Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[ledobe]

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 there’s 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, CPR’d 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 she’s 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 we’ve all said to new rehabers...start with a dark-colored bag! And it’s true! When you’re just starting out, dark bags are easier to deal with (usually) and will help you get the hang of bathing, rinsing, reshaping, conditioning etc.

I missed this one...I love this bag and I don't know how I don't have one...lol. Nice work.

 

[katev]

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. It’s 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 didn’t. And it didn’t darken the color even a little bit! But the leather does seem to have a richer glow...and I’m happy with the result.

I love the color, great job!

 

[ledobe]

I'm not quite ready to reveal yet, but I have to say it...I finally caved and did the Leather CPR + linen acrylic paint touch up on my Cashin for Meyers foldover and I am VERRRRY happy with the results.

I worked on it this weekend, and just put a coat of leather CPR on her...she looks really good!

I didn't do anything with the double kisslock bag yet, which is funny because since that bag is more "common" I should have done it first, the fold over is really just two pieces of leather sewn together though and seemed easier to start with.

I just need to do one more leather CPR conditioning, I think and I wonder if I should do BlackRocks?

 

[katev]

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 there’s 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, CPR’d 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 she’s 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 we’ve all said to new rehabers...start with a dark-colored bag! And it’s true! When you’re just starting out, dark bags are easier to deal with (usually) and will help you get the hang of bathing, rinsing, reshaping, conditioning etc.

A beautiful, classic bag, congrats!

 

[ZSP]

I have absolutely no experience with rehabbing bags but this thread has been the one I go to every day since joining this forum a couple of months ago. I am simply intrigued with all the beautiful work all of you do. I would have never considered putting a leather bag in a bath...or the washing machine. LOL Who'da thought!

I was wondering if anyone has ever used a little 20 Mule Team Borax for your more stubborn/unknown stains...and even for cigarette smoke, perfume, etc? It's not harsh and I use it frequently for problem stains.

I'm anxious to hear your opinions. One of these days, I'm going to try my hand and see if I'm worthy to join your ranks of master rehabbers.

 

[katev]

I have absolutely no experience with rehabbing bags but this thread has been the one I go to every day since joining this forum a couple of months ago. I am simply intrigued with all the beautiful work all of you do. I would have never considered putting a leather bag in a bath...or the washing machine. LOL Who'da thought!

I was wondering if anyone has ever used a little 20 Mule Team Borax for your more stubborn/unknown stains...and even for cigarette smoke, perfume, etc? It's not harsh and I use it frequently for problem stains.

I'm anxious to hear your opinions. One of these days, I'm going to try my hand and see if I'm worthy to join your ranks of master rehabbers.

I've never tried it. In fact, I didn't know that they still made it but Mom used to use it all the time on stubborn stains!

You should try rehabbing a bag yourself some time!

 

[katev]

I'm not quite ready to reveal yet, but I have to say it...I finally caved and did the Leather CPR + linen acrylic paint touch up on my Cashin for Meyers foldover and I am VERRRRY happy with the results.

I worked on it this weekend, and just put a coat of leather CPR on her...she looks really good!

I didn't do anything with the double kisslock bag yet, which is funny because since that bag is more "common" I should have done it first, the fold over is really just two pieces of leather sewn together though and seemed easier to start with.

I just need to do one more leather CPR conditioning, I think and I wonder if I should do BlackRocks?

You are brave, I can't wait to see her!

If you are happy with the way it looks with the Leather CPR then you probably shouldn't try the black rocks. There have been times where "I kept on going to try and make the bag a little bit better" and it backfired on me. I should have left well-enough alone. If it is a common, inexpensive bag - no big deal, just annoying - but a bag like that would be a shame.

 

[whateve]

I have absolutely no experience with rehabbing bags but this thread has been the one I go to every day since joining this forum a couple of months ago. I am simply intrigued with all the beautiful work all of you do. I would have never considered putting a leather bag in a bath...or the washing machine. LOL Who'da thought!

I was wondering if anyone has ever used a little 20 Mule Team Borax for your more stubborn/unknown stains...and even for cigarette smoke, perfume, etc? It's not harsh and I use it frequently for problem stains.

I'm anxious to hear your opinions. One of these days, I'm going to try my hand and see if I'm worthy to join your ranks of master rehabbers.

You know I didn't even think of this. I have some in my laundry cabinet too. If I can't get the smoke out of my bag and decide to wash it again, which do you think will work better on the smoke smell - baking soda or borax?

 

[teerash]

Anyone know: how hard would it be to get a cobbler or something to make a bag strap that matches a bags color? I'm interested in a green Hailey on Ebay but it is missing the long strap. I wondered if I could get one made. If not, maybe a plain brown strap would look good? Anyone done that before?

