Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

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#196
coach for fun said:
I am rehabing a Navy Blue Vintage Bleecker Bucket (1999). I cleaned it with the apple cleaner and then put a coat of the apple care on it. How long should I wait for drying? It wasn't in too bad of shape before.
How many coats of apple care should I put on?

I have never had a vintage bag before, so thanks for any help you can give!
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I like to give it a several hours between apple appications. Sometimes I think I am done and the next day it looks dull and so I give it another application. I like it when the bag looks like it is glowing. Not shiny but like it has a polished, burnished look. Sometimes it takes several applications and looks of polishing with a soft cloth. Sometimes it only takes a few coats.

It's up to you, when you think the bag looks good that's when you should stop.
 
#197
I am looking for rehab advice. I just picked up a wool bag with lamb nappa leather trim for $9 but I have no idea how to work with these materials on a Coach bag!

There is an ink mark on the leather inside the bag and watermarks on the bottom of the bag. The purse isn't visibly dirty but I think that the wool could probably use a Woolite cleansing. Any ideas or suggestions?

Here are the pics, Hyacinth says that it is a "Girlie" hobo from 2001!

http://s1226.photobucket.com/albums/ee413/katev2/Coach Houndstooth Lamb Nappa bag/
 
#198
Kate, I just removed water marks on a coach with saddle soap. A couple of applications actually. Are you planning on throwing her onto the washer with woolite? That might help with water marks as well. Pen marks are hard. I have not been able to remove pen from leather without removing color as well. I have resorted to acrylic paint for pen issues, but only with pebbled leathers were the texture of a paint application can blend in with no notice.
My husband (an indie filmaker and vlogger) just convinced me to start vlogging about my rehabbing projects.....so I will be posting something soon I hope.
 
#199
dstalksalot said:
Kate, I just removed water marks on a coach with saddle soap. A couple of applications actually. Are you planning on throwing her onto the washer with woolite? That might help with water marks as well. Pen marks are hard. I have not been able to remove pen from leather without removing color as well. I have resorted to acrylic paint for pen issues, but only with pebbled leathers were the texture of a paint application can blend in with no notice.
My husband (an indie filmaker and vlogger) just convinced me to start vlogging about my rehabbing projects.....so I will be posting something soon I hope.
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Thanks! I have considered throwing it into the washer with woolite but I hesitate because wool can shrink! I might try surface cleaning first, but it was pretty cheap so I may decide to give it the full washer treatment.

I look forward to reading about your rehab experiences soon!
 
#200
BEBEPURSE said:
I have a similar bag in hunter green - not as old.

http://forum.purseblog.com/coach/vintage-rehab-before-and-after-608595.html

I'll add my experience suggestions from past rehab projects:

I would suggest a good outer cleaning with Lexol cleaning wipes first. It looks like dirt may be worked into the cracks. Check online, tack shops, or automotive suppy stores. The wipes are not as available as the spray but easier to use.

A richer conditioner, recommended by docride in the Hermes section, is Blackrocks Leather n Rich. I find it works better than the Apple for older bags. I find it online or at a local tack ( horse riding stuff) shops.

Might try a soft toothbrush carefully to work the cleaner into the cracks to loosen the dirt. I have also used acetone (aka nail polish remover) to remove stubborn stains BUT test an area first to see how much color is removed
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Your satchel rehab is beautiful. I really need to go get the Lexol wipes. I think this would make a fun before/after photo rehab opportunity. Thanks for the advice!
 
#202
I need expert help.

I bought a leather purse on eBay that was described as in excellent condition. When it arrived, it was indeed NOT in excellent condition as described. It has a lot of scuffs and something kind of dried in at the top of it. I was wondering if there was anything anyone could suggest to help me fix it up or should I bring it to a leather place.

Pics can be found in my thread here on page 5 around the middle:

http://forum.purseblog.com/coach/looking-for-leather-love-682863-5.html#post19212645

Any help would be HUGELY appreciated. :crybaby:
 
#203
Janye said:
I need expert help.

I bought a leather purse on eBay that was described as in excellent condition. When it arrived, it was indeed NOT in excellent condition as described. It has a lot of scuffs and something kind of dried in at the top of it. I was wondering if there was anything anyone could suggest to help me fix it up or should I bring it to a leather place.

Pics can be found in my thread here on page 5 around the middle:

http://forum.purseblog.com/coach/looking-for-leather-love-682863-5.html#post19212645

Any help would be HUGELY appreciated. :crybaby:
Click to expand...
Here is a better link:
http://forum.purseblog.com/coach/looking-for-leather-love-682863-5.html#post19212492
 
#204
Janye said:
I need expert help.

I bought a leather purse on eBay that was described as in excellent condition. When it arrived, it was indeed NOT in excellent condition as described. It has a lot of scuffs and something kind of dried in at the top of it. I was wondering if there was anything anyone could suggest to help me fix it up or should I bring it to a leather place.

