looks like someone took a knife and ripped to shreds?