 

[JOODLZ]

I'm not quite ready to reveal yet, but I have to say it...I finally caved and did the Leather CPR + linen acrylic paint touch up on my Cashin for Meyers foldover and I am VERRRRY happy with the results.

I worked on it this weekend, and just put a coat of leather CPR on her...she looks really good!

I didn't do anything with the double kisslock bag yet, which is funny because since that bag is more "common" I should have done it first, the fold over is really just two pieces of leather sewn together though and seemed easier to start with.

I just need to do one more leather CPR conditioning, I think and I wonder if I should do BlackRocks?

It has been my experience that Blackrocks can pick the acrylic right back up. I don't know why. I would stop after the CPR. Can't wait to see!

 

[JOODLZ]

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 missed this one...I love this bag and I don't know how I don't have one...lol. Nice work.

I love the color, great job!

It's soooo nice to receive compliments...Thanks everyone!

 

[katev]

This is a non-Coach question but I am hoping that some of you may be able to advise me. I picked up a cute Dooney and Bourke bag at Goodwill for $5. The bag is a Pocket Zip Top in the Rainbow Signature pattern from the "It" collection from around 2004. It is coated canvas with vachetta trim.

The bag is in very good shape but it has turned yellow. I have been told that there is no way to restore the original color when these bags have yellowed. Does anyone have a suggestion for brightening up the color a little? Here's the pics, thanks!

http://forum.purseblog.com/authenti...-format-post-1-a-118342-184.html#post22338963

http://forum.purseblog.com/authenti...-format-post-1-a-118342-184.html#post22338972

 

[katev]

Hi, I know a few individuals that frequently post in this thread are absolutely talented at fixing up old, dirty bags into beautiful, clean purses. I picked up an old Station bag in pretty beat up condition that needs a dunking, but I have a problem that perhaps one of you lovely ladies would be able to help me out with. I've searched this problem up countless times, but the solutions are not quite working for me. I think I remember reading in this thread somewhere that someone successfully conquered this problem (though I might be wrong), but I would be completely grateful if someone could help me out here. The bag smells of cigarettes...

I am currently locked in a life and death struggle with a navy willis bag that has a cigarette smoke smell...I am going to do my best to avoid smoke-smelling bags in the future! Let us know what happens with your bag, good luck!

I put some baking soda in the washing machine, along with detergent, when I washed my two white bags from a smoking seller. They do not smell like smoke at all now...I'm not convinced that washing them with baking soda made any difference, but it didn't hurt them at all either.

Okay, so the day after I posted that I would avoid cigarette smoke bags in the future, I went out and bought one! I am so weak-willed!

A few weeks ago I stoped at a garage sale near my house and they were offering several older coach bags at rather high prices. I fell for a green Laurel 4112 but they were asking $40 and I thought that I could faintly smell cigarette smoke coming from the bag even though we were outside, so I passed; but that pretty green bag had been haunting my dreams ever since!

On Sunday, as I was driving passed the same house I noticed that they were having another garage sale. I stopped and the green Laurel was still there. This time the smoke smell was very apparent so I offered $20 and we finally agreed on $30.

I know that is too much to pay for a stinky bag but I really wanted it! So now I have to try and eliminate the smell! I am still waiting for authentication but I'm pretty sure it is real. You can see the pics at the link below.

Do you think it would be okay to bathe this bag with baking soda? It's got to have a bath but I don't want to hurt that pretty green color. Help!

http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-694619-827.html#post22338851

 

[katev]

Oh, and I broke another one of my "rules" on Sunday. I had resolved not to buy light-colored items unless they were in good condition. But I found this british tan agenda cover at the Goodwill for 99 cents so I bought it, of course!

At first I was thinking that it was a passport cover or travel portfolio but then I paid attention and noticed the wear marks from the spiral binding, so it was clearly an agenda cover. The AT pics are at the link below.

I guess they really are just "guidelines" and not "rules"!

http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-694619-827.html#post22338873

 

[ledobe]

It has been my experience that Blackrocks can pick the acrylic right back up. I don't know why. I would stop after the CPR. Can't wait to see!

thanks, that's exactly what I was wondering. I think BR would be a nice finishing touch, but I'd like to finish this bag! I ended up dunking her one more time during her "make up" process.

You are brave, I can't wait to see her!

If you are happy with the way it looks with the Leather CPR then you probably shouldn't try the black rocks. There have been times where "I kept on going to try and make the bag a little bit better" and it backfired on me. I should have left well-enough alone. If it is a common, inexpensive bag - no big deal, just annoying - but a bag like that would be a shame.

It's kind of a boring result, but I'm very happy overall with the bag-she's just less dingy looking, I was very conservative.

I'll reveal soonish...