Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

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#4,231
gallina66 said:
Thanks to all who shared their insights on treating dried and cracked edges on a 1990 Ranch bag.

I decided after bathing her to treat with a paint and conditioner mix my cobbler recommended. While he no longer cleans and reconditions bag, only does repairs, he did offer up some tips.

First, sand the rough areas smooth. Then mix conditioner with the leather refinisher. Medium brown was diluted with the conditioner to give the desired color. I matched it to hangtag.
He warned to make sure conditioner does not contain an alcohol or turpentine that would strip original pigment.

Treating the rough areas first I layered the conditioner/refinisher using an artist paint brush. When it was soaked in or looked less glossy I blended it in to the surrounding area.

Several layers where applied. I could have chosen to fill in the cracks but since leather is pliable I chose to blend in the damage rather than make a scab ( sorry I can't think of better way to say it) of acrylic or glue.

Once the cracks were dealt with the remainder of the bag was treated with the same conditioner/refinisher mixture. It matches the hangtag so I am assuming that the only thing I changed was the "patina" of the leather. I applied this with a moistened make up sponge which was then dipped in conditioner/refinisher mixture.

Finally, when the bag was all dry I gave it several coats of Leather CPR.
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Beautiful, thanks for sharing!
 
#4,232
whateve said:
I know which bag you are referring to and I think it would be very difficult to get a strap made to match. Isn't that bag patent leather? I think I would consider maybe a metallic colored strap to match the hardware over brown. There are straps available on ebay for about $30.
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This particular one is not patent, at least i don't think it is. It's not the jade color, but rather a yellow green. It's a color I've actually never seen before. That is actually a great idea about the metallic color.
 
#4,234
I read something interesting in In Style today. It was about eliminating the funky smell in older clothes. They said to make a spray of 50/50 blend of water and vanilla flavored vodka. Spray the item, and let it air out. Apparently the alcohol kills the mold spores which make the funky smell. I don't know if it would work getting the smell out of a bag, butI figure it may be worth a shot.
 
#4,236
#4,238
chowlover2 said:
I read something interesting in In Style today. It was about eliminating the funky smell in older clothes. They said to make a spray of 50/50 blend of water and vanilla flavored vodka. Spray the item, and let it air out. Apparently the alcohol kills the mold spores which make the funky smell. I don't know if it would work getting the smell out of a bag, butI figure it may be worth a shot.
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If not, you can always drink the rest of the vodka! Thanks!
 
#4,241
chowlover2 said:
I read something interesting in In Style today. It was about eliminating the funky smell in older clothes. They said to make a spray of 50/50 blend of water and vanilla flavored vodka. Spray the item, and let it air out. Apparently the alcohol kills the mold spores which make the funky smell. I don't know if it would work getting the smell out of a bag, butI figure it may be worth a shot.
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Eh, get a shaker, add a shot of the vanilla vodka, add 3 oz OJ, some ice, shake, strain and serve in a vintage cocktail glass. Then get the cheapest vodka you can and do the odor removing spray.:D
 
#4,243
ZSP said:
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.
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katev said:
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!
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See, I'm showing my age here. LOL I still use 20 Mule Team Borax all the time, not only for stains but for odors too. My husband is an industrial chemical sales rep and sometimes his work coveralls and lab coats reek of solvents, etc. Adding 20 Mule Team Borax works every time.

Me? Rehab a bag? Probably not but then you never know. I almost dunked a gently used fabric Coach bag once...it reeked so badly even after I tried everything...I gave up and sent it to my daughter. Her husband smokes so I figured she was used to the smell. LOL

whateve said:
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?
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I have no idea which would work better. I've sometimes put a cup of baking soda in a load of wash but have had better results with the borax. IMHO, you'd have nothing to lose but please remember...I've never dunked a leather bag before.
 
#4,244
ZSP said:
See, I'm showing my age here. LOL I still use 20 Mule Team Borax all the time, not only for stains but for odors too. My husband is an industrial chemical sales rep and sometimes his work coveralls and lab coats reek of solvents, etc. Adding 20 Mule Team Borax works every time.

Me? Rehab a bag? Probably not but then you never know. I almost dunked a gently used fabric Coach bag once...it reeked so badly even after I tried everything...I gave up and sent it to my daughter. Her husband smokes so I figured she was used to the smell. LOL



I have no idea which would work better. I've sometimes put a cup of baking soda in a load of wash but have had better results with the borax. IMHO, you'd have nothing to lose but please remember...I've never dunked a leather bag before.
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Thanks. I have my bag hanging outside now and I don't think I'm going to have to dunk it again. It only smells slightly on one side. I think I will wipe it down with alcohol one more time and that should do it. I'll keep the borax in mind for the next time, but I hope there isn't a next time!

I used to use borax all the time in the laundry but I didn't really notice the difference. Now I use ammonia to get rid of odors.

I have dunked fabric bags. They usually come out fine except for the creeds, which tend to warp on the newer bags.
 
#4,245
chowlover2 said:
I read something interesting in In Style today. It was about eliminating the funky smell in older clothes. They said to make a spray of 50/50 blend of water and vanilla flavored vodka. Spray the item, and let it air out. Apparently the alcohol kills the mold spores which make the funky smell. I don't know if it would work getting the smell out of a bag, butI figure it may be worth a shot.
Click to expand...

Thanks for my morning giggle..."worth a shot" ??? How about one for the bag and one for me? lololol!
 
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