Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[katev]

Hi, I not sure if I'm in the right place?Anyway I need help cleaning a Coach coin case I'm not sure what kind of leather it is.It has a soft feel and texture to it.The inside is clean but I'm having trouble with the outside.I also need help cleaning the leather trim and bottom of a Coach transatlantic flight bag,can I use saddle soap,mink oil or apple leather conditioner for any of these Coach items?For the transatlantic bag the leather edges are worn,how can I fix this.Thanks for any and all help!


Link:http://s1231.photobucket.com/albums/ee511/iwashere7/?albumview=slideshow

The coin case looks like glove-tanned leather and you could certainly use apple conditioner on it. If it is very dirty I would give it a bath in the sink with Ivory dish soap or woolite and warm water. Rinse well and if possible, pull the lining out of the case while it air dries on a towel. I've never used saddle soap or mink oil so I can't advise you about them.

I think conditioner would even out the color on the transatlantic bag's trim and help cover the worn edges. Does the bottom of the bag have a pebbled (bumpy) leather surface? You don't want to use a thick, opaque conditioner on pebbled leather. I often use lexol cleaner and lexol conditioner for pebbled leather. Good luck!

 

[katev]

Forgot One.

https://public.blu.livefilestore.co...uSdy2wrhAH__2EZ87rvkJGIzw/IMG_3424.JPG?psid=1

https://public.blu.livefilestore.co..._cqJhMX1jv-7aGQ0Edknxo8Rw/IMG_3426.JPG?psid=1

Is the bag made of polyvinyl or coated canvas with leather trim and a fabric strap? What is the condition of the bag, is it pretty clean? You could just wipe down the surface of the bag with a damp cloth and condition the leather trim. Is that whitish colored area on the face of the bag some kind of residue or has the color rubbed off?

 

[al_fl]

The coin case looks like glove-tanned leather and you could certainly use apple conditioner on it. If it is very dirty I would give it a bath in the sink with Ivory dish soap or woolite and warm water. Rinse well and if possible, pull the lining out of the case while it air dries on a towel. I've never used saddle soap or mink oil so I can't advise you about them.

I think conditioner would even out the color on the transatlantic bag's trim and help cover the worn edges. Does the bottom of the bag have a pebbled (bumpy) leather surface? You don't want to use a thick, opaque conditioner on pebbled leather. I often use lexol cleaner and lexol conditioner for pebbled leather. Good luck!

Thank you so much the transatlantic bag does have a bumpy leather surface and I have Lexol leather trimming non-darking liquid can I use that?The trim for one of the sides is pealing slowly any tip for this. For the other bag it's Coated canvas with leather trim and the color is worn off.The coin case lining does not slip out,so do I still give it a bath also?Do I use apple cleaner or conditioner,or both.

 

[iyaken]

Is the bag made of polyvinyl or coated canvas with leather trim and a fabric strap? What is the condition of the bag, is it pretty clean? You could just wipe down the surface of the bag with a damp cloth and condition the leather trim. Is that whitish colored area on the face of the bag some kind of residue or has the color rubbed off?

Thank you so much the transatlantic bag does have a bumpy leather surface and I have Lexol leather trimming non-darking liquid can I use that?The trim for one of the sides is pealing slowly any tip for this. For the other bag it's Coated canvas with leather trim and the color is worn off.The coin case lining does not slip out,so do I still give it a bath also?Do I use apple cleaner or conditioner,or both.

I am curious about this as well. I, too, have a coated canvas bag (denim demi, or something to that effect, I cannot remember off the top of my head) and it could use a little cleaning and straightening up. Just wiping didn't help much, and I didn't want to wash it just yet because I wasn't sure how it would affect the leather trim - dye bleeding would just ruin the light canvas. It also has a couple fold creases I'd like to get rid of, but am afraid to iron because I'm not sure how it would affect the coating.

@Katev, when you're finishing up a rehab, do you coat them with anything special aside from Leather CPR, Apple, or other conditioner of choice? Your finished rehabs look so purty and shiny! I cannot for the life of me get mine to shine more than that dull shine after the conditioner has sunk in.. Is it a sign that I need to condition more? The leather has become a lot more pliable, and I didn't want to over condition. I haven't had as much time to check on the bag's progress what with the holidays over, and work taking up so much time (darn work, interfering with rehabs.. I do need it to fund this new hobby though).

Also, do you ever remove the hardware while you're rehabbing? Those D-rings, for example. I saw that they could be removed with a little screwdriver.. I didn't, and getting the green crud from the loops of the straps was a bit of a pain. I'm nowhere near done - still waiting to get my metal polish!

