Learn the Core Skills of Professional Leather Repair in One Practical Day
A hands-on workshop course for complete beginners and existing professionals who want to clean, repair, colour and restore leather furniture with confidence.
You will work directly on leather and use the same professional processes taught for commercial repair work.
A focused day of skills you can put into practice.
This is a complete practical workshop day covering the core processes used to assess, clean, repair and recolour leather furniture.
You will learn from Melissa Edwards, an active leather restoration professional, and practise the techniques yourself rather than simply watching demonstrations.
Understand the material
Learn to identify common leather types, assess condition and recognise what can safely be cleaned or repaired.
Practise the complete process
Prepare, repair, colour match, apply colour and finish leather using professional tools and products.
Leave knowing your next step
Understand the kinds of jobs these skills can be used for, how to think about pricing and where to get help afterwards.
The core leather repair and restoration process.
The day moves from correct identification and preparation through to practical repairs, colour work and a professional finish.
Leather identification
Recognise pigmented, aniline, semi-aniline, nubuck and other common leather types so you can choose the correct process.
Condition assessment
Identify wear, contamination, coating failure and common damage before deciding what treatment is appropriate.
Professional cleaning
Learn deep-cleaning and stain-removal methods using professional products without causing avoidable damage.
Preparation and repairs
Prepare surfaces and work on scratches, scuffs, cuts, tears, burns, holes, pet damage and weakened areas.
Colour matching
Understand colour theory and practise mixing repair colours to blend restored areas with the surrounding leather.
Application and finishing
Use professional application and airbrushing techniques to build colour and leave a durable, natural-looking finish.
Suitable for beginners and established service businesses.
- People considering a new leather repair service or side business
- Carpet and upholstery cleaners expanding their services
- Furniture retailers, upholsterers and restorers
- Mobile technicians and tradespeople looking to diversify
- Anyone who wants practical training with no previous experience required
Everything needed during the training day.
- A full day of hands-on workshop training
- Use of professional tools and products during the course
- Training manual and useful aftercare resources
- Guidance on pricing, quoting and finding suitable work
- Ongoing post-course support by phone, WhatsApp or email
A full working day, from assessment to finish.
The exact pace can adapt to the group, but the day is structured around understanding the process and then applying it yourself.
Identify & assess
Leather types, condition, damage and choosing an appropriate restoration process.
Clean & prepare
Professional cleaning, stain treatment and correct surface preparation.
Repair & colour
Hands-on damage repair, colour theory, matching and application techniques.
Finish & next steps
Professional finishing, pricing considerations and how your ongoing support works.
Learn from someone who still does the job.
Melissa Edwards doesn’t just teach leather restoration. She runs Classic Leather Care and continues to repair and restore customers’ furniture commercially.
That means the methods taught are grounded in real paid work: how to assess damage, choose a sensible repair, manage expectations and achieve a finish you can stand behind.
Melissa’s teaching is practical and approachable. You can ask questions, practise the techniques and understand why each stage matters.
Courses are kept deliberately hands-on so trainees can receive meaningful guidance. Ask about the next suitable availability rather than choosing from an impersonal list of fixed dates.
You won’t be left on your own when the training day ends.
The first real enquiries often create questions no classroom can predict. Ongoing support is included so you have someone experienced to ask.
Send Melissa photos and get practical guidance while you build your judgement and experience.
See Graduate SupportIs the 1-day course the right option?
Choose based on how much supported, real-world experience you want before using the skills commercially.
1-Day Course
Best if you want the core practical workshop training in one focused day.
- Complete workshop foundations
- Hands-on practical repair work
- No live customer-job day
- Ongoing support included
2-Day Course
Best if you want the workshop foundations plus a day alongside Melissa on real customer work.
- Everything taught on Day 1
- One real customer-job day
- Assessment and quoting context
- Ongoing support included
3-Day Course
Best if you want the greatest amount of supervised, real-world experience before working alone.
- Everything taught on Day 1
- Two real customer-job days
- More varied practical exposure
- Ongoing support included
Practical training that builds real confidence.
Graduates repeatedly highlight Melissa’s knowledge, the approachable teaching and the value of learning hands-on.
Tony praised the easy pace, Melissa’s depth of knowledge and the practical, hands-on way the training was delivered.
Tony StewartGoogle reviewGraduate feedback consistently describes the course as clear, informative and confidence-building, with plenty of opportunity to practise.
Leather Academy GraduateGoogle reviewGrace travelled three hours for training and described the journey as completely worthwhile, particularly valuing the hands-on experience.
GraceGoogle review1-day course FAQs.
Do I need any previous leather repair experience?
No. The course is suitable for complete beginners and starts with the fundamentals. It is also useful for established cleaners, upholsterers, restorers and other service professionals adding leather work to their existing business.
Does the 1-day course include real customer jobs?
No. The 1-day course is a practical workshop day using training furniture and materials. If you want to accompany Melissa on real commercial jobs, choose the 2-day course for one live-job day or the 3-day course for two.
When do the courses run?
Courses run throughout the year. Contact us to discuss the course you want and we will let you know the next suitable availability. We no longer ask visitors to choose from a public list of fixed dates.
Where is the training held?
The practical workshop training is held at The Leather Academy in South Wales. Full address, travel and arrival information can be confirmed when you enquire or book.
Are tools and products included?
Yes. The professional tools and products required during the training are provided for you to use. If you plan to offer the service commercially, Melissa can also explain what equipment and products you are likely to need afterwards.
What support will I receive after the course?
Ongoing post-course support is included. You can contact Melissa by phone, WhatsApp or email for guidance with leather identification, repairs, colour work, products, quoting and real customer jobs.
Can I arrange one-to-one training?
Bespoke one-to-one training may be available by arrangement. Contact Melissa to explain what you want to learn and discuss the most suitable option.
Should I choose the 1, 2 or 3-day course?
Choose the 1-day course for the core workshop skills. Choose 2 days if you also want one day of supervised live customer work, or 3 days for two live-job days and the greatest amount of real-world experience. You do not need to complete the 1-day course first.
Ask about the next suitable 1-day course.
Tell Melissa what you want to achieve and she’ll confirm availability — or give you a straightforward recommendation if the 2 or 3-day option would suit you better.
Or email info@leatheracademy.co.uk