Care of your Hayden Harnett

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by cciele

Dear Stormy, I searched this thread regarding handling of the distressed metallic leather but did not find anything (other than don't spray and carry a cloth to wipe ) Anyhow, I've been thinking of taking my distressed bronze Corcovado on the plane with me to Utah. I know nothing about leather + snowy climes, so was wondering whether you had any care tips. Should I leave it at home and take something more rugged (e.g., Cordura? heh heh) Thanks!

Hey CC !
'Don't spray -carry a cloth' is good for smooth metallics and Zeus. Distressed Leather metallics are another story. It is my belief there is nothing you can do to that leather that hasn't been done to it already, as far as beating it up goes.
Here's what we consider with Bronze and Pewter distressed: the metal finish is crackled over an unfinished dark leather, OK ? So what we think about is how to protect that vunerable underlayer. Here we have an exception to other guidelines and I'll go ahead and say give her a spray of the Kiwi Protect-all. If you get caught in a great snowstorm, here's what to do ~~ give the bag a good shake and allow it to air dry. The Kiwi will keep water from penetrating, so only the surface needs to dry. Do not rub the bag, you may tear the metallic surface. If you need to blot it gently, that's OK. Remember keep that bag away from heat sources, radiators, fireplaces, hot air ducts, kitties who like to sharpen claws, etc.

[cciele]

Ah, that makes a lot of sense Stormy! Thanks so much for the quick response. Will the Wilson's TLC spray work as well as the Kiwi?

Speaking of kitties -- I noticed that the rough texture of the distressed leather makes it easy for the bag to pick up cat hair! Gotta watch where I put the bag down :)

[Stormy Heart]

CC, if you can get a very fine mist and good coverage ~ OK TLC, but Kiwi's propellent will make this job a lot easier.

OH Kittyfur !... use a sticky lint roller, fur can get stuck under the metallic bits if you use a brush.
Have a Nice Trip !

[cciele]

Thanks Stormy! Will go to Target to locate some Kiwi tomorrow!

[Peeking_Around]

Originally Posted by Stormy Heart

Hi Peeky ! The Indigo is out- of- this- world gorgeous ! I'd say no, don't use anything on that bag at all. (Most products would dull the gloss.) Carry a clean white cotton or microfiber cloth in a ziplock to wipe the bag off if it gets wet or a spill. The nice dark color and wrinkly finish will be very forgiving of minor mishaps, should they occur.

Forgot to check in here for my reply! Thanks Stormy!! I'm very excited to see the Indigo in person .. I should have it tomorrow. Glad to hear that I won't have to worry about it at all. Woohoo!

[TresChic35]

Hi Stormy,

I plan on using Wilson's leather cleaning wipes, the leather lotion, then end it with the aerosol protector spray on my black nappa, lambskin bag. Its not a distressed nor coated leather, but it feels baby soft and smooth. Do you think its safe to do so?

Also, there are some rubbed/discolored spots on the corners of the bag, what kind of dye would you recommend to polish in those areas? I have a black, shoe-shine polish. Would you recommend using it on my bag? Will it change the texture in anyway? When would you recommend using the black, shoe polish...after applying the lotion and before spraying with the protector?

Sorry for so many questions! Although its not an HH bag, its a Miu Miu bag...and it was quite costly for me. I wouldn't want to ruin it! Thanks in advanced for your help! :)


The shoe polish that I have looks something like this...

My bag looks like this, but in black. http://www.purseblog.com/handbags/mi...r-handbag.html

[TresChic35]

Has anyone had any experiences with the wipes and the lotion on lambskin?

[mlinky]

Dear Stormy:

I just purchased the Martine coat. It is the most fabulous silky, drapey, soft leather that I have ever seen in a clothing item. I want it to stay that way, so now what do I do?

mlinky

[h82bl82]

^it looked great on you! I'm so glad you bought it!

[mlinky]

Originally Posted by h82bl82

^it looked great on you! I'm so glad you bought it!

Thanks Cindy!

[gingeybear]

Originally Posted by mlinky

dear stormy: I just purchased the martine coat. It is the most fabulous silky, drapey, soft leather that i have ever seen in a clothing item. I want it to stay that way, so now what do i do? Mlinky

: )

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by mlinky

Dear Stormy: I just purchased the Martine coat. It is the most fabulous silky, drapey, soft leather that I have ever seen in a clothing item. I want it to stay that way, so now what do I do? mlinky

Garment weight leather is just like that. I do not see where the animal is named, but it's lamb, right ? So, basically easy care: If you notice a spot, gently pinch it between your fingers, and very lightly scratch with your fingernail, then rub it out with your fingertips. This acts as an eraser and brings the natural oils to the surface.
IF you want to pretreat with KIWI protect-all, that's fine.
It is normal for the garment to earn a few tiny tears and scuffs, so don't try to baby it too much or you'll miss the fun. A package of TLC wipes carried in your bag while you wear the coat might be helpful.

[mlinky]

THANK YOU Stormy!! I'll give her a spray, that will make me feel better, and try not to baby her too much. :)

[travelmom]

Hiya, I am overseas and we don't have the products that you mention in most of the care treatments you talk about. I have been told that something called 'Lovin' My Bags' is a really good product and I can order that over the net. Will this be good for most HH leathers? I have a number of bags with varying types of leather. I have or amm waiting on Blueberry & Pewter Sloanes, 3 bags in Cordovan, 2 with VCP, a Grey Zeus, a Yam Clara, Goldrush Mercer, ICP & TCP Trophies and a BP Corc. I also have wallets in Platinum Lizard and Black Zeus. I know this is a lot of different leather, but am hoping you can tell me which ones I can use the LMB products on and if you know of any other universally available products I can get for the others. A tall order I know! I thank you from the bottom of my heart in advance. I hope you can help me.

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by travelmom

Hiya, I am overseas and we don't have the products that you mention in most of the care treatments you talk about. I have been told that something called 'Lovin' My Bags' is a really good product and I can order that over the net. Will this be good for most HH leathers? I have a number of bags with varying types of leather. I have or amm waiting on Blueberry & Pewter Sloanes, 3 bags in Cordovan, 2 with VCP, a Grey Zeus, a Yam Clara, Goldrush Mercer, ICP & TCP Trophies and a BP Corc. I also have wallets in Platinum Lizard and Black Zeus. I know this is a lot of different leather, but am hoping you can tell me which ones I can use the LMB products on and if you know of any other universally available products I can get for the others. A tall order I know! I thank you from the bottom of my heart in advance. I hope you can help me.

Please take some time to read this thread; most of your concerns have been previously addressed. A search within the subforum could yield more insight. If you are still not satisfied, please be specific about any HH leathers we have not yet discussed. LMB does not provide products or services we have thus far needed. Most HH leathers require minimal if any treatment or protection. All leather can use a dose of hydrating conditioner once a year. Based upon your list, only yam, blueberry and cordovan could benefit from an all-purpose Rain & Stain leather protectant, which I am sure you can find locally.