 

[katev]

Thank you so much the transatlantic bag does have a bumpy leather surface and I have Lexol leather trimming non-darking liquid can I use that?The trim for one of the sides is pealing slowly any tip for this. For the other bag it's Coated canvas with leather trim and the color is worn off.The coin case lining does not slip out,so do I still give it a bath also?Do I use apple cleaner or conditioner,or both.

Transatlantic Bag:
I am not familar with the Lexol Trimming Liquid but it may be fine for your needs, research info about the product uses and see if it sounds okay for your bag.

As far as peeling leather, I am not sure what that means. Is the finished surface of the leather peeling away from the rest of the leather or has the stitching on the trim pulled away from the bag?

If the surface of the leather is peeling/separating then you could try a little fabric glue that says it can be used on leather. You should be able to find some at a fabric or hobby store or perhaps even a hardware store. I have used fabric glue to reattach the 2 halves of the hangtag when they dry out and separate. It is pretty easy stuff to apply. I use a sturdy toothpick to smear it on, then I put the hangtag between the pages of the dictionary and let it dry overnight.

If the stitching has pulled lose and is separating from the bag I would take it to a shoe repair store (cobbler) and ask them to restitch it.

Coin Case:
It depends on you and how dirty the item is. I used to be afraid to give a bath to a bag with a cloth lining. I was always afraid that the leather color would bleed and stain the bag. But I have now washed several lined bags just because they were so dirty and I couldn't get them clean with surface cleaning. So far I haven't had any problems. If you don't feel comfortable carrying the item because of the appearance than you may want to try a bath. Otherwise surface clean and condition.

Coated Canvas Bag:
I have never rehabbed a coated canvas bag so perhaps someone else can give you some tips. I would clean it and condition the leather and shine up the hardware if it needs it.

If the worn white area is really noticeable when you are done, all I can think of is to try and minimize it and make it less noticeable. Perhaps a light application of acrylic hobby paint that matches the basic color of the coated canvas pattern. Don't put it on heavy, and try and blend it in so that the white area is a little less obvious. Sorry, that's the only idea I've got!

Hangtags:
I don't remember from your pictures but are any of your bags missing the coach hangtags? If so, call Coach customer service in Jacksonville and ask them for a free replacement hangtag. The will ask the color of the bag and the hardware and the style number of the bag. If they don't have a close match they will send a metal tag that matches the hardware. Sometimes it takes a month or more to receive them but they are genuine and free!

I have never used Apple cleaner - just Apple Leather Conditioner and Apple Rain Garde spray - so I can't advise you about their cleaner. I have successfully used Lexol cleaning wipes and Lexol conditioning wipes. I get them at a horse riding equestrian store.

Good luck with your projects, let us know how they work out!

 

[katev]

I am curious about this as well. I, too, have a coated canvas bag (denim demi, or something to that effect, I cannot remember off the top of my head) and it could use a little cleaning and straightening up. Just wiping didn't help much, and I didn't want to wash it just yet because I wasn't sure how it would affect the leather trim - dye bleeding would just ruin the light canvas. It also has a couple fold creases I'd like to get rid of, but am afraid to iron because I'm not sure how it would affect the coating.

@Katev, when you're finishing up a rehab, do you coat them with anything special aside from Leather CPR, Apple, or other conditioner of choice? Your finished rehabs look so purty and shiny! I cannot for the life of me get mine to shine more than that dull shine after the conditioner has sunk in.. Is it a sign that I need to condition more? The leather has become a lot more pliable, and I didn't want to over condition. I haven't had as much time to check on the bag's progress what with the holidays over, and work taking up so much time (darn work, interfering with rehabs.. I do need it to fund this new hobby though).

Also, do you ever remove the hardware while you're rehabbing? Those D-rings, for example. I saw that they could be removed with a little screwdriver.. I didn't, and getting the green crud from the loops of the straps was a bit of a pain. I'm nowhere near done - still waiting to get my metal polish!

As I've said, I've never worked on a coated canvas bag so hopefully others will be able to offer some advice. Does your bag feel like fabric or does it feel like plastic? If the bag feels like it is plastic coated then you might want to try pledge spray. A cobbler once told me that it restores the shine to modern patent leather bags that are covered with a vinyl coating. I haven't tried it yet.

Some folks have successfully used baby wipes and tide pens to clean delicate surfaces. The only way I have minimized folds and creases (in leather bags) is by washing and massaging the leather with my fingers and stuffing and shapping the bag during drying - and that doesn't always work. I have never tried to iron out the creases but others have done it. I would be afraid of melting a coated canvas bag. Would it be possible to put the damp cloth and the tip of the iron inside the bag and iron it from the inside? Sorry, I don't really have any good suggestions for you regarding creases.

