Leather Grain Techniques

The reproduction of the grain pattern or texture on leather is very important in making any type of repair successful and inconspicuous. On small repairs, nicks, scratches and holes you may not need any grain or reproduction of the pattern. Sometimes you can create the pattern or grain effect by using a damp sponge, paper towel or q-tip by lightly dabbing the repaired area. It is recommended to make the grain pattern in the last skim coat of the filler than the final color layer of the repair. For larger areas the use of a spray on grain product or making an impression of the leather is necessary.

The spray-on grain products are more difficult to control the results because they are affected by the temperature, humidity, amount, and distance from the repair. These make either a clear wrinkle or texture coating over the repair. The spray-on grain products are for use after the repair process but before the color process.

The use of a grain copier or mold is the best method of an accurate grain pattern. This process using a two part silicone product which you mix together and pour over an adjacent area. This product will harden to make a flexible reproduction of the leather grain. It usually take approx 10 minutes to make a grain on the leather depending on the brand used. After you apply the final skim coat of the filler over the repaired area, place the grain impression over the area and lightly press it down. Then use a heating tool or heat gun to cure the repair. After the filler has cooled, peel off the mold leaving an exact copy of the leather grain.