Fill Compounds (FC-1-3 and VRC)

Description: Also referred to as repair compounds, our fill compounds are used to level any voids in the leather surface prior to texturing and color application. FC - 1-3 are water-based, high-solid content resins, engineered for maximum flexibility and longevity. They are intended for use on most upholstery-grade leathers, including furniture and automotive applications. VRC is for use on vinyl or other synthetic leather types, and should not be used on real leather.

FC-1 Soft Fill is a very soft, flexible resin, for use where extensive flexibility is critical. It is used primarily for filling shallow voids such as surface scratches, checking, or wear on the leather’s surface. FC-1 is not recommended to fill large voids, where actual material is missing, such as large burns, etc.

FC-2 Thick Fill is a high-solids repair compound that can be used to fill large voids in the leather’s surface. It is quick to cure, and has good tensile strength, for repairs in load-bearing areas.

FC-3 Hide Healer is a very strong urethane filler that can be used to reinforce damaged leather where the integrity has been compromised due to wear, age, or pH damage. It will not negate advanced rot, but it is the toughest filler we have. It is best suited for use in automotive applications, and furniture applications where film strength is critical.

VRC is a plastisol, used to fulfill the same function as FC - 1-3 on vinyl or other synthetic leather types.

Application: All fill compounds can be applied with an artist’s spatula or palette knife. Each individual swipe should be evenly applied, and allowed to cure before subsequent applications. All fillers have good resistance against the applicator, so they can be sculpted to accommodate damage to rounded surfaces, such as welts or rounded corners.

Curing of the filler can be accomplished by either air-drying (oxidation), or force-curing by a heat gun or a radiant heat source (such as an incandescent light bulb). When time constraints allow, using a bulb to cure the fill compound is preferable, as this allows all moisture to escape the resin, resulting in less residual shrinkage after the repair is complete. Oxidation curing times will be dictated by ambient issues such as temperature or humidity. We recommend that the lid on the storage jar be kept in place except when removing filler, to prevent premature curing of un-used compound. VRC is heat-cured only.

The fill compounds are both wet- and dry-sandable once cured, and can be chemically feathered out using denatured alcohol or acetone.

FC-1 Soft Fill is slower to cure than FC-2, so additional time between swipes is recommended. It has a slightly lower solid content than FC-2 Thick Fill, so it has a slower build. FC-3 has a similar solids content to FC-1. VRC has a high solids content, and also builds quickly.

FC 1-3 are water-based and non-toxic, though proper ventilation and safety measures are recommended. VRC can cause lung irritation if excessive inhalation exposure occurs, so proper ventilation is important.

For additional technical information or support, please call (800) 541-5982, or e-mail jmurray@advleather.com.

MSDS is available via these links - FC-1 | FC-2 | FC-3 | VRC