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I got water on my mini hippie flap strap. Should I do anything or just let it dry?
I'm a newbie on restoring purses. I'm wading through the posts, getting lots of info.
I have a nice, but dirty and dusty black small backpack from the Sonoma line. I really would like to wash it, but I read here that pebbled leather shouldn't be washed. Why? Also this has the charcoal/black stripe lining. I'm edgy of washing the lining, but it is DIRTY. Do I keep it dry or wash it?
WRP
I agree with Katev. I have successfully sent a Sonoma pebbled purse through the washer. You can wash it - you just have to be careful with the conditioner. It is the nubuck that you have to be more careful with.I'm a newbie on restoring purses. I'm wading through the posts, getting lots of info.
I have a nice, but dirty and dusty black small backpack from the Sonoma line. I really would like to wash it, but I read here that pebbled leather shouldn't be washed. Why? Also this has the charcoal/black stripe lining. I'm edgy of washing the lining, but it is DIRTY. Do I keep it dry or wash it?
WRP
This looks Italian! Is it green?
I agree!If it were my bag I would blot the area with a towel and allow it to air-dry naturally and hope that it doesn't stain.
If it does leave a water mark, I would probably wash the entire strap and let it dry uniformly to hopefully eliminate the water-mark.
That's just my opinion, others my have different/better suggestions - good luck!
If it were my bag I would blot the area with a towel and allow it to air-dry naturally and hope that it doesn't stain.
If it does leave a water mark, I would probably wash the entire strap and let it dry uniformly to hopefully eliminate the water-mark.
That's just my opinion, others my have different/better suggestions - good luck!
Okay, before and after pics of my recent purchase. Circa 1990 Spectator Binocular Bag.
front
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Inside
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snap. I'm not ready for hardware removal LOL.
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That is wonderful and works like a charm in most cases (just have some patience). Thanks Katev!I just sent an abbreviated version of my general process for rehabbing a vintage glove-tanned bag to a TPFer, so I am copying the information here for future reference:
Process for rehabbing an unlined vintage, glove-tanned cowhide Coach bag (not suede or pebbled or other special, exotic, or delicate leather*):
- If the hangtag is missing, call Coach Coach Customer Service to request a free replacement
- Make sure the bag is clean inside, vacuum it out if it needs it
- Give it a nice long sudsy bath in Ivory or Dawn or Woolite
- Rinse well and let it drain in the sink for a bit
- Stuff it with old towels or clean rags, shape it and set it on a towel to dry (turning occasionally)
- Wait 24 hours and then remove the towels and let it continue drying
- While it is still damp apply a moisturizer like Apple, Leather CPR, Lexol, or Leather Therapy
- Over the next few days, if the leather feels dry or rough or seems to dry out quickly, give it a few more applications of moisturizer. Don't let the moisturizer build-up in the seams and crevices
- When it is dry apply Black Rocks Leather N Rich: use sparingly, work on small sections at a time, wipe off the excess and then buff.
- Give the bag at least 24 hours "to let the leather rest" and give it a second application of Black Rocks if it still looks faded and scuffed.
- Polish the hardware with an appropriate metal polish (e.g., Wenol or Brasso). If the hardware and/or the leather touching the hardware has turned green, search this thread for information on removing verdigris.
- If there has been edging loss from the sides of the straps, touch them up with matching acrylic paint, let the paint dry for 24 hours
- Wear and enjoy a beautifully rehabbed bag!
Note: This is just the process that I have used successfully with several bags - that doesn't mean it is a universal method that will work well on every bag. If you are a new rehabber or if it is an unusual bag and/or has a special problem, it is a good idea to post detailed pictures here to ask for advice from multiple rehabbers. It is also wise to spot-check products in an obscure area before applying it widely to the bag. Good luck, rehabbing is fun but addictive!
*This doesn't mean that delicate, exotic, pebbled, suede or lined bags can't be rehabbed, but they may need special treatment - ask rehabbers here for advice before you begin!
Great job Katev!I just sent an abbreviated version of my general process for rehabbing a vintage glove-tanned bag to a TPFer, so I am copying the information here for future reference:
Process for rehabbing an unlined vintage, glove-tanned cowhide Coach bag (not suede or pebbled or other special, exotic, or delicate leather*):
- If the hangtag is missing, call Coach Coach Customer Service to request a free replacement
- Make sure the bag is clean inside, vacuum it out if it needs it
- Give it a nice long sudsy bath in Ivory or Dawn or Woolite
- Rinse well and let it drain in the sink for a bit
- Stuff it with old towels or clean rags, shape it and set it on a towel to dry (turning occasionally)
- Wait 24 hours and then remove the towels and let it continue drying
- While it is still damp apply a moisturizer like Apple, Leather CPR, Lexol, or Leather Therapy
- Over the next few days, if the leather feels dry or rough or seems to dry out quickly, give it a few more applications of moisturizer. Don't let the moisturizer build-up in the seams and crevices
- When it is dry apply Black Rocks Leather N Rich: use sparingly, work on small sections at a time, wipe off the excess and then buff.
- Give the bag at least 24 hours "to let the leather rest" and give it a second application of Black Rocks if it still looks faded and scuffed.
- Polish the hardware with an appropriate metal polish (e.g., Wenol or Brasso). If the hardware and/or the leather touching the hardware has turned green, search this thread for information on removing verdigris.
- If there has been edging loss from the sides of the straps, touch them up with matching acrylic paint, let the paint dry for 24 hours
- Wear and enjoy a beautifully rehabbed bag!
Note: This is just the process that I have used successfully with several bags - that doesn't mean it is a universal method that will work well on every bag. If you are a new rehabber or if it is an unusual bag and/or has a special problem, it is a good idea to post detailed pictures here to ask for advice from multiple rehabbers. It is also wise to spot-check products in an obscure area before applying it widely to the bag. Good luck, rehabbing is fun but addictive!
*This doesn't mean that delicate, exotic, pebbled, suede or lined bags can't be rehabbed, but they may need special treatment - ask rehabbers here for advice before you begin!
Hi!
As many of you know, my Dad passed last May and in the last few months, I have been helping my mother get into an apartment - I wish this on no one. Well, she's in her apt. and now we're renting the house. So while I am somewhat back....I still have much more to do.
Anywho, I managed to sneak a little rehab into my life and boy did I need it, check it out, my $72 eBay find rehabbed. http://www.flickr.com/photos/76058330@N03/
As always I welcome your comments and suggestions.
Take care util next time.
p.s. I still lurk when I can
Oh and Jen - wonderful job on the Cashin, she looks amazing![]()
Thanks Kate - I'm much better these days.So sorry to hear about your recent troubles and your Dad's passing. I hope that things will start to get better soon.
Great job on saving that beautiful bag!