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Hardware polished. Next step...my first time using Blackrock!

It's looking great! I had a hard time getting used to black rocks at first. It is sticky and thick and I was using way too much. I wasn't crazy about the odor either but it fades with time.

Use it sparingly and work on small sections at a time (around 5 inches). Wipe off the excess immediately and give the bag time to rest (overnight usually) before applying it a second time.

Now I'm the biggest fan of BRs! It makes a big difference! After I got the hang of it I went back and used it on many earlier rehabs just to get that finished, consistent, shiny look!

I can't tell from the picture, how are the strap edges? Has it lost edging and needs a touch-up? My mantra is "don't forget the edges!" it makes a huge difference to the overall appearance of the bag. Good luck!
 
katev said:
It's looking great! I had a hard time getting used to black rocks at first. It is sticky and thick and I was using way too much. I wasn't crazy about the odor either but it fades with time.

Use it sparingly and work on small sections at a time (around 5 inches). Wipe off the excess immediately and give the bag time to rest (overnight usually) before applying it a second time.

Now I'm the biggest fan of BRs! It makes a big difference! After I got the hang of it I went back and used it on many earlier rehabs just to get that finished, consistent, shiny look!

I can't tell from the picture, how are the strap edges? Has it lost edging and needs a touch-up? My mantra is "don't forget the edges!" it makes a huge difference to the overall appearance of the bag. Good luck!

Thanks for the BR tips! I'm looking forward to trying it.

The edging is in surprisingly good shape. I may try out the Edge Kote that I bought for my Watermelon Tote on a spot on the strap of Station Bag, just to test it out and see what it does. :)
 
Well I got this for $18 - I was scared at first but Jess and Katev told me it would be fine....I think it came out ok - even better than I thought..

Here you go...
BEFORE
 

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Hardware polished. Next step...my first time using Blackrock!

This is coming out great! What an improvement!

I don't find Black Rocks particularly hard to use, but maybe it's a climate/temperature thing? I try not to use too much at once, but other than that I think it goes on pretty easy.
 
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!

Please help:

I've done this with my vintage Coach bag* (I bought it in 1983!) - washed by hand in Ivory dish soap, 3 coats of Lexol, and finally Black Rocks. It definitely is darker than originally (underside of inside pocket shows original color which was called Tobacco).

Anyway, my question is will the tacky feel of the Black Rocks lessen/go away? Right now, I would be hesitant to let it touch my clothes.

* I don't know the name - smallish shoulder bag with top zip which has a long handle, and the shoulder strap is two thin strips of leather together, which clip onto the either side of the bag. The length isn't long enough for cross body.
 
ledobe said:
This is coming out great! What an improvement!

I don't find Black Rocks particularly hard to use, but maybe it's a climate/temperature thing? I try not to use too much at once, but other than that I think it goes on pretty easy.

Thanks! I've decided to gift this one to my mom so it's a definite labor of love!

I did an application of Black Rocks and OMG...I love this stuff! Just pulled out my black Station Bag and Lula's Legacy to use it on them as well!
 
Please help:

I've done this with my vintage Coach bag* (I bought it in 1983!) - washed by hand in Ivory dish soap, 3 coats of Lexol, and finally Black Rocks. It definitely is darker than originally (underside of inside pocket shows original color which was called Tobacco).

Anyway, my question is will the tacky feel of the Black Rocks lessen/go away? Right now, I would be hesitant to let it touch my clothes.

* I don't know the name - smallish shoulder bag with top zip which has a long handle, and the shoulder strap is two thin strips of leather together, which clip onto the either side of the bag. The length isn't long enough for cross body.

Sounds like maybe a Basic Bag?

How long ago did you put Black Rocks on it? If it's really sticky you can probably rub it out, you may have just used to much but it won't really hurt it. I would wait at least 24 hours to make sure it's absorbed and then buff it following Katev's excellent instructions.

Sometimes they are a little darker right after application but I would bet that after it soaks in it will end up the original color or close to it.
 
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