Pics can be found in my thread here on page 5 around the middle:

http://forum.purseblog.com/coach/looking-for-leather-love-682863-5.html#post19212645

Any help would be HUGELY appreciated. :crybaby:
Click to expand...

How is the interior of the bag, it is pretty clean or is there dirt or marks and/or bad odors?

If you decide to keep the bag, then these are the steps I would take, but I have never rehabbed a legacy bag so you should wait to hear the advice of others.

Do not use Coach leather conditioner on legacy bags - they tell you not to use it on the care card. I would get some Lexol leather cleaner and conditoner wipes at an equestrian store or Apple leather conditioner and cleaner. You can order Apple online but I can usually find it by the leather coats at my local Burlington Coat Factory.

I would use a damp cloth (just moistened with clean water) to gently sponge off the dried material. I would try to minimize the scuffs and scratches with the leather conditioner. Coach bags are incredibly tough and resilient so it may come out looking great.

That is a gorgeous but unusual color and I have never tried to rehab a bag that color so I suggest "spot-testing" any products in a hidden area.

Be careful not to wet the leather too much because I have heard that the legacy stripe lining may bleed and run if you get it wet. Try to pull the lining out of the bag as much as possible and let the leather dry well before replacing the lining.

Remember that you need to give leather conditioner time to soak in and dry. And after it's dry you have to buff the leather with a clean, soft cloth.

You can take it to a cobbler or leather expert for an expert opinion (and that may be the best option) but be prepared for them to suggest dying the bag and lining black!

Good luck!
 
#206
katev said:
How is the interior of the bag, it is pretty clean or is there dirt or marks and/or bag odors?

If you decide to keep the bag, then these are the steps I would take, but I have never rehabbed a legacy bag so you should wait to hear the advice of others.

Do not use Coach leather conditioner on legacy bags - they tell you not to use it on the care card. I would get some Lexol leather cleaner and conditoner wipes at an equestrian store or Apple leather conditioner and cleaner. You can order Apple online but I can usually find it by the leather coats at my local Burlington Coat Factory.

I would use a damp cloth to gently sponge off the dried on material and I would try to minimize the scuffs and scratches with the Apple conditioner.

That is a gorgeous but unusual color and I have never tried to rehab a bag that color so I suggest "spot-testing" any products in a hidden area.

Be careful not to wet the leather too much because I have heard that the legacy stripe lining may bleed and run if you get it wet. Try to pull the lining out of the bag as much as possible and let the leather dry well before replacing the lining.

Remember that you need to give leather conditioner time to soak in and dry. And after it's dry you have to buff the leather with a clean, soft cloth.

You can take it to a cobbler or leather expert for an expert opinion but be prepared for them to suggest dying the bag black!

Good luck!
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There is not much going on with the inside. It smells a tiny bit musty but I may be over sensitive at the moment so I am sniff testing in the AM to be sure. There was some particles going on in there but I gave it a good shake before I put my own items in. By the front two turnlock pockets, there appears to be a lot of buildup of dust and particles of things so I am going to try and Q-Tip it to get it out.

I will have to get all my supplies online. I truly live in the woods and I have to drive 8 hours to even get a gap or an AE. I will search some stores here.

The bag is actually a MFF version of the legacy and has brown signature lining but it seems really soft and not like the lining of my other bags so I will proceed with care if I am able to hunt down the supplies that are needed.

Would the cleaner stuff get off the crusty thing that it by the top of the bag ? Does conditioner lessen the appearance of the scuffs ? One of the badder ones are where the brass hardware is for the strap, do I have to be careful with it around brass ?

I won't dye it but I will be prepared for the response. I am not sure what I thought/am thinking they could do for me at a leather place, but I guess it is worth an expert opinion. I am not even sure if we have any here but I am off Friday and will try to hunt it down along with the list of items. Do you know any big box stores that would carry this ? (We have Wal-Mart and Zellers, for real, that's what I am dealing with here)

And thank you sooooo sooooo sooo much for your advice. :hugs: :hugs: :hugs: :flowers:
 
#207
Janye said:
There is not much going on with the inside. It smells a tiny bit musty but I may be over sensitive at the moment so I am sniff testing in the AM to be sure. There was some particles going on in there but I gave it a good shake before I put my own items in. By the front two turnlock pockets, there appears to be a lot of buildup of dust and particles of things so I am going to try and Q-Tip it to get it out.

I will have to get all my supplies online. I truly live in the woods and I have to drive 8 hours to even get a gap or an AE. I will search some stores here.

The bag is actually a MFF version of the legacy and has brown signature lining but it seems really soft and not like the lining of my other bags so I will proceed with care if I am able to hunt down the supplies that are needed.

