Conditioning, Cleaning, Waterproofing, Getting Scuffs out?

finzup · Oct 5th, 2008, 09:36 PM

I would be very interested on what everyone recommends on the various types of leathers -- I'm confused and I must admit I have never conditioned any of my bags and I read about all sorts of products that people use.. Is there any kind of "official statement" as to what products I should or should not use on specific leathers (glazed, glossy, crunch, matte?)

Is there any recommended set of steps I should do ??
i.e. "On x leather type you need to waterproof it and condition it every 6 months."

I'm a bit overwhelmed

There are lots of threads on it but nothing definitive...

Thank you

clu0984 · Oct 5th, 2008, 09:42 PM

I have had great luck with Applecare line. I spray all of my new bags with their waterproofing spray which takes care of some of the superficial scuffs. If there is more wear, I will condition with their leather conditioner and then spray and it seems to take care of it. (I have used this on the gray matte, chocolate matte, and my cappucino leather)

missmary · Oct 5th, 2008, 10:05 PM

I'm curious too. I used some Applecare conditioner on my Choco Crash, but I don't know if it did anything. The leather doesn't seem to be very porous. I did use some on my old style glossy tan SMM, and it really did seem to help soften up the leather.

asark · Oct 5th, 2008, 10:18 PM

And the BE python too - is that safe to spray with the weatherproof Apple Guarde stuff?

clu0984 · Oct 5th, 2008, 10:28 PM

^Hmm... I was once told that you shouldn't treat exotic skins with anything except for products that are made specifically for that. If you do a search, there are topics on treating exotic skins and are helpful.

Regarding the crash leather, I'm not sure how to treat that as I do not own a bag in a crash leather (yet!)

Ms.Lizardo · Oct 5th, 2008, 11:01 PM

I have used Wilson's suede and leather protector on all of mine except the pewter LM (still debating)

ABSOLUTELY NO COLOR CHANGES......can't say that about other things I have used.

*suzi* · Oct 5th, 2008, 11:52 PM

I use the Apple products. First I condition them and then I waterproof them. I just tried to do it on the black glossy, but it didn't seem to soften the bag as much as the products do with the matte leathers.

glamourgirlpink · Oct 6th, 2008, 01:39 AM

I've had great results with LMB-no color changes on light colored bags. I just don't care for the smell. It works wonders though!

Be careful with AG spray. I really like the results (made the leather slightly more glossy...well imo anyway) but it did cause grey streaks on a light colored RM that I had. Most dried but a few stayed. I really regret using the AG on this particular light leather and wish I had just stuck with the LMB despite the smell. I almost had a heart attack! Just be careful and do a test area on the bottom first...

Ms.Lizardo · Oct 6th, 2008, 01:59 AM

I find with the BE's it's best to test the BE tags first (actually do this on all my BE's and other bags)...that way if there are any issues you don't risk the bag.....

Suzzeee · Oct 6th, 2008, 03:54 AM

I use mostly Apple products and have had no issues with any of my bags (Bals, BE's and RM's mostly) - I do mainly have darker colored bags, but I just conditioned my Tan SM and it looks great -no color change!

finzup · Oct 6th, 2008, 08:47 AM

Maybe we could start compiling a list of specific bags/ product / results?

something like

* black crash SM / LMB conditioner / success .. the bag is now more amazing
* fuschia SM / LMB waterproofer / epic failure, ruined my bag

(NOTE: The examples above are just fake examples ,not true!)

kcd1695 · Oct 6th, 2008, 09:16 AM

I like the idea of highlighting the major points and eventually and compiling an over all list.

*LMB moisturizer (older version) on my Fuschia SMM-success, but see below

I used LMB moisturizer (the older version) only on my Fuschia Stroke me in an attempt to soften up the bag and perhaps dull the color/shine a little bit. This project was a success!

That said, if you don't want to dull your fuschia bag a bit, I would not recommend the LMB moisturizer

But over all, I'm very happy with the result.

finzup · Oct 6th, 2008, 10:18 AM

Sounds good. Once more people post (hopefully) I will start a new thread with the results. Thanks ladies!! This information is really quite valuable!

Cornflower Blue · Oct 6th, 2008, 12:00 PM

I don't think Applecare products (or LMB products, or is that the same as Applecare??) are readily available in the UK, so all I've been using is Tula handbag cream plus Clarks spray protector for shoes!

The spray protector seems OK with all my bags I think (petrol glossy, choc., dark grey and pewter) - well I haven't had any rain stains anyway! Does not affect the colour of the bags.

The Tula cream works best with the choc. leather, either blending in any noticable scuffs or buffing out light scratches. On the dark grey it's OK with light scratches (and does not give any colour change), but for slight corner wear on the dark grey I swear by the 'oils on the palms of my hands' treatment - has worked a treat!
I have used the Tula cream on the petrol and although it buffs up the bag really nicely it doesn't really do an awful lot for scratches (I have a couple, but luckily they are on the bottom of the bag).
I have used Tula cream (and protectant spray) on my pewter, but I don't know whether it's needed on the crash leathers or not?

