Expert: Kirk Ryan - 4/7/2008

Question
I bought a new leather chair.  When I picked it up, The armrest looked crushed.
The manager said they will send a person to fix the problem with steam. Will
that work and will it damage the leather?

Answer
If done right, that may be a good idea. I have seen it done well. Usually they steam or iron to try to pull fibers or woods up. So it basically causes a swell.

But, unfortunately for them, if it doesn't work, and it still looks crushed, they may have to get you a new arm, or a new couch. There may be some deeper damage that they can't get to.

Good Luck.