I've never removed any hardware during rehabs except the ball chain for the hangtag. Did I send you info about my only experience removing verdigris (nasty green crud) from a bag? It wasn't a complete success but it was a lot better. I eventually used a fine paint brush and acryllic paint on the inside of the strap holes to cover the green color. Here's the link: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach/bag-cost-5-bucks-lot-work-rehab-reveal-698096.html but others may have better advice.

Again, when trying something new it is always best to spot-test ifirst n an obscure area if that is possible.

I know what you mean about work interfering with rehabs! Good luck!

 

[katev]

...@Katev, when you're finishing up a rehab, do you coat them with anything special aside from Leather CPR, Apple, or other conditioner of choice? Your finished rehabs look so purty and shiny! I cannot for the life of me get mine to shine more than that dull shine after the conditioner has sunk in.. Is it a sign that I need to condition more? The leather has become a lot more pliable, and I didn't want to over condition...

I forgot to answer your question about shine.

No, I don't do anything special. Just condition and buff and let the leather rest and then condition and buff some more. You don't want to over-condition but if I am not getting the results with the conditioner I am using I may try a different product to see how that works.

It's a lot of trial and error and I am not always happy with the results. That's why I try not too spend too much on a "project bag!" Lately I have been recommending Black Rocks a lot, and I still think it is often good option for uneven coloration; but I recently put some on a british tan bag that was looking pretty good and it actually made the flaws a bit more obvious - so now I wish I hadn't used it. I am not sure what I should do. I may re-wash and start over. I hope I don't ruin the bag!

 

[iyaken]

Thank you again for all your help katev, and for being so patient. I feel like I'm asking the same things again and again, in different ways. Your answers are always helpful, though!

I did see that verdigris post, though for some reason, your using toothpicks didn't stick to my brain. I did end up doing the same thing (amazing how much of the stuff can accumulate within the strap loops). I thought maybe removing the D-rings would help make it easier, same with polishing the D-rings themselves, but I didn't want to loosen any threads on the screw, so passed on that.

The bag felt like smoothed-over textile, so I assumed it was coated canvass (although they called it denim demi?) and I feared ironing the coated canvass exactly for that reason you mentioned - I was afraid of melting the coating! So I'll see what else I can do first.. I had one of those cheapo steamers that look like pots, and I tried it on one crease. I kind of freaked out when I got actual hot water on the canvass (a little drip) because I got worried about water stains.. kind of silly, considering it was canvass, but the mystery coat scared me In the end, the water dried up fine, the crease kind of went away, but after a few days, it came back. Oh well. Experimentation will happen again someday!

I think I will try to be braver and experiment myself.. I was able to score a $5 [Court Bag? missing the long strap] and an $8 [Willis maybe? has a dowel..] today at the goodwill, and a $20 one too (I also limit myself to ~20.. more than that, I consider a little too much, unless it's close to pristine or potentially rare). I will be posting at the authentication thread shortly, just to be sure! Either way, the $5 one will probably be for experimenting.

I hope you can rescue that british tan! If re-washing and starting over can undo what Black Rocks did, then it wouldn't be so scary to use it... Crossing my fingers for you!

 

[katev]

Thank you again for all your help katev, and for being so patient. I feel like I'm asking the same things again and again, in different ways. Your answers are always helpful, though!

I did see that verdigris post, though for some reason, your using toothpicks didn't stick to my brain. I did end up doing the same thing (amazing how much of the stuff can accumulate within the strap loops). I thought maybe removing the D-rings would help make it easier, same with polishing the D-rings themselves, but I didn't want to loosen any threads on the screw, so passed on that.

The bag felt like smoothed-over textile, so I assumed it was coated canvass (although they called it denim demi?) and I feared ironing the coated canvass exactly for that reason you mentioned - I was afraid of melting the coating! So I'll see what else I can do first.. I had one of those cheapo steamers that look like pots, and I tried it on one crease. I kind of freaked out when I got actual hot water on the canvass (a little drip) because I got worried about water stains.. kind of silly, considering it was canvass, but the mystery coat scared me In the end, the water dried up fine, the crease kind of went away, but after a few days, it came back. Oh well. Experimentation will happen again someday!

I think I will try to be braver and experiment myself.. I was able to score a $5 [Court Bag? missing the long strap] and an $8 [Willis maybe? has a dowel..] today at the goodwill, and a $20 one too (I also limit myself to ~20.. more than that, I consider a little too much, unless it's close to pristine or potentially rare). I will be posting at the authentication thread shortly, just to be sure! Either way, the $5 one will probably be for experimenting.

