Care of your Hayden Harnett

[asark]

Stormy, I have a Q for ya about a non-HH bag. If you'd be willing to assist please PM me your email address and I'll ask about it through there... if it's ok with you. Let me know please - hope to hear from you soon!

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by asark

Stormy, I have a Q for ya about a non-HH bag. If you'd be willing to assist please PM me your email address and I'll ask about it through there... if it's ok with you. Let me know please - hope to hear from you soon!

You're on my contact list, so go ahead and PM me here. I have a few minutes now. We'll see what we can do.

[Stormy Heart]

OK,I tried this and it pulled color from my leather (as Jan noted in post # 52)

[gingeybear]

Originally Posted by Stormy Heart

Have you posted pictures of this problem child, Gingery ? ~ It is OK to touch up missing or worn bits with well-matched acrylic paint, but don't try to cover Indigo staining. Unless you want to do a Mural or ombre backed-bag, and bring the color around front~ which could be cool ! Get Amodex, and clean her up. (Have you tried soap and a little water yet ?) Yam likes Wilson's spray for protection. I've been in my Laboratory cooking up new fixes for Hauties. If you don't find your answers in the thread, check back. I love the Oyster color, too, but avoid protectant sprays with metallics, as explained earlier. If anyone has done it and NOT ruined her bag, let us know. *Crocking is the expression for 'losing it' when it comes to leather dye.... 'crocked' What happens is the dye (pigment) hasn't stablized properly, returns to powder form and works its way out. This can stain light colored clothing as the bag "fades". I promise you that Good leather won't do this. Ever. "

Oh Stormy:
Re: A little soap and water..... tried a tiny bit of clear, non-scented, super mild soap very very diluted dabbed on and then dabbed off with another soft, white, cotton flannel square on a small area. The metallic finish is gone, the indigo is less concentrated and more transparent but has spread a bit, and some almost flesh color leather shows through the natural "crinkles" in the leather.. I'm afraid that the blue will simply spread more if I try anything else to attempt to clean this up. Next step might be to paint it after all.

Should I try to stipple on a bit of a matching "oyter" metallic color that I concoct from a few acrylic shades, wait for that to dry and overpaint that or simply incorporate the blue into the pattern and hope that it all "takes" and holds?

Nervous a bit since the "oyster" itself doesn't seem all that stable.

Your expert advice will be heeded.

[chodessa]

Hi Stormy!!
Hope you are feeling better!!
Okay, Just received an Ipanema clutch in oyster/gold and I have a couple questions..
I think the bag was a display item... It has the (been sitting out on a shelf in Brooklyn, NYC) scent to me...
Also the leather feels slightly dehydrated in comparison to my other HH's leather..
Is there something you recommend nourishing my clutch with.. It is a light color AND it is metallic, so I want expert advice on this one...
The smell I can deal with, I will air it out or put a fabric softener sheet inside... or I will do whatever you tell me is appropriate!
Thanks in advance!!

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by chodessa

Hi Stormy!! Hope you are feeling better!! Okay, Just received an Ipanema clutch in oyster/gold and I have a couple questions.. I think the bag was a display item... It has the (been sitting out on a shelf in Brooklyn, NYC) scent to me... Also the leather feels slightly dehydrated in comparison to my other HH's leather.. Is there something you recommend nourishing my clutch with.. It is a light color AND it is metallic, so I want expert advice on this one... The smell I can deal with, I will air it out or put a fabric softener sheet inside... or I will do whatever you tell me is appropriate! Thanks in advance!!

