Caring for your vachetta...Borough style!
- Thread starter karman
- Start date
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So I couldn't wait overnight for that first coat of LP to dry. Last night after waiting ~3 hours, I applied another coat of LP. As heat helps the LP set, I used a hair dryer on my bag (medium setting) to help set the two coats. Then, I waited another 3 hours and applied a layer of Apple Leather Conditioner (I think Cadillac Boot & Shoe would have worked the same). I let that dry overnight, applied a very, very thin layer of Apple conditioner and buffed and buffed with the cloth until my arms (almost) fell off... the results? Love!
It's hard to tell but it is about 1-2 shades darker. It has sort of a peachy pink to it now. I admit it's a little patchy in spots (but only noticeable because I know they're there) but my experience is that when the vachetta develops its patina, it will even out over time.
In the same place as yesterday...lighting is a little different so you can't really tell it's darker:
There's a smear on the side, luckily it's easily hidden. I think I must have overdid the LP at this spot but I'm not worried about it being there forever!
The leather is super supple, shiny, and feels well-protected. I felt that with the untreated vachetta, the leather was really porous and probably would have absorbed anything that it came into contact with. After LP, Cadillac, and Apple, it feels as if there's a thin shield on top.
This photo is probably the most color accurate:
Just for good measure, I will apply some Apple Garde tomorrow. I will start using this on Monday (if it doesn't blizzard) and will try to use it frequently!
It's hard to tell but it is about 1-2 shades darker. It has sort of a peachy pink to it now. I admit it's a little patchy in spots (but only noticeable because I know they're there) but my experience is that when the vachetta develops its patina, it will even out over time.
In the same place as yesterday...lighting is a little different so you can't really tell it's darker:
There's a smear on the side, luckily it's easily hidden. I think I must have overdid the LP at this spot but I'm not worried about it being there forever!
The leather is super supple, shiny, and feels well-protected. I felt that with the untreated vachetta, the leather was really porous and probably would have absorbed anything that it came into contact with. After LP, Cadillac, and Apple, it feels as if there's a thin shield on top.
This photo is probably the most color accurate:
Just for good measure, I will apply some Apple Garde tomorrow. I will start using this on Monday (if it doesn't blizzard) and will try to use it frequently!
Thanks so much for sharing your tips and taking the time to show us your process. I have an LV Pallas with only vachetta handles and I am scared to death to take that bag out!!! So I definitely appreciate seeing how your treatment works. Lovely bag
Thanks for sharing. I wish I knew about the leather preserver when I treated my Caroline 2 years ago.
Here is a photo of it two years ago and about a month ago. Leather aged beautifully.
http://forum.purseblog.com/coach/two-years-and-my-vachetta-leather-caroline-849648.html
Here is a photo of it two years ago and about a month ago. Leather aged beautifully.
http://forum.purseblog.com/coach/two-years-and-my-vachetta-leather-caroline-849648.html
Haven't popped in for ages and almost missed this beauty but called today and (fingers crossed) have the last one in inventory on its way to me! Will definitely need this thread to treat it once it gets here so thanks for sharing such detailed info and, as always, for sharing such fabulous pics!
The leather is super supple, shiny, and feels well-protected. I felt that with the untreated vachetta, the leather was really porous and probably would have absorbed anything that it came into contact with. After LP, Cadillac, and Apple, it feels as if there's a thin shield on top.
I am going to be following your lead Karman. I got the vachetta B and treated her with apple guard. As bolded above I also had the same initial impression of the vachetta leather so very porous. But I love the rawness of her and after spraying she hasn't changed in color either.
I do have a question, how important do you think it is to also use the conditioner on her. I haven't done this step. I am still deciding if I want the shine or to leave it on the matte side. I will not use her for another couple of weeks, maybe even a month as I am still snow and salt covered so I have time on my side.
I am going to be following your lead Karman. I got the vachetta B and treated her with apple guard. As bolded above I also had the same initial impression of the vachetta leather so very porous. But I love the rawness of her and after spraying she hasn't changed in color either.
I do have a question, how important do you think it is to also use the conditioner on her. I haven't done this step. I am still deciding if I want the shine or to leave it on the matte side. I will not use her for another couple of weeks, maybe even a month as I am still snow and salt covered so I have time on my side.