I hope you can rescue that british tan! If re-washing and starting over can undo what Black Rocks did, then it wouldn't be so scary to use it... Crossing my fingers for you!

Thanks, I rewashed the BT bag so keep your fingers crossed!

I seem to remember someone saying that they used a small attachment on their dremel to clean out some of the green verdigris crud - but I haven't tried that.

It's easier to experiment when you didn't spend much on a bag and you know that you probably can't make it look any worse than it did when you bought it! But it's always a little disappointing when it doesn't work out. I become attached to my rehab bags when I have invested time and effort into them.

But my rule of thumb is "if I don't feel comfortable carrying this bag in this condition then I should just keep experimenting!"

My problem is knowing when to stop and leave well-enough alone, I keep trying to "make it a little better" and sometimes I go too far, but I figure that I learn something valuable from every mistake!

 

[iyaken]

Well, I'm thinking of rewashing that BT bucket as well.. it wasn't the cheapest bag, but the way it's going, I feel like it can't get any worse It has a "broken in and worn shoe" look to it, so I might as well give it a shot.

My latest test run involves a Willis that starts with G13, so I guess it's an '01? Got it from Goodwill, $8.

Before:

So far:

Not quite done - haven't polished the hardware yet, or dealt with edges.. and I want to see if I can get more of the fingernail scratches blended in, but it's not looking too shabby now I'm quite happy with this one.

 

[katev]

Well, I'm thinking of rewashing that BT bucket as well.. it wasn't the cheapest bag, but the way it's going, I feel like it can't get any worse It has a "broken in and worn shoe" look to it, so I might as well give it a shot.

My latest test run involves a Willis that starts with G13, so I guess it's an '01? Got it from Goodwill, $8....

Your black Willis is looking great! The mahagony willis that I recently gave to my sister also had quite a few fingernail scratches. Most of them came out but there were several actual "fingernail dents" on the dowel and I couldn't get rid of them.

British Tan and other light-colored bags are a real challenge to rehab but I am very glad that I rewashed the BT city bag, it's not done yet but so far it looks great!

I was trying to think of how to remove all the conditioner (including black rocks) from that bag and I finally decided to run it through the washer! I put it in a large net lingerie bag and washed it on "delicate" in warm water. I used Leather Therapy Laundry Solution and Laundry Rinse and the bag came out great! (See the links below.)

I've used the Laundry Solution before and it was fine but this was the first time I added the Leather Rinse and I was really pleased with the results. I don't know if it was because I used these products or if it was just a combination of all the things I had done to that poor bag! But whatever it was I am glad that I decided to rewash and start over! Good luck!

http://www.leathertherapy.com/products/LEATHER-LAUNDRY-SOLUTION.html

http://www.leathertherapy.com/products/LAUNDRY-RINSE-&-DRESSING.html

 

[iyaken]

I just fondled my BT bucket, and it feels so soft.. One half of it is just gorgeous, but the other half really does look beat up. I showed my mom a pic of it, and she just loves it - the creases and scratches give the bag character, I guess. I decided to wait on giving it another dunk; I still have two bags drying anyway (a court bag, and a Legacy EW compartment bag), and I might not have enough spare towels. The list of things I'm going to be looking for at the tack shop is getting quite long! I thought of going today, but I decided I'd rather stay home, dunk another bag a bath, and watch some stupid things on Netflix while both bags dry.

The Willis you gave your sister looked gorgeous! I love love love how it was in the end. But then, all of your rehabs that I've seen are gorgeous You really do inspire me, and I must admit, I've been hunting for a Willis because I liked how that one ended up. The dowel on the Willis does seem to get hit hard by fingernails! I'd like to get them to fully disappear, but I fear overconditioning.

I'm actually starting to wonder if I'm doing to right... Is there supposed to be a film of conditioner on top of the leather that's supposed to soak in? I pretty much spread with my fingers and massage the conditioner in, but when I'm done, there's not really any excess to wipe off.. does that mean I'm not putting on enough? I can't help but doubt my process, because the impression I got from momtok's thread with the basic bag bathing pics is that there's supposed to be white excess that you wipe away.. even bunnymasseuse said "Yeah, I always find buffing out the dried conditioner that didn't absorb with a light gauzy white cloth helps too." so I get the impression that there's actually stuff that the leather still needs to absorb outside of what I massaged in? Maybe that's why I just can't get those scratches and awful marks to blend in...

Gosh, I'm sorry for all the questions! I can't seem to make decisions by myself.. I do appreciate all the help and advice!

