Care of your Hayden Harnett

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by maegrace

Hiya! Got chalk mercer 3C in. She's hanging outside for some freshening up. Is there a way to brighten her color up and even her out?? I'm not super keen on the chalk color right now, but, going to try to clean her up as best I can before I decide if dye is the next option. Also, is there anything special I should do to black, currant, and ink mercer 3c? I bought them used and want to make sure they live forever (or as close to). I have no idea if anything has been done to them before. Thanks for any help!

Hi Maemae!
I am working on a naked white bag now myself; it has some phantom stains and an ink mark. There are still a few things I need to try.
Dye is not a great option for naked leather, unless you just don't like white, Clean her up and we'll see what she needs next.
All of your MC3s are mercer-washed leather (naked), so you can go ahead and invest in a LeatherMagic kit for all of them to keep them in lovely shape. Always start with cleansing used bags (whether they have been treated or not). You'll be amazed how nice they look even before conditioning. Just follow the directions.
Remember to keep the lining away from the leather while you work. At first it will feel like you need three hands, especially where linings are tacked down inside. Take your time, damp is better than wet. Blot often, stuff with clean towels/tissue to hold shape while drying before conditioning.
You might have the most M3Cs of any of us, is it your ideal bag?

[enga4]

Dearest Stormy,

I have an off-white/bone/beige hobo coming to me that needs cleaning/conditioning. It's a Marc Jacobs Hillier... I don't know what type of leather he uses or what would be the best route to take. The MJ forum doesn't have a resident "Amazing Leather Artist" like yourself hanging around!

Hopefully,

Enga

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by kate83675

Thank you, thank you, thank you Stormy!! I so appreciate your advice. I didn't know all that about blue dyes and especially the problems with sunscreen, and lotions but the sunlight would be big problem for me since it's always sunny here <sigh> The BB is just gorgeous but maybe I'll be happier if I stay with accessories instead of a bigger bag. How did you know turquoise is my favorite color and birth stone?

You're welcome ~
and
gotcha !

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by enga4

Dearest Stormy, I have an off-white/bone/beige hobo coming to me that needs cleaning/conditioning. It's a Marc Jacobs Hillier... I don't know what type of leather he uses or what would be the best route to take. The MJ forum doesn't have a resident "Amazing Leather Artist" like yourself hanging around! Hopefully, Enga

Hey Sweetstuff,
I just picked up a Lockheart in pale Ivory, with minor 'wearage'. It cleaned up perfectly ! Do the water drop test in a hidden spot and let me know what happens. If it's finished pebbled leather, Lexol should do the trick. If you need to color-correct any areas, we'll deal them after you clean but before conditioning, OK ?

[enga4]

Thank you! I'm so glad you''re here to help! My local leather shop is only good for resoling shoes!

[hokka]

Dear Stormy,
I know you are against "inheriting" other peoples' problems but there is a bag i have my eye on - I believe it's a mid-reddish purple color - which has a ton of denim on the back (another topic i know you cringe about). i am, however, interested in this bag to try out as an experiment in staining. i purposely did NOT use the word dye because i know how you feel about those, too.

so in short, i was wondering - what sorts of leather stains do you recommend? i read a bit here and there in this thread about a few different products, like nurse's shoe polish, kiwi black shoe dye, etc. are there others?

thank you, as always.

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by hokka

Dear Stormy, I know you are against "inheriting" other peoples' problems but there is a bag i have my eye on - I believe it's a mid-reddish purple color - which has a ton of denim on the back (another topic i know you cringe about). i am, however, interested in this bag to try out as an experiment in staining. i purposely did NOT use the word dye because i know how you feel about those, too. so in short, i was wondering - what sorts of leather stains do you recommend? i read a bit here and there in this thread about a few different products, like nurse's shoe polish, kiwi black shoe dye, etc. are there others? thank you, as always.

