Care of your Hayden Harnett

[Arielsdream]

Thanks Stormy -you are awesome!!!!!!!!

[trayc41]

Thank you so much, Stormy! My new Mercer Satchel says that you're her hero!

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by azgoldengirl26

Hi Stormy - Another question for our resident leather expert. I just purchased the Lexol cleaner and conditioner, and went to clean the white leather on my white and chocolate Paule Marrot Orsay satchel that has just gotten dirty from normal wear, and it seemed strange to use water on the leather with the spray. Is this correct? I did come clean, but I noticed that the areas that I cleaned have lost their texture and become smoother. Is this typical? Did I rub the leather too hard? Also, just want to clarify that I now use the conditioner on all the leather after it dries and then spray with TLC after that dries. Also, wondering if there are any additional concerns with white leather re: cleaners, etc.? Thanks!

Yes ! you followed the directions and used it properly. I am sure you were careful to not rub too hard. The reason the leather seems smoother is that the skin is hydrated ! Totally OK. Perfectly normal.
You have the correct sequence;clean condition protect. White is like any other light color with the bonus that you can also use white polish if needed, under the treatment layers.

*** Thanks TrayC and Ariel !

[azgoldengirl26]

Stormy to the rescue, again!

[jennirane]

Hi...

Does anyone have a bag (or wallet or cuff) with the BLACK pyramid studs? I just got an adorable Bowery, and some of the studs have sort of chips on them (white is showing through). The coating doesn't feel like enamel; does anyone have any suggestions for covering the little white bits up? The black is pretty glossy (so my trusted Sharpie won't work!!)

Any ideas? :) Thanks!

[dehlia1970]

Question about the Emerald Goatskin....?

Argh! I took my EG corc out of it's dustbag and there are a few little blackish spots on the leather - I don't understand because this bag has basically just sat in it's dustbag for about a year now....There is no explaining how these spots got there!

Well, I tried cleaning it with the lexol and NOTHING. They are still there, and the leather is now a different texture than it's stain-free neighbor leather. Tried conditioning it too - same.

I'm wondering if this leather needs a different treatment/care and mainly I'm wondering how black spot can just appear on the bag that isn't being used?

Any ideas/suggestions appreciated! Thanks.

[gingeybear]

Originally Posted by jennirane

Hi... Does anyone have a bag (or wallet or cuff) with the BLACK pyramid studs? I just got an adorable Bowery, and some of the studs have sort of chips on them (white is showing through). The coating doesn't feel like enamel; does anyone have any suggestions for covering the little white bits up? The black is pretty glossy (so my trusted Sharpie won't work!!) Any ideas? :) Thanks!

jennipenny....I have two cuffs that I use. One bag that I haven't so I'll talk about the cuffs..

but there are two kinds of black studs..(do NOT go there)..true black..and kind of hematite.black with a bit of deep gray (grey?)..hematite ones on my Ramones show copper as their base metal..I like that so I'm leaving it..

but if they are showing white base metal..sound like the black..which are on another cuff I own..but haven't abused as much.

The coating is baked on but thin..perhaps nail enamel or model car or hobby enamel paint? If not..call HH and see what they have to say..I bet they tell you that it's cool because it adds to the vintage vibe..I'll ponder more..or perhaps the always wise RMcC will have other insight!

[jennirane]

Thanks, Gingey! Yup... these are true black, showing white. They're small chips and right on the corners. I think hobby enamel paint would last longer than nail polish. Can't wait to see the guys at our hobby store when I bring in my Bowery!

(And that's EXACTLY what HH would say... but I'm sorry. The Bowery isn't "Vintage". It's supposed to be Rock-n-Roll and everyone knows hey hey my my, rock and roll will never die...)

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by dehlia1970

Question about the Emerald Goatskin....? Argh! I took my EG corc out of it's dustbag and there are a few little blackish spots on the leather - I don't understand because this bag has basically just sat in it's dustbag for about a year now....There is no explaining how these spots got there! Well, I tried cleaning it with the lexol and NOTHING. They are still there, and the leather is now a different texture than it's stain-free neighbor leather. Tried conditioning it too - same. I'm wondering if this leather needs a different treatment/care and mainly I'm wondering how black spot can just appear on the bag that isn't being used? Any ideas/suggestions appreciated! Thanks.

