A minimalist view in repair philosophy

by Kian Amirkhizi & Doug Snow

As a veteran of the interior repair industry for many years, I can verify that repairing leather is an art that technicians express in varying degrees of aptitude. All dependent on the training of the individual, the amount of time he has been working with the craft and the level of performance that he demands from himself. There are certain rules that are immutably prevalent within this discipline that when violated brings disappointing results, as evidenced by the prolific amount of substandard repairs that probably you and I have seen in the field.

So, I have borrowed an acronym to express a repair philosophy crucially important to the success of interior repairs; K.I.S.S.—“Keep it small, stupid”! Please understand that there is no immediate reference to the technician being “stupid,” rather the emphasis should be on the smallness of the repair. However, should the acronym’s suggestion be violated by making a repair larger than necessary, which would well … make you stupid. When beginners endeavor repairs there is an overriding proclivity to smear an all-too generous amount of compound onto the repair. Slathering excessive amounts of repair compound can cause many problems. Fundamentally with the integrity of the repair (as the compound may have issues with proper curing) and with the aesthetics of the repair, obliterating the grain of the surrounding area and creating a rather large, noticeable spot, which kind of invalidates the reason for the repair in the first place.

I once read many years ago on a clever business card that summed up the repairman’s credo in one brilliant line, “Our best work is never seen.” Wow! If that doesn’t distill the very essence of our calling then I do not know what does. A leather repair should not be noticed but rather blend in naturally with the surrounding area. Additionally, the repair should not only be aesthetically pleasing but durable. Durability is achieved through the proper selection of repair compound, proper execution of repair technique and proper application of coating, but that’s another article for another day.

A CASE IN POINT:

Here is a classic example of a violation of the “Keep it small” rule. A customer complained that there were two rather large, hard spots on his leather seats on his ’98 Bentley. After examining the seats, I determined that the seats had been repaired before. I wasn’t sure what was underneath the repairs, but having seen this kind of repair many times before and by poking and prodding the repairs, I figured that the damage underneath was minute. I cleaned off the compounds and discovered that underneath the giant repairs were two tiny little holes. A little leather filler and color, and viola the damage is gone, and the customer couldn’t see or feel anything.

Spatula Techniques

When strategizing an approach to your repairs, undoubtedly the stimulating topic of repair compound application will arise. Much to the chagrin of PETA, the phrase “there are many ways to skin a cat” rings true, as there are many different ways to apply compounds onto substrate. The use of varying instruments such as spreaders, syringes, spatulas and even fingers all can be used for this purpose.

The proper use of the spatula is critical for most repair approaches. Therefore its mastery is essential for effective and aesthetically pleasing repairs. For beginners, I stress a two-handed approach. When articulating the spatula we must pay close attention to the angle of degree the spatula rests in relation to the substrate. For instance if we were to hold the spatula at 90 degrees we would be scraping the material off, not exactly what we are after. If we laid it flat against the surface (0 degrees in relation to the substrate) we would just smear the material around and do nothing to effectively spread the compound in a manner conducive to formulate a proper repair. Therefore, depending on our objective, we need to articulate the spatula somewhere between 0 and 90 degrees to obtain the best results. There is a “sweet spot” that allows for proper and effective distribution. The main objective is to create a perfect “mound” over the repair with an “even feather” of the material distributed around the circumference.

The first step is the application of the repair material. I liken the repair area and the application of compound to that of an airplane runway (the spatula travels the length of the repair and then is flared up like a plane taking off). All repairs have a length and width to them. The application of the material must be spread the length of the repair not the width. This creates that perfect feather. If the repair has equal width and length, like a circle or a square, then you spread the compound from both angles. Starting from one side then spreading from the other. You do not approach the application of the material like you are putting frosting on a cake. This seems to be the natural tendency for most beginners.

Keeping the repair small is the main objective. As far as repairs go, if something is going to be noticeable it’s far better that it’s small and noticeable than large and noticeable. Now there is some infallible repair logic, huh! Countless times we have come across repairs attempted by technicians that have taken the opposite approach creating a huge swath-like slather of repair material obliterating any semblance of the grain. It’s like a giant sign that says, “Look at me! I’m right here!”

All Hail the “Crick”

Not only are the aesthetics affected but the durability suffers as well. Sometimes, when a material is applied to the surface of leather, it renders an unnatural effect to the leather. There is something that technicians have labeled: crick (thank you Jon Firari). Crick is the way that leather wrinkles when pressure is applied to the surface. This is easily demonstrated by pressing your finger into the leather. A nice buttery soft piece of leather responds in kind by creating a myriad of small tiny little wrinkles. However, not so nice leather under the same pressure creates large unnatural looking wrinkles. This condition may also be caused by an application of an unnaturally restrictive topcoat or repair compound sprayed or applied onto the surface, changing the natural movement or dynamics. What happens long term is the premature wearing out of the leather fiber structure; as the folds “load up” in the same place every time rather then displacing the stress onto a greater area of the leather. This is especially evident in the application of repair compounds. Careful consideration must be given when applying the compounds not to interfere with the natural movement of leather. Often, a repair may not be noticeable until pressure is placed on the leather. Under this circumstance the leather repair becomes noticeable as its unnatural movement becomes immediately apparent once pressure is applied. Also keep in mind that the surface of leather has many types of naturally occurring scars, such as insect bites, contact with wire fences and the natural variance of the grain patterns (which I call symmetrical randomness). It may be necessary to camouflage the repair, hiding it in the context of these natural occurring grain variations. All these play a critical role in hiding the repair.

Keeping the repair small doesn’t stop just at the application of repair compound. When using plastisol (heat) repair compounds, the use of a heat gun or iron will be necessary. Improper application of heat can make a repair grow rather quickly. Many technicians that have attempted sensitive door panel repairs on the very-thin vinyls can attest to that!

Using a heat gun that has temperature and air flow regulation is a must. This keeps the repaired area to a minimum. Also, learning to use the iron with a heat gun will revolutionize your repair approach with unparalleled results.

In a world of extra large, value size, XXL, super size, extra value, family size and the Biggest Loser, small is the way to go when approaching your repairs. In the end nothing “succeeds likes minimalism for leather repairs.” Now, I just have to make that sound a little catchier …

For more information on this topic and many others, please see our Web site at www.trainwithmatrix.com.

Kian Amirkhizi and Doug Snow are the founders, primary instructors and owners of MATRI-X, a company that provides professional training and supply for the repair and restoration of leather, vinyl, plastic and velour. Both Amirkhizi and Snow are nationally recognized experts in these disciplines, and have won several national awards. Both continue to operate their own successful restoration/repair businesses in the Los Angeles area. Your feedback is welcomed, so please do not hesitate to contact them with comments regarding this article at MATRI-X at 888.207.6007. For more information on product suggestions, please contact them online at www.reconsupplies.com.