If you own an RV long enough, you’ll probably notice something frustrating: your furniture starts peeling.
Whether it’s your sofa, captain’s chairs, or dinette seats, that cracked and flaky material is a common problem — but the good news is you can fix it without spending thousands on replacement!
At Custom-Way, we’ll show you practical ways to repair peeling RV furniture and keep your rig looking great.
Why Does RV Furniture Peel?
RV furniture often uses bonded leather or vinyl instead of real leather.
These synthetic materials are lighter and cheaper, but over time:
Heat and sun exposure dry them out.
Humidity and use cause the material to crack.
Low-quality bonding agents weaken and separate.
If you see peeling, it’s usually the top protective layer failing — not necessarily the whole material underneath.
3 Best Ways to Fix Peeling RV Furniture from Custom-way
1. Use a Repair Kit
You can buy a vinyl or leather repair kit (available on Amazon or at auto parts stores) to patch small peeling spots.
How to use it:
Clean the damaged area with rubbing alcohol.
Sand lightly to smooth rough edges.
Apply filler compound into cracks.
Paint over with matching color from the kit.
Seal with a clear protective coat.
👉 Tip:
Some kits include color-matching charts to blend the repair perfectly with your furniture!
2. Apply a Slipcover or Upholstery Paint
If the peeling is widespread but the structure (cushions, frame) is still good:
Slipcovers are the easiest fix — just cover the whole seat!
Or use vinyl spray paint (yes, it exists!) like Rust-Oleum Fabric & Vinyl Paint to resurface your furniture.
How to paint vinyl furniture:
Remove loose flakes and sand the surface.
Clean thoroughly with a degreaser.
Mask off areas you don’t want painted.
Apply several thin coats of vinyl paint.
👉 Result:
It won’t feel exactly like new vinyl, but it looks fresh and can last for a few years!
3. Reupholster or Replace
For furniture that’s too far gone:
Reupholstering with marine-grade vinyl or RV-specific fabrics gives you a near-new look.
Replacing might make sense for heavily worn or uncomfortable seats.
Pro tip:
You can often find affordable RV furniture online or even pull seats from boat supply stores (they’re built for similar conditions: sun, heat, and moisture).
Prevention Tips: Keep Your New or Fixed Furniture Looking Good
Use RV furniture covers when not in use.
Apply UV protectant sprays (like 303 Aerospace Protectant) every few months.
Ventilate your RV to avoid moisture build-up.
Park in the shade when possible to minimize sun damage.
Small efforts can extend your RV furniture’s life by years!
FAQ: Fixing Peeling RV Furniture
❓ Can I use regular spray paint on RV furniture?
No. Use paint designed for vinyl or fabric — regular spray paint will crack and peel quickly.
❓ How much does it cost to reupholster RV furniture?
Prices vary, but expect around $300–$1,000 depending on the size and material.
❓ Is it worth fixing or should I just replace it?
If the furniture is structurally good (no sagging, no broken frames), fixing it is usually much cheaper than replacement.
Keep Your RV Looking Sharp
Peeling furniture can make your RV feel tired and worn-out, but fixing it is totally doable!
Whether you patch it, paint it, or reupholster it, you’ll save money and freshen up your RV’s interior — ready for your next big adventure.
At Custom-Way, we believe your RV should look as good as the memories you’re making with it!