Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[shun]

Leather CPR is great, probably better for a lot of rehabs. Apple is better for maintaining bags that are already in good condition, IMO.

Thanks for chiming in with your thoughts on the uses between the 2. It's greatly appreciated. I'll give Leather CPR a go as I'll be working with some older bags that need a bit more TLC.

 

[shun]

Once I found Leather CPR I have come to prefer it over Apple. It is cheapers, easier to find, doesn't have an odor, and I think it does a better job!

That's great to hear, Katev! The first 2 on your list is certainly true and I think the other 2 will ring true too once I use it. Can I apply it with my bare hands or should I wear gloves? I noticed that it says "does not irritate skin".

 

[shun]

Hi, whateve was kind enough to authenticate a basic bag I recently purchased. And I wanted to ask for advice on whether or not I should attempt a rehab on this bag. The bag is in good condition overall but as with my first purchase, the seller did not disclose defects I discovered upon receiving the bag. The only slight signs of wear she mentioned were some light tarnishing of the brass hardware (first picture) and a bit of a "wave" in the zipper. I hope to fix the tarnish with some wenol I have ordered and maybe a bath would fix the wave.

I discovered 2 undisclosed defects. One is an area on the bottom corner of the bag that has worn through the leather (second picture). Another one a small tear on the piping where it meets the zipper - the piping currently bends like a V which might make the tear worse over time (third picture). Not sure if there is a way to correct the V bend with a bath and then stabilize it with some glue. Thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[whateve]

Hi, whateve was kind enough to authenticate a basic bag I recently purchased. And I wanted to ask for advice on whether or not I should attempt a rehab on this bag. The bag is in good condition overall but as with my first purchase, the seller did not disclose defects I discovered upon receiving the bag. The only slight signs of wear she mentioned were some light tarnishing of the brass hardware (first picture) and a bit of a "wave" in the zipper. I hope to fix the tarnish with some wenol I have ordered and maybe a bath would fix the wave.

I discovered 2 undisclosed defects. One is an area on the bottom corner of the bag that has worn through the leather (second picture). Another one a small tear on the piping where it meets the zipper - the piping currently bends like a V which might make the tear worse over time (third picture). Not sure if there is a way to correct the V bend with a bath and then stabilize it with some glue. Thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks.

The defects can probably be dealt with. It depends on whether you think your seller was fair in not disclosing these defects. In my opinion, this bag was definitely not as described. If you decide to keep it, your seller should at least give you a partial refund. The area on the bottom corner can be repaired with acrylic paint. I have never done this myself and I don't know how permanent a fix like this is, but I think that after some time, acrylic paint becomes permanent. The area near the zipper is trickier because it will continue to get stress. If you do use a glue, you would want one that is flexible. I think that area can be fixed as well, possibly just with acrylic paint. In addition to the defects you mentioned, check the fabric of the zipper to ensure it is in good condition. I had one that shredded on me.

Every vintage bag I get, unless it is mint condition, gets a bath.

 

[whateve]

That's great to hear, Katev! The first 2 on your list is certainly true and I think the other 2 will ring true too once I use it. Can I apply it with my bare hands or should I wear gloves? I noticed that it says "does not irritate skin".

You can use your bare hands. I have never had it irritate my skin. Some people say it softens their hands, like a skin lotion.

 

[JOODLZ]

She looks great, nice job!

Does the Acrylic Gel Medium dry glossy, shiny clear or matte, dull clear. I am looking for something to stablize the cracked straw on my straw basket tote and I don't want it to show. Thanks, Kathy

Thanks for the compliment! The stuff I have dries fairly clear with a somewhat glossy finish. You might want to check an art supply store as the tube says it also comes in a matte finish. (This tube has been in my paint box since college...in the early 70's...OMG am I THAT old?) Says it's also a useful adhesive for collages and aggregates, and cleans up with soap and water. I would consider how much stress and bend-ability your straw repair requires. So far, my repair is working well, but time will tell.

 

[JOODLZ]

Great job! Does the acrylic gel remain flexible when dry? I'm looking for something to fill in some extra holes someone punched in a strap. I tried acrylic caulking but I can't get a smooth edge.