Dehlia, mysterious black spots could be serious. Tell me if they seemed dotted or smudged, where they are on the bag and have you had any mold in you house at all. Is the storage area dry with good air circulation?
Normal Naked leather care is good for Emerald Goat, Same rules apply regarding conditioning clean leather only, never over stains.


***Jen, I agree with Ginger about your worn hardware. As long as your paint of choice is made for metal or plastic, you'll be fine. Maybe consider clear coats on the good parts, too. I also agree that you are both right about HH's probable response.

[dehlia1970]

Maybe mold? I thought I lived in a pretty dry climate (colorado). All my bags are stored up high in a big closet, in their dustbags - nothing wet or humid about the place. That's so weird - I guess the spots are kinda smudgey, they are only in that one spot on the bag. I appreciate your insight!

[jennirane]

Thanks for seconding Gingey, Stormy! BTW, do you have any suggestions for how to mask leather off so I can use a brass cleaner on a few studs? I'm thinking something like painters' tape since it doesn't leave a residue, but maybe there's something better/simpler? (The Bowery just has four regular brass studs that are a tad dingy... I don't know if they're meant to be shiny or antiqued, really.) Thx!

(Just checked stock photos; the brass studs are definitely brighter in the pics than they are on my bag... so I'll want to polish them a little.)

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by jennirane

Thanks for seconding Gingey, Stormy! BTW, do you have any suggestions for how to mask leather off so I can use a brass cleaner on a few studs? I'm thinking something like painters' tape since it doesn't leave a residue, but maybe there's something better/simpler? (The Bowery just has four regular brass studs that are a tad dingy... I don't know if they're meant to be shiny or antiqued, really.) Thx! (Just checked stock photos; the brass studs are definitely brighter in the pics than they are on my bag... so I'll want to polish them a little.)

If you are REALLY careful, tight blue painter's tape is an OK block, I prefer Bar Keeper's Friend powder brass polish to a liquid solvent (Brasso). It is much easier to control with a cloth edge dampened, rubbed lightly & followed by a fast clean cloth buff. Cover everything (all Leather and Brass) with Lexol after, and buff again, to resist future evidence of wear.
Both antiqued and gunmetal Brass Hardware have a little coating that can be removed by buffing to reveal shiny metal. if you like. Normal oxidation is a personal choice ~ Brass that goes all the way to green shows it's purity vs 'pot metal' ( the kind that turns black and eats a chrome finish )
Like Sterling Silver, any metal stores better in a sealed plastic bag, so you may want to use zip locks between wearings to prevent oxidation.
(If brass color is just a thin electroplate, it wears through easily. In this case, pot metal will show, but can be polished just the same, resulting in a soft silvery effect.) I am sure HH uses solid brass because they don't skimp on hardware, so we're cool.

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by dehlia1970

Maybe mold? I thought I lived in a pretty dry climate (colorado). All my bags are stored up high in a big closet, in their dustbags - nothing wet or humid about the place. That's so weird - I guess the spots are kinda smudgey, they are only in that one spot on the bag. I appreciate your insight!

Ah, the best diagnostic tool for mold is a good nose, but you are past that anyway, and have ruled it out....
It is most likely that what we see is just color dye that has saturated in those spots, working it's way to surface. The solution is almost too easy.
Pinch the area and gently scrape with your fingernail, then rub it out with your hands. Massage until the area blends in .While you are at it, rub the whole bag well with your hands. Put one hand inside and work against yourself so that friction and warmth brings the natural oils to surface evenly, Do not be surprised when the leather begins to glow.
Emerald Goat is a treasure. Now all we want to know is why aren't you using that bag !?

[jennirane]

Thanks, Stormy! That's the best info on cleaning brass I've ever seen... now we know your secret. Not just leathers... metal too!

[RealMcCoy]

Originally Posted by jennirane

Thanks, Gingey! Yup... these are true black, showing white. They're small chips and right on the corners. I think hobby enamel paint would last longer than nail polish. Can't wait to see the guys at our hobby store when I bring in my Bowery! (And that's EXACTLY what HH would say... but I'm sorry. The Bowery isn't "Vintage". It's supposed to be Rock-n-Roll and everyone knows hey hey my my, rock and roll will never die...)

Jenn, I hate to confess this, but in the showroom when black plating or enameling chipped, we used the trusty black sharpie with a spot of clear nail lacquer over it to provide the high shine. Not elegant, but it worked. How big are the chips?