Cigarette burn holes leave holes that can be an eyesore for you and your passengers. Fortunately, you don't have to spend hundreds of euros to have the damage repaired! You can repair burn holes yourself with glue and a number of other things that can be bought at a local DIY store.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Fix burn holes in a fabric car seat
Step 1. Find a place in the car to collect fiber
Choose an inconspicuous spot, such as under the seat. You can also collect fibers from the carpet hidden under the plastic panels.
- To expose carpet, you must first inspect the panels. Check that the weatherstrip covers the area where the panel meets the door. If so, gently pull back the weatherstrip in this area.
- Try to find the mounting clips. These are located between the panel and the door, usually at the seams where two panels meet. Use your fingers or a panel removal tool to gently release the panel and mounting clips at the point where the plastic is reinforced. If you can't find the mounting clips, try sliding the panel back and forth and prying it off from below. Be careful not to bend the plastic permanently.
Step 2. With a razor blade, scrape off enough fiber to cover the burn hole
Hold your razor at an angle and pull it over the area. Do not apply too much pressure to prevent the blade from cutting into the fabric.
Step 3. Reinstall the panel, if you had removed it
The mounting clips should snap back into place easily. Once you've pulled back the weatherstrips, push them back into place and apply pressure.
Step 4. Apply a small amount of Gorilla glue to the bottom of a deep hole
The glue will expand and fill up some of the space. Let the glue dry. If the hole is not deep, you can skip this step.
You can also fill the bottom of a burn hole with a small piece of foam. Cut off a piece of foam to fit in the hole. Apply fabric glue to the bottom of the hole and place the foam. Let dry
Step 5. Put a drop of fabric glue into the burn hole
Do not apply too much glue or try to fill the hole with glue. You can apply several coats of glue and fibers later.
Step 6. Place the matching fibers on the fabric glue
Put some fibers on top of the glue while it is still wet and lightly press down. Repeat, layering glue and fibers until the top edge of the hole is flush with the seat. Let dry.
Method 2 of 2: Filling burn holes in a vinyl or leather seat
Step 1. Cut around the burn hole with a scalpel and remove the burnt piece of leather
Try not to make the hole bigger. Cut away only what is needed.
Step 2. Push the piece of fabric into the hole with tweezers
Since the piece of fabric is larger than the hole, you may need to push it back and forth to get it all the way into the hole.
Step 3. Flatten the piece of fabric under the leather with your tweezers and smooth out any bumps
Make sure it is completely flat under the hole.
This bottom piece of fabric will help prevent any bumps in the leather around the hole and also provide a base for filling the hole
Step 4. Apply some glue under the edges of the hole
Use a toothpick to apply the glue if it is a small hole, for larger holes use a palette knife. Press firmly on the edges of the hole to secure the bottom piece of fabric to the leather. Let dry completely.
You can use a hair dryer to speed up the drying process
Step 5. Spread a layer of flexible glue or filler in the hole
Smooth the glue into an even layer, making sure it reaches all the edges of the hole. Let the layer dry completely. Repeat this process until the hole is completely filled.
If you're using a hair dryer to dry the layers, position it so that the air blows over the glue or filler, not directly onto it. This prevents the build-up of heat and moisture
Step 6. Sand the final coat until it is even at the edges
Gently sanding this layer smoothes out the dried glue or filler, making the texture more like the surface of the seat.
Do not apply too much pressure while sanding. If the repaired coat goes below the surface of the hole, apply another coat and let it dry before sanding again
Step 7. Dab pigment in the color of the leather onto the hole with a sponge
Apply the pigment to and around the repaired hole until it is completely covered. Let dry.
It is also good to apply leather conditioner to the seat after the pigment has completely dried
Step 8. If the seat is vinyl, cover the repaired hole with vinyl spray
Spray an even coat over the repair to cover it completely. Be careful not to spray too much so that no drips form. Let dry completely.