Thanks! So far, it's flexible. Artists often use this product (mixed with colored acrylic paints) applied with a palette knife, so it might just work to fill extra holes. As I said, I was a little less than patient with my repair...I'm sure I could have made it smoother.

You always do such a nice job--great little bag!

Thanks...I'm so happy with it...perfect size, not too big and holds all my stuff!

 

[JOODLZ]

This is really helpful and looks great!!! thanks!

Thanks!
My next adventure will be the true test of my rehabbing skills: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-763164-627.html#post24463785. Hyacinth authenticated it as a Multi-Compartment Brief #542 from 1997. Reshaping will be the major challenge, then fixing LOTS of scuffs. The inside though is pristine! But considering I only paid $9.00 at a local thrift, I'm willing to take the plunge. If only this one were black

 

[shun]

The defects can probably be dealt with. It depends on whether you think your seller was fair in not disclosing these defects. In my opinion, this bag was definitely not as described. If you decide to keep it, your seller should at least give you a partial refund. The area on the bottom corner can be repaired with acrylic paint. I have never done this myself and I don't know how permanent a fix like this is, but I think that after some time, acrylic paint becomes permanent. The area near the zipper is trickier because it will continue to get stress. If you do use a glue, you would want one that is flexible. I think that area can be fixed as well, possibly just with acrylic paint. In addition to the defects you mentioned, check the fabric of the zipper to ensure it is in good condition. I had one that shredded on me.

Every vintage bag I get, unless it is mint condition, gets a bath.

I agree. I was not expecting these defects and honestly would not have bid on it if I had known. I'll email the seller to see what we can work out.

Thank you for the alert on the zipper fabric. I took a closer look at it and noticed some areas near the zipper that were lighter in color (creates almost a new line and is shown in the red box). Not sure if the thread has stretched and is a sign of strain. The fabric at the end of the zipper doesn't show any light areas and seems to be fine. Not sure if you've seen this in the one that shredded on you but I'm attaching pictures in case it provides clues. Thanks.

 

[shun]

You can use your bare hands. I have never had it irritate my skin. Some people say it softens their hands, like a skin lotion.

Thanks for the confirmation. That means I can moisturize my hands and the bag at the same time. Sounds like a win-win to me!

 

[whateve]

I agree. I was not expecting these defects and honestly would not have bid on it if I had known. I'll email the seller to see what we can work out.

Thank you for the alert on the zipper fabric. I took a closer look at it and noticed some areas near the zipper that were lighter in color (creates almost a new line and is shown in the red box). Not sure if the thread has stretched and is a sign of strain. The fabric at the end of the zipper doesn't show any light areas and seems to be fine. Not sure if you've seen this in the one that shredded on you but I'm attaching pictures in case it provides clues. Thanks.

Honestly I don't know what mine looked like before it shredded. I wasn't paying close enough attention. The zipper caught on the fabric and when I tried to fix it, that is when it shredded.

 

[blorpity]

I have a great update on this red Metropolis I did end up having to dye the whole thing. I had trouble getting the dye to go on evenly (like someone else on here), but I mixed it with Leather CPR and it worked a charm.

She definitely didn't turn out perfectly, and the spot is still a little visible, but she looks way better! Now the spot is pretty light, and I kind of like the remaining stain as a part of her character. I love her!

 

[whateve]

I have a great update on this red Metropolis I did end up having to dye the whole thing. I had trouble getting the dye to go on evenly (like someone else on here), but I mixed it with Leather CPR and it worked a charm.

She definitely didn't turn out perfectly, and the spot is still a little visible, but she looks way better! Now the spot is pretty light, and I kind of like the remaining stain as a part of her character. I love her!

She looks great now. That was me that had trouble getting the dye to go on evenly. Was it Fiebings dye?

 

[blorpity]

She looks great now. That was me that had trouble getting the dye to go on evenly. Was it Fiebings dye?

It was! I put on a light coat of it with a cloth, then put Leather CPR on and spread it out. Then I let it dry overnight.

 

[blorpity]

THANK YOU everyone for all your help