Oct 5th, 2008, 09:36 PM	#1
finzup Addicted Belenista! Location: The BE RAOK Island	Conditioning, Cleaning, Waterproofing, Getting Scuffs out? I would be very interested on what everyone recommends on the various types of leathers -- I'm confused and I must admit I have never conditioned any of my bags and I read about all sorts of products that people use.. Is there any kind of "official statement" as to what products I should or should not use on specific leathers (glazed, glossy, crunch, matte?) Is there any recommended set of steps I should do ?? i.e. "On x leather type you need to waterproof it and condition it every 6 months." I'm a bit overwhelmed There are lots of threads on it but nothing definitive... Thank you __________________ "Indecision may or may not be my problem..." What I think about sometimes @ http://finzup.blogspot.com

Oct 5th, 2008, 10:18 PM	#4
asark So bad & so adorable Location: Canada	And the BE python too - is that safe to spray with the weatherproof Apple Guarde stuff? __________________ Stopping the Shooting One PET at a Time Visit the url on my profile for info on my rescue

Oct 6th, 2008, 01:39 AM	#8
glamourgirlpink Member	I've had great results with LMB-no color changes on light colored bags. I just don't care for the smell. It works wonders though! Be careful with AG spray. I really like the results (made the leather slightly more glossy...well imo anyway) but it did cause grey streaks on a light colored RM that I had. Most dried but a few stayed. I really regret using the AG on this particular light leather and wish I had just stuck with the LMB despite the smell. I almost had a heart attack! Just be careful and do a test area on the bottom first... __________________ Queen of my "castle", shamelessly addicted to shopping, Starbucks, Boston bags (especially Gucci!), my HG Lady Dior in black cannage lambskin, and my uber gorgeous/handmade in Italy/super luxurious BELEN ECHANDIA bags!!!

Oct 6th, 2008, 03:54 AM	#10
Suzzeee Proud Belenista Location: California	I use mostly Apple products and have had no issues with any of my bags (Bals, BE's and RM's mostly) - I do mainly have darker colored bags, but I just conditioned my Tan SM and it looks great -no color change! __________________ Wish List BE's new Hobo 2 in Navy, BE TMA in Petrol (ordered), RM Studded Devote Tote in Almond (on pre-order), Ignes Purple Ostrich Sophia (orderd), BE Clutch in Mulberry Python

Oct 6th, 2008, 08:47 AM	#11
finzup Addicted Belenista! Location: The BE RAOK Island	Maybe we could start compiling a list of specific bags/ product / results? something like * black crash SM / LMB conditioner / success .. the bag is now more amazing * fuschia SM / LMB waterproofer / epic failure, ruined my bag (NOTE: The examples above are just fake examples ,not true!) __________________ "Indecision may or may not be my problem..." What I think about sometimes @ http://finzup.blogspot.com

Oct 5th, 2008, 09:42 PM	#2
clu0984 Member Location: Washington	I have had great luck with Applecare line. I spray all of my new bags with their waterproofing spray which takes care of some of the superficial scuffs. If there is more wear, I will condition with their leather conditioner and then spray and it seems to take care of it. (I have used this on the gray matte, chocolate matte, and my cappucino leather)

Oct 5th, 2008, 10:05 PM	#3
missmary Member Location: Los Angeles	I'm curious too. I used some Applecare conditioner on my Choco Crash, but I don't know if it did anything. The leather doesn't seem to be very porous. I did use some on my old style glossy tan SMM, and it really did seem to help soften up the leather.

Oct 5th, 2008, 10:28 PM	#5
clu0984 Member Location: Washington	^Hmm... I was once told that you shouldn't treat exotic skins with anything except for products that are made specifically for that. If you do a search, there are topics on treating exotic skins and are helpful. Regarding the crash leather, I'm not sure how to treat that as I do not own a bag in a crash leather (yet!)

Oct 5th, 2008, 11:01 PM	#6
Ms.Lizardo Member Location: Sunny South Florida	I have used Wilson's suede and leather protector on all of mine except the pewter LM (still debating) ABSOLUTELY NO COLOR CHANGES......can't say that about other things I have used.

Oct 5th, 2008, 11:52 PM	#7
suzi Moderator Location: Ohio	I use the Apple products. First I condition them and then I waterproof them. I just tried to do it on the black glossy, but it didn't seem to soften the bag as much as the products do with the matte leathers.

Oct 6th, 2008, 01:59 AM	#9
Ms.Lizardo Member Location: Sunny South Florida	I find with the BE's it's best to test the BE tags first (actually do this on all my BE's and other bags)...that way if there are any issues you don't risk the bag.....

Oct 6th, 2008, 09:16 AM	#12
kcd1695 Member	I like the idea of highlighting the major points and eventually and compiling an over all list. LMB moisturizer (older version) on my Fuschia SMM-success, but see below I used LMB moisturizer (the older version) only on my Fuschia Stroke me in an attempt to soften up the bag and perhaps dull the color/shine a little bit. This project was a success! That said, if you don't want to dull your fuschia bag a bit, I would not recommend the LMB moisturizer But over all, I'm very happy with the result. Last edited by kcd1695; Oct 6th, 2008 at 09:21 AM.*

Oct 6th, 2008, 10:18 AM	#13
finzup Addicted Belenista! Location: The BE RAOK Island	Sounds good. Once more people post (hopefully) I will start a new thread with the results. Thanks ladies!! This information is really quite valuable! __________________ "Indecision may or may not be my problem..." What I think about sometimes @ http://finzup.blogspot.com

Oct 6th, 2008, 12:00 PM	#14
Cornflower Blue Member Location: UK	I don't think Applecare products (or LMB products, or is that the same as Applecare??) are readily available in the UK, so all I've been using is Tula handbag cream plus Clarks spray protector for shoes! The spray protector seems OK with all my bags I think (petrol glossy, choc., dark grey and pewter) - well I haven't had any rain stains anyway! Does not affect the colour of the bags. The Tula cream works best with the choc. leather, either blending in any noticable scuffs or buffing out light scratches. On the dark grey it's OK with light scratches (and does not give any colour change), but for slight corner wear on the dark grey I swear by the 'oils on the palms of my hands' treatment - has worked a treat! I have used the Tula cream on the petrol and although it buffs up the bag really nicely it doesn't really do an awful lot for scratches (I have a couple, but luckily they are on the bottom of the bag). I have used Tula cream (and protectant spray) on my pewter, but I don't know whether it's needed on the crash leathers or not?