And it hit me just now - I have one of those little portable washers that I keep in storage.. It's top-loading, but doesn't have a central agitator! Maybe that will work for washing a bag... I'll have to brave the cold outdoors and see if it's still working! More options for me, yay!

Your black Willis is looking great! The mahagony willis that I recently gave to my sister also had quite a few fingernail scratches. Most of them came out but there were several actual "fingernail dents" on the dowel and I couldn't get rid of them.

British Tan and other light-colored bags are a real challenge to rehab but I am very glad that I rewashed the BT city bag, it's not done yet but so far it looks great!

I was trying to think of how to remove all the conditioner (including black rocks) from that bag and I finally decided to run it through the washer! I put it in a large net lingerie bag and washed it on "delicate" in warm water. I used Leather Therapy Laundry Solution and Laundry Rinse and the bag came out great! (See the links below.)

I've used the Laundry Solution before and it was fine but this was the first time I added the Leather Rinse and I was really pleased with the results. I don't know if it was because I used these products or if it was just a combination of all the things I had done to that poor bag! But whatever it was I am glad that I decided to rewash and start over! Good luck!

 

[katev]

I just fondled my BT bucket, and it feels so soft.. One half of it is just gorgeous, but the other half really does look beat up. I showed my mom a pic of it, and she just loves it - the creases and scratches give the bag character, I guess. I decided to wait on giving it another dunk; I still have two bags drying anyway (a court bag, and a Legacy EW compartment bag), and I might not have enough spare towels. The list of things I'm going to be looking for at the tack shop is getting quite long! I thought of going today, but I decided I'd rather stay home, dunk another bag a bath, and watch some stupid things on Netflix while both bags dry.

The Willis you gave your sister looked gorgeous! I love love love how it was in the end. But then, all of your rehabs that I've seen are gorgeous You really do inspire me, and I must admit, I've been hunting for a Willis because I liked how that one ended up. The dowel on the Willis does seem to get hit hard by fingernails! I'd like to get them to fully disappear, but I fear overconditioning.

I'm actually starting to wonder if I'm doing to right... Is there supposed to be a film of conditioner on top of the leather that's supposed to soak in? I pretty much spread with my fingers and massage the conditioner in, but when I'm done, there's not really any excess to wipe off.. does that mean I'm not putting on enough? I can't help but doubt my process, because the impression I got from momtok's thread with the basic bag bathing pics is that there's supposed to be white excess that you wipe away.. even bunnymasseuse said "Yeah, I always find buffing out the dried conditioner that didn't absorb with a light gauzy white cloth helps too." so I get the impression that there's actually stuff that the leather still needs to absorb outside of what I massaged in? Maybe that's why I just can't get those scratches and awful marks to blend in...

Gosh, I'm sorry for all the questions! I can't seem to make decisions by myself.. I do appreciate all the help and advice!

And it hit me just now - I have one of those little portable washers that I keep in storage.. It's top-loading, but doesn't have a central agitator! Maybe that will work for washing a bag... I'll have to brave the cold outdoors and see if it's still working! More options for me, yay!

Well, don't go by my experiences exclusively - as I've said - I do a lot of trial and error and I only reveal the successes! When I massage in the conditoner I rub most of it into the bag but there is often a little excess, especially along the seems and piping. So I just give every section a gentle "wipe off" as I go along, with particular attention to those areas.

And you don't have to buy all the products I've tried, either! I try not to spend a lot on the bags but I've spent plenty on products. I'm always trying to find the next "magic solution!"

The bucket is beautiful and I'm glad your Mom loves it!

 

[madisonave5011]

Well, I'm thinking of rewashing that BT bucket as well.. it wasn't the cheapest bag, but the way it's going, I feel like it can't get any worse It has a "broken in and worn shoe" look to it, so I might as well give it a shot.

My latest test run involves a Willis that starts with G13, so I guess it's an '01? Got it from Goodwill, $8.

Not quite done - haven't polished the hardware yet, or dealt with edges.. and I want to see if I can get more of the fingernail scratches blended in, but it's not looking too shabby now I'm quite happy with this one.

What a find!! Im jealous. Im off to do my thrift store run. My goal: Willis.

 

[katev]

...Also, do you ever remove the hardware while you're rehabbing? Those D-rings, for example. I saw that they could be removed with a little screwdriver.. I didn't, and getting the green crud from the loops of the straps was a bit of a pain. I'm nowhere near done - still waiting to get my metal polish!

You asked about removing the hardware and I said that I have never done that, but I just posted a bag (with verdigris!) for authentication and DemRam said that she always removes both parts of the turnlock for cleaning, see the link below:

http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-694619-376.html#post20717890