I was considering this but I figured then I would definitely have to dye the bag. If I can sand it smooth, there is a chance I won't have to dye it. I don't know how I would even match it. It is a dark brown, much darker than the Fiebings dark brown that I already have. It is a station bag, not something rare, so I don't mind experimenting on it.
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
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I have some beading ideas...I'm not very artistic though so we'll see if it works out.
WOW!!! I am NOT that creative!!! That is amazing! maybe I will just ship my bag to dstalksalot and let HER fix it hehehe
I've bathed a number of bags with "stiffened" panels in the bottom and even in sides. I don't know what is sandwiched between the leather, but I've not had any problems, although they take longer to dry. Sometimes the leather puffs up a bit, but as it dries, it goes back into shape. Good luck!
I've read that a little sunshine might help with odors. I'm lucky to have a screened porch (lanai) that allows me to let my rehabs dry in diffused sunlight. They dry faster - depending on Florida humidity, of course - than indoors. Make sure you flip them over occasionally. Other posts about baking soda, etc. are good suggestions too. Good luck!
Just a thought...I recently read a comparison about using hydrogen peroxide in place of bleach for a variety of purposes like cleaning, disinfecting, etc. I used a tiny bit a while ago on a q-tip trying to remove ink, with no success, but I wonder about adding some to wash or soak water to improve color. At least the smell isn't as offensive as bleach...yuck! And I think it would be more gentle.
My little 1998 lavender Wendie Zip was in very good condition, except for an ink strip on the front pocket. It was there in 2007 when I bought her and who knows how long before then! Before pics are here: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-694619-804.html#post22270973
I sprayed the ink with hairspray and gave it a scrub with a toothbrush, repeated it a couple of times and even tried some Purel. Its much improved. Gave her the usual Dawn bath, rinse and conditioned with Leather CPR. I also gave it a little Blackrocks, hoping to blend in the remainder of the ink, but it didnt. And it didnt darken the color even a little bit! But the leather does seem to have a richer glow...and Im happy with the result.
I sprayed the ink with hairspray and gave it a scrub with a toothbrush, repeated it a couple of times and even tried some Purel. Its much improved. Gave her the usual Dawn bath, rinse and conditioned with Leather CPR. I also gave it a little Blackrocks, hoping to blend in the remainder of the ink, but it didnt. And it didnt darken the color even a little bit! But the leather does seem to have a richer glow...and Im happy with the result.
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This 2003 Legacy Hobo #9058 is on indefinite loan to my dear mother-in-law! Recently she chose to use one of her smaller Coaches, so I offered to give this one a bath for her. Before pics are here: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-694619-782.html#post22209210 - but theres not much difference in outside appearance! This bag was in amazing condition when I bought it in 2007 and still is.
This was my first adventure with turning a bag inside out...and fortunately, because of its size, was easy to do. Gave her a good all-over scrub in a Dawn bath, rinsed, CPRd and finished with Blackrocks. The only tricky part here was getting into the bottom corners of the front pocket where they wrap around the side of the bag. But a toothbrush did the trick. There was a little color loss on the bottom corners of the bag. CPR and Blackrocks fixed that right away. Did a little brass polishing and buffed her with a brush. The leather is a little more firm and plump and shes standing a little taller...ready to return to Mom!
By the way, this one has a stiffened panel in the bottom. Came through the wash and dry just fine!
As weve all said to new rehabers...start with a dark-colored bag! And its true! When youre just starting out, dark bags are easier to deal with (usually) and will help you get the hang of bathing, rinsing, reshaping, conditioning etc.
This was my first adventure with turning a bag inside out...and fortunately, because of its size, was easy to do. Gave her a good all-over scrub in a Dawn bath, rinsed, CPRd and finished with Blackrocks. The only tricky part here was getting into the bottom corners of the front pocket where they wrap around the side of the bag. But a toothbrush did the trick. There was a little color loss on the bottom corners of the bag. CPR and Blackrocks fixed that right away. Did a little brass polishing and buffed her with a brush. The leather is a little more firm and plump and shes standing a little taller...ready to return to Mom!
By the way, this one has a stiffened panel in the bottom. Came through the wash and dry just fine!
As weve all said to new rehabers...start with a dark-colored bag! And its true! When youre just starting out, dark bags are easier to deal with (usually) and will help you get the hang of bathing, rinsing, reshaping, conditioning etc.
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The Wendie and hobo are looking very beautiful!! Your mom in law is going to be happy!!
(I'm about to haul a big bag full of pre-rehab coaches over for my sister in law to choose from and to have one fixed up for her. I hope she chooses well LOL)
I have heard of using non-alcohol baby wipes on legacy lining but I have not tried it myself.
OOh-nice to hear the Blackrocks didn't change the color. I've been wondering with both my Abbie and my lime green Emmie, who both have essentially the same finish, if a little BR might protect them a bit? They are both in perfect condition but the finish seems so porous and delicate.
They were also both spotlessly clean and didn't need baths at all. I am glad to see Wendie came through beautifully!
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