Hokka you know I love you and I laughed my caboose off reading this!
I am picturing a color like LP Angie Aubergine (red-purple). If this got denim transfer, probably recoloring would be the only hope. Serious stain removal efforts would result in splotched color loss and a big mess. What type of leather is this mystery bag? Are you feeling creative here or do you want a solid color ? ( sounds like this could take an ombre really well.) You'll want to stay close to the original color, and play in that range. You will work with that as your base color http://www.leathermagic.com/Pages/LMcolorinst.htm
LeatherMagic recolor kits come with everything you need for the particular type leather you are working on, and my favorite part ~ a spray bottle so your application comes out 'airbrushed'. They will custom mix your color , too. Just call Renee and she'll walk you through.
I don't like the popular paint products as a one-size-fits-all leather dye. LM formulas don't alter your finish, so they have my confidence.
*Can you show me the bag or link to ?

[maegrace]

Stormy-
Yes, the mercer is my ideal. I am so in love with it. Perfect in every way (for me)
My Polish moment is happening, but, clean them with Leather Magic cleaner? I'll have to order some (not sold here) and do it on a weekend when the kids are busy.
The chalk def has some off color spots and it has a musty (the man says basement-ish) smell. I'm hoping a couple more days out in the sun should help that..??
Thanks so much! I know zip about leather.

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by maegrace

Stormy- Yes, the mercer is my ideal. I am so in love with it. Perfect in every way (for me) My Polish moment is happening, but, clean them with Leather Magic cleaner? I'll have to order some (not sold here) and do it on a weekend when the kids are busy. The chalk def has some off color spots and it has a musty (the man says basement-ish) smell. I'm hoping a couple more days out in the sun should help that..?? Thanks so much! I know zip about leather.

Mae! Quick read post 620 and follow those instructions. If it smells musty, you have mold, which rots leather. 10% alcohol will kill the spores, rinse with damp cloths and let a few days of sunshine do the rest. (When the smell is gone, you have succeeded.) The off color spots are probably from the mold, so make sure you get those spots well. Chalk will reveal a blue-grey undertone when wet, and the mold may leave slight spots and stains, so don't be alarmed by either. The next step is regular cleaning, a little white liquid shoe polish applied lightly, and then your conditioner.
(yes LeatherMagic brand for naked leather)
I look forward to seeing a group photo with all your M3Cs !

[Sybaryte]

Originally Posted by Stormy Heart

I am picturing a color like LP Angie Aubergine (red-purple). If this got denim transfer, probably recoloring would be the only hope.

Funny...pulled out my LP Angie Aubergine shoulder bag tonight as a reminder of why I don't need a Botkier Logan Satchel from *S a k s*. I have distressed burgundy...and I have tassels on other bags. I will survive. But the last thing I'm worried about is denim transfer on this bag, its color is so variegated.

[Yes, Stormy....I know you weren't addressing a LP Angie, just using it as an example of color. ]

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by Sybaryte

Funny...pulled out my LP Angie Aubergine shoulder bag tonight as a reminder of why I don't need a Botkier Logan Satchel from *S a k s*. I have distressed burgundy...and I have tassels on other bags. I will survive. But the last thing I'm worried about is denim transfer on this bag, its color is so variegated. [Yes, Stormy....I know you weren't addressing a LP Angie, just using it as an example of color. ]

Lockhearts smell like just the Angies. They use the same sweet linseed tanning oils. Love it so much, I had to pick up a second LH satchel in dark blush color. (Exact profile and dimensions as my Sammies) I am convinced that oil is the secret reason these leathers are so easy to care for.
You can imagine reddish purple color in a different leather could become navy-black. I wish we could see the one Hokka's talking about.
You need an aubergine tassel

[hokka]

stormy... pmed ya! :)

[hokka]

rather, i tried to... didn't work (mailbox full)?

[gestapolollipop]

Thanks, Stormy! I'll let you know how the cleaning goes.

[gin2ham]

Hi stormy,
This is what the bag looks like. There is like a circular mark, I'm not sure if it is clear on the pic. Anyways, do I condition it after it dries. I am still not sure if this is how it is supposed to look when its dry.




sorry for the big pics. Thanks!!!