Thanks sweets,
I have the clutch and it feels the same as yours. It IS different from the rich HH leathers we know because that topcoat is a dry one. Plus, all patchworked leathers have thousands of needle holes to allow air in to dry the underleather. You won't get much penetration with a moisturising lotion and it will dull the shine. (but would feel a little softer/better) Best bet is to just use it and allow your skin oils to do the job. The bag requires hands on all over to carry, so time and use are friends in this case. I'd expect the finsh to wear off some, when the Fiebings finish could step in and do some good ~ like next year ~ because the acrylic contains conditioners as well. That's the plan for my Ipanema.
Did you say the bag smells like Brooklyn ! ? Give her a dusting with a clean dry white washcloth to get shelf dust off.
~~~ as I rock on, lol ~~~

[chodessa]

Thanks Stormy...
I will let Ipanema be....

[Stormy Heart]

Here are the 'before" flaky metallic pictures, exposing the tan leather ~ nasty mess:

[Stormy Heart]

And After touchup and glaze

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by gingeybear

Oh Stormy: ...try to stipple on a bit of a matching "oyster" metallic color that I concoct from a few acrylic shades, wait for that to dry and overpaint that or simply incorporate the blue into the pattern and hope that it all "takes" and holds?

We're getting off-topic. This deserves it's own Ginger experiment thread, as it is not general Care-related anymore.
The indigo is unstable, the rough denim that rubbed the leather wore the finish off while it stained it. They are stubborn to impossible stains. So ~ 2 problems.
You ARE seeing the natural flesh color of the leather because the oyster finish is only on top. If you color that area, with anything, the color will absorb deeply into the grain, defining and enhancing it.Incorporating the blue color is a safe bet.
Because the finish is 'gone', the paint will adhere better in those areas.Test first.
Or take it to restoration shop.

[chloesmom2006]

Ok so I've got a few questions regarding the following leathers that I'm hoping someone can help me with. (Sorry for my ignorance but I just want to make sure I take care of my HH bags since I them so much. I've usually stayed away from real leather bags in fear of damaging them.)

For the metallics I own, I know we are not supposed to treat them with anything but for the anthracite leather, is it ok if it gets wet? I live in NYC area so we get a lot of rain and I'm just wondering if it's ok to wear these bags in this weather.

Zeus patent leather - I have the Marcel clutch and love this leather but it is very soft and wondering if this should be pre-treated at all? I'm worried mostly about scuffs and also if it's ok if it gets wet. I know it's a patent leather but it seems different to me than the other patent leathers.

Lastly the yam leather - I have this in the Mercer clutch & joey cuff. I recall reading previous posts about using the Wilsons leather spray to protect it....can this spray be used on the yam Mercer clutch and cuff as well?

As you can see, I'm mostly worried about water damage to my bags since I'm in a wet weather location. In general, which of the HH leathers requires the least maintanence? I'd hate to not be able to use my bags b/c I'm always afraid of them getting damaged.

As always, any advice and help is greatly appreciated. :)

[Stormy Heart]

Originally Posted by chloesmom2006

Ok so I've got a few questions regarding the following leathers that I'm hoping someone can help me with. (Sorry for my ignorance but I just want to make sure I take care of my HH bags since I them so much. I've usually stayed away from real leather bags in fear of damaging them.) Be not afraid ! Leather is not such a mystery, and really is both easier to care for and better for the environment than synthetic materials. For the metallics I own, I know we are not supposed to treat them with anything but for the anthracite leather, is it ok if it gets wet? I live in NYC area so we get a lot of rain and I'm just wondering if it's ok to wear these bags in this weather. I think Anthracite can handle a sprinkle, but no bag wants a soaking. Just blot dry with a microfiber cloth asap. (carry a big ziplock rolled inside every purse for emergencies, to slide purse into if the weather goes crazy) Zeus patent leather - I have the Marcel clutch and love this leather but it is very soft and wondering if this should be pre-treated at all? I'm worried mostly about scuffs and also if it's ok if it gets wet. I know it's a patent leather but it seems different to me than the other patent leathers. Zeus IS different ! It's one of the very newest generation 'patent' leathers, which I have described previously. It is not a true patent; rather it is a soft laminate with a patent look and feel. You do not need to treat it; a quick wipe with a dry cloth will keep it nice. Lastly the yam leather - I have this in the Mercer clutch & joey cuff. I recall reading previous posts about using the Wilsons leather spray to protect it....can this spray be used on the yam Mercer clutch and cuff as well? Yam is a lot like saddle and lagoon ~ an unfinished leather, so behaves well with Wilson's protectant. As you can see, I'm mostly worried about water damage to my bags since I'm in a wet weather location. In general, which of the HH leathers requires the least maintanence? I'd hate to not be able to use my bags b/c I'm always afraid of them getting damaged. All leather is easy care as far as I am concerned. The trick is knowing what your particular leather requires for upkeep. Bottom line is know your leather. Once you can identify it, follow the basic care. Every leather type requires its own guidelines. As always, any advice and help is greatly appreciated. :)

You are welcome, I hope this helps a little.

[chloesmom2006]

WOW! Thanks so much Stormy for the very helpful and great advice! I would've never thought of keeping a ziplock bag in my bag for emergency - that is a great idea! This way I'll not freak out about using my bags in case there is a chance of rain or whatever.

I guess I'm learning about leather and the different types (never knew there could be so many). It's really helpful that there are people as nice as you willing to share their knowledge and help educate us.

Thanks soooo much!!!

[jandelvis]

I am done with one coat of Wilson's spray on my Yam and it's AWESOME! dries super fast, and leaves the leather the same color as before treatment! the leather does look a little less thirsty/dusty, or is that my imagination?

[cooper1]

Originally Posted by jandelvis

I am done with one coat of Wilson's spray on my Yam and it's AWESOME! dries super fast, and leaves the leather the same color as before treatment! the leather does look a little less thirsty/dusty, or is that my imagination?

Told Ya, baby!

The Wilson's is fabulous for the YAM.
Now order a bottle of the Wilson's TLC Lotion, and your YAMMIE will love you forever!!! (Also, it's on sale right now and if you google "Wilson's Free shipping code" you'll find a coupon code for free shipping and it will be super cheap!)