Would the cleaner stuff get off the crusty thing that it by the top of the bag ? Does conditioner lessen the appearance of the scuffs ? One of the badder ones are where the brass hardware is for the strap, do I have to be careful with it around brass ?

I won't dye it but I will be prepared for the response. I am not sure what I thought/am thinking they could do for me at a leather place, but I guess it is worth an expert opinion. I am not even sure if we have any here but I am off Friday and will try to hunt it down along with the list of items. Do you know any big box stores that would carry this ? (We have Wal-Mart and Zellers, for real, that's what I am dealing with here)

And thank you sooooo sooooo sooo much for your advice. :hugs: :hugs: :hugs: :flowers:
Click to expand...

Leather conditioner often completely erradicates scuffs and scratches but read the labels and avoid products with dyes, waxes, silicones, and fragrances and don't buy anything that says "may darken leather."

I don't think that the conditioner will hurt the brass, but try to avoid getting it on the brass and wipe it off quickly if you slip.

I don't know what the "crusty thing" is so I would start by trying to loosen it with a damp cloth. If it is something hard and sticky (like chewing gum) I would try rubbing alcohol or acetone nail polish remover. They usually do not damage the leather color or finish, but you should always spot-test in a hidden area just to be safe. If it is an adhesive glue or gum, you can try heating it with a hair dryer and then rolling it off with your finger.

I usually use a nail scissors or clipper to trim frayed threads.

From what I can see in the pictures, I think that the bag will rehab beautifully and without much risk or effort. Don't be afraid to give it a try; Coach bags are usually very tough.
 
#208
katev said:
Leather conditioner often completely erradicates scuffs and scratches but read the labels and avoid products with dyes, waxes, silicones, and fragrances and don't buy anything that says "may darken leather."

I don't think that the conditioner will hurt the brass, but try to avoid getting it on the brass and wipe it off quickly if you slip.

I don't know what the "crusty thing" is so I would start by trying to loosen it with a damp cloth. If it is something hard and sticky (like chewing gum) I would try rubbing alcohol or acetone nail polish remover. They usually do not damage the leather color or finish, but you should always spot-test in a hidden area just to be safe. If it is an adhesive glue or gum, you can try heating it with a hair dryer and then rolling it off with your finger.

I usually use a nail scissors or clipper to trim frayed threads.

From what I can see in the pictures, I think that the bag will rehab beautifully and without much risk or effort. Don't be afraid to give it a try; Coach bags are usually very tough.
Click to expand...


The crusty thing it unknown. It's dark brown. Hopefully it comes off easy. I am going to print some of your posts off to bring with me when I go to try and buy this. Does the bottle have instructions on rubbing it in ?
 
#209
Janye said:
The crusty thing it unknown. It's dark brown. Hopefully it comes off easy. I am going to print some of your posts off to bring with me when I go to try and buy this. Does the bottle have instructions on rubbing it in ?
Click to expand...

You may be able to find a good leather cleaner/conditioner at a local shoe repair store, or they could advise you where to find such products or order it for you. They can be expensive products but they last a long time and you can use them on other leather goods.

Leather cleaner/conditioner products have instructions on the label. The usual procedure is to pull the lining out of the bag as much as possible without ripping it; dampen a soft clean cloth and rub it on the bag. Or squirt some on your fingers and rub it in to the leather. Let is sit for a few hours (or overnight) and buff the bag with another clean, soft cloth.

Rubbing alcohol and acetone nail polish remover (for natural nails, not artificial nails) are not designed for use on leather goods, so they won't have instructions.

Remember that I have never worked on a pink MFF legacy bag so I don't know how these procedures will work. I mostly work on vintage, dark-colored, unlined, glove-tanned leather bags and the are nearly indestructible! So look for hidden (or less obvious) areas and "spot-test" products first to see how the leather reacts to them, try not to get the leather soaking wet. Good luck!
 
#210
Hello ladies... I love reading this thread, you guys offer a wealth of information & are so helpful, thank you so much!

I really need some advice. I don't know where to start. I purchased this legacy slim tote 10650 bag used, obviously - see these pictures in my album to get a good idea of what I'm dealing with: http://forum.purseblog.com/album.php?albumid=8308

I can't figure out what has been done to this bag. I believe they possibly tried to "rehab" this bag on their own - with the white residue around the top of the bag, and the sealant peeling as if it's been reapplied(I think?)... Overall - it's in good condition IMO, it could definitely be worse! There is a tiny spot on the back of the bag that I doubt can be removed, and issues like the vernis I can deal with, but the white residue & sealant peeling, I'm not sure how to handle that! I knew it was in bad shape but didn't realize it would require this much work/effort, and it's made me wonder if I can reverse the damage! The lining is in great shape & the wear on the straps is expected - I don't mind that at all & there is no avoiding it. Do you guys have any reccomendations for me? I don't even know where to start! Your advice is much appreciated!! Thank you :)
 
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