How to Fix Your Stressless Ekornes Leather Chair

Introduction

Stressless chairs by Ekornes are renowned for their exceptional comfort and premium leather upholstery. Over time, even the finest leather can show signs of wear — fading, cracking, scuffing, or peeling. The good news is that with the right products and technique, you can restore your Stressless chair to a near-factory finish at home.

What You'll Need

• Hide Labs Leather Cleaner
• Hide Labs Leather Colour Repair Paint (matched to your chair's colour)
• Hide Labs Leather Sealer / Top Coat
• Soft cloths or microfibre applicator pads
• Fine-grit sanding sponge (400–600 grit)
• Masking tape (for protecting surrounding areas)

Step 1 – Identify Your Leather Type

Ekornes uses semi-aniline and pigmented leather on most Stressless models. These leathers have a surface coating, which means they respond well to colour repair paints and sealers. Before starting, do a small test on an inconspicuous area to confirm adhesion.

Step 2 – Clean the Leather Thoroughly

Use Hide Labs Leather Cleaner to remove all dirt, grease, and body oils from the surface. Apply with a damp cloth using circular motions and wipe clean. Allow to dry fully — at least 30 minutes. Do not skip this step; any contamination will prevent the repair paint from bonding correctly.

Step 3 – Prepare the Damaged Area

If the leather is peeling or has raised edges, lightly sand the damaged area with a fine-grit sanding sponge. The goal is to smooth the surface, not to remove material. Wipe away any dust with a clean dry cloth.

Step 4 – Apply the Leather Colour Repair Paint

Shake your Hide Labs Leather Colour Repair Paint well before use. Apply thin, even coats using a microfibre pad or sponge applicator. Allow each coat to dry for 10–15 minutes before applying the next. Typically 3–5 coats are needed for full coverage on worn or faded areas. Work in a warm, well-ventilated environment for best results.

Tip: For cracks or deep scuffs, use a leather filler first, then apply the colour paint over the top once cured.

Step 5 – Seal and Protect

Once you're happy with the colour coverage and the paint has fully dried (allow at least 1 hour), apply Hide Labs Leather Sealer. This protects the repair from everyday wear and gives the leather a natural, consistent finish. Apply 2–3 thin coats, allowing drying time between each.

Step 6 – Final Buff and Condition

Once the sealer is fully cured (ideally leave overnight), buff gently with a clean cotton cloth. You can follow up with aHide Labs Leather Protector 

Matching the Colour

Getting the colour right is the most critical step. Hide Labs offers a professional colour matching service — simply send us a photo of your chair in natural daylight and we'll formulate the closest match from our range. Better still supply us with the name and we will search our vast date base.

Common Stressless Leather Issues We Fix

• Fading from sunlight exposure
• Cracking on seat edges and armrests
• Peeling on high-contact areas
• Scuffs and scratches
• Colour transfer from clothing (denim, etc.)

Final Thoughts

Restoring a Stressless Ekornes leather chair is a satisfying and cost-effective alternative to reupholstery. With Hide Labs products, you can achieve professional results at home. If you're unsure about any step, get in touch — we're happy to advise on the right products and technique for your specific chair and condition.