Can you help me rehab this basic vintage Coach bag?

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#46
mamiewuuu said:
Use the Coach leather moisturizer. It will definitely help clean it up!
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Would you happen to work for or have worked for Coach? I saw some of your other posts and it looked as if you were writing in a style that was similar to someone who felt the need to speak for the company.

The reason I ask is because many of us Coach enthusiasts don't prefer the Coach moisturizer since it contains silicone. Many leather care companies suggest NOT using silicone based products on leather, it not only can breakdown the finish of the leather but clog the pores. I always suggest non-silicone products when possible, ESPECIALLY when we talk about the older and classic styles. I mean we are talking about individuals in this thread who probably are outside of any perceived or coverage period given by Coach to repair anything with their older items. I would not consider the coach moisturizer to be a good cleaner, but even the coach cleaner (and other non-coach cleaners) for leather are known to and can cause loss of color when trying to use them to stain treat or just clean in general.

Now that said, I do use SOME silicone based water protectant products, but since I often use them more on suede than other leather (and in light application) I have less worry about it's harm over long term.
 
#47
momtok said:
Exactly. You, bunny, were the one who gave me the nerve to first try it, and four of my vintage bags have all gone through the "soaking". You were entirely right, bunny, and I'm glad you gve me the nerve. :flowers:

These four were all "soaked" before the rounds of conditioning, and the leather is truly, *truly* to die for now ...
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I just bought a vintage Station bag like the one you have and I think it def needs some tlc. Hoping to learn how to rehab as well. Yours looks lovely!
 
#48
momtok said:
I agree that rub in conditioner would be better than spray. (I didn't even know conditoner came in spray form. I know water/stain protectant comes in spray, but I'd never heard of spray conditioner. ... The standard "cream" conditioners penetrate the leather because you physically rub it in. Would a spray version really penetrate?)

bunny, is there any place she could get lexol on line? I'd shown her leatherstuff.com for Apple, but I have no idea of an online site for Lexol. Note that she's in Puerto Rico, and I don't know if they have the same store-chains. (Excuse my ignorance.)
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I've found a 2 piece Lexol set, Cleaner and Conditioner, both of which I use religiously, at Kmart in the automobile section!! And the price wasn't bad either. I"m rehabbing the exact same Basic bag, same approx year with glue on serial #, same color etc. right now. So we are bag twins!!. The water did turn a bit orangey, but she's looking beautiful right now. Bunny, Couldn't she possibly use acrylic on that area of color loss in this bag? I only just bought some acrylic this week so have yet to try that route but a couple of my bags really do need the color replaced so I"m gonna give it a go here soon.
 
#49
Jessi319 said:
I've found a 2 piece Lexol set, Cleaner and Conditioner, both of which I use religiously, at Kmart in the automobile section!! And the price wasn't bad either. I"m rehabbing the exact same Basic bag, same approx year with glue on serial #, same color etc. right now. So we are bag twins!!. The water did turn a bit orangey, but she's looking beautiful right now. Bunny, Couldn't she possibly use acrylic on that area of color loss in this bag? I only just bought some acrylic this week so have yet to try that route but a couple of my bags really do need the color replaced so I"m gonna give it a go here soon.
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Technically yes, but since I can't speak to how the acrylic would last (or potentially damage the leather) it's more of a last resort. If the acrylic was treated (clear coated, something like that) it would/could last through potentially future washings but it can crack against the leather over time due to heat and cool expanding/contrasting since the leather itself is porous and flexible in nature.
 
#50
bunnymasseuse said:
Technically yes, but since I can't speak to how the acrylic would last (or potentially damage the leather) it's more of a last resort. If the acrylic was treated (clear coated, something like that) it would/could last through potentially future washings but it can crack against the leather over time due to heat and cool expanding/contrasting since the leather itself is porous and flexible in nature.
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aaah, good to know. I've seen others talk about doing it on many occasions but you are more cautious, which I applaud.
 
#51
Jessi319 said:
aaah, good to know. I've seen others talk about doing it on many occasions but you are more cautious, which I applaud.
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I always feel like the biggest challenge with leather is matching up a color to truly fit the current color of the bag with an acrylic.

I am actually going to be taking a Wilson's Leather jacket to a local leather shop and have them look at it and give me an idea whether they think it can be redyed or not. Not all leathers will take a dye well, and depending on how it was treated could affect it's future dying "hold" in the leather itself. I do tend to be more cautious about dying as I respect the pieces we find for their beauty and "worn and weathered" look. I think that modifiying it back to original can often damage the bag's ability to last longer because we are re-introducing treatments that perhaps the leather isn't best to receive 20 yrs later. Washing, conditioning and cleaning are simple and less intrusive ways to re-hab a bag. Anything beyond that can potentially ruin the bag's ability for resale later as well as it's leather composure when you add things that will take away from it's porous nature.
 
#52
As some one who recently painted a mural on her bag, I do so as a last option and follow the guidelines and advice of other leather workers. There are ways to minimize or completely eliminate acrylic paint cracking on leather. But again, if you are not willing to wear the bag in its current condition, you have nothing to loose.
 
#53
I have mostly used acryllics to touch up the edging on straps and occasionally on worn corners. I have been disappointed the few times I have tried to touch up spots on the body of the bag because I couldn't get a natural looking match. But as dstalksalot said, if it is your last option then you should give it a try.
 
#55
#57
Hello! I just received a beautiful Patty bag, and she is really dry. I gave her a warm bath and wondered what you all like for conditioner? I’ve heard you all talk about Lexie and leather cpr, and apple care. Just wondering what you all recamend.
 
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