Caring for/Treating Fall '08 MJ Lambskin Bags

[spaceyjacy]

xi_captain and I thought it would be a good idea to start a thread devoted to Fall '08 lambskin specifically since it was used on more than just the Carter line. I started freaking out about this earlier today when I realized that I now have 3 bags made from this type of leather and I want to actually be able to use them. Please help us keep track of what has worked(both products and application techniques) to maintain the finish and reduced scuffing and wear.

I know Tiger posted that she had success with a multifaceted approach. . .I'll try to move it over here for reference purposes.

[spaceyjacy]

Tiger's approach :

Originally Posted by tigertrixie

I took some of Juns advice and sprayed my rose Carter Jr. with stain repellant. No changes to the color - thats good. I took it one step further and used a q-tip with some Kiwi shine in neutral color and rubbed it along the bottom piping. It acts like a shellac? Not sure if this is how to spell it... It now feels like there is a protective barrier on the piping and the one really scuffed area isn't all that noticable. I will post pics. I did the on my charcoal one, too. I haven't used the charcoal yet, so it will be a test to see if the corners scuff. No changes to the color of the bag and no demarcation lines...

[spaceyjacy]

Tiger's pics(before and after):

Originally Posted by tigertrixie

So what I did is conditioned the scuff first with cadillac conditioner. Followed with stain repellant followed with neutral shoe polish. Dry between treaments. Before and after pictures:

[xi_captain]

Big thanks to Jacy for starting this thread .

I would like to add that Apple Leather Conditioner buffed out some of the scuffing on the Charcoal Carter Jr. I got for my sister. Although, it wasn't as effective in the Pale Lav one...

[spaceyjacy]

Question for Tiger: What kind of protector/repellent did you use?

[tigertrixie]

Thanks spacey for starting this thread. I found this stuff at rite aid called scuff remover (in the shoe polish section). This seemed to work really well without the shiny varnish look. I don't know if it will protect it, but it is a clear liquid that rolls on to scuff marks. Neat stuff!
I have Kiwi brand stain repellant that I used. Probably a very inferior product compared to apple, but that is all I had.

If anyone else has tried other things for scuff marks, please post...I am sure there are products out there that can help!

[spaceyjacy]

^Thanks for the info Tiger.

Also, I just emailed lovinmybags.com to see what they recommend for delicate/thin finishes like these. I'll post when I get an answer.

[jun3machina]

hey spacey, is the leather on the python trimmed bags lambskin too? is it as fragile as the carter line??

[spaceyjacy]

I think it is June. My stam has not shown ANY signs of wear yet and I've used it much, much, much more than my cubie. I keep thinking I should condition it but it still looks as good as it did the day I got it.

On another note, luvinmybags has STILL not responded to my email about lambskin. I sent it before Christmas and tried to stress the fact that I was interested in which of THEIR products would be ideal. Either theu are closed for the holidays or have chosen to ignor my question. If I can get anymore info I'll post.

[jun3machina]

thanks hon!

[spaceyjacy]

Oh, I meant to add that I tried neutral shoe polish on my Cubie and it worked VERY well. I conditioned the "bald" spots then applied the shoe polish and buffed. Very much improved. It mimics the finish very well.

[Dawn]

thanks so much for starting this thread! i haven't used my carter rocket yet because i'm SO AFRAID of the scuffing!
i will have to look for that scuff remover! are you guys finding that the piping is getting worst of it or is the entire bag at risk?

[spaceyjacy]

Dawn, the piping is the worst but a patch at the bottom of my handles started to rub off too(where it rubbed against my clothing). I wish luvin my bags would get back to me. I was primarily asking about a product that would prevent the finish loss. I guess you could apply the neutral polish to the piping preemptivly?

I still need to do something to my BB and my Coco before I break them out. . .

[Dawn]

i do have the lovin my bags For Handles Only stuff and haven't applied it yet. i wonder if that would help. hmmm.

[jun3machina]

wow! that's too bad spacey! im kinda glad i passed on the carter jr. i still adore that bag, but from afar...