Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

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#9,061
I have a question for those who use the Kiwi Horsehair brush. Is it 5" or 6" in length? I've seen both online so wasn't sure if there was a difference or if sellers are just off when measuring.

Also some advice about using wenol would be appreciated. Unfortunately, I've learned very quickly that polishing the brass is my least favorite part of the rehab process and tarnish on the brass makes me cringe. On my first rehab, which is a station bag, I must have tried it about 5 times with wenol and am still not satisfied as I get tired working with Q tips after about half an hour. I try to avoid touching the leather with the wenol but it happens quite a bit. Any tips on protecting the leather during the polishing process? For my second rehab, I tried wenol during the rinse stage after the bath and like it better but feel short on time since I didn't want to leave it in the water too long. Or is that okay? Would it be best to try polishing the brass before the bath? Thanks.
 
#9,062
shun said:
I have a question for those who use the Kiwi Horsehair brush. Is it 5" or 6" in length? I've seen both online so wasn't sure if there was a difference or if sellers are just off when measuring.

Also some advice about using wenol would be appreciated. Unfortunately, I've learned very quickly that polishing the brass is my least favorite part of the rehab process and tarnish on the brass makes me cringe. On my first rehab, which is a station bag, I must have tried it about 5 times with wenol and am still not satisfied as I get tired working with Q tips after about half an hour. I try to avoid touching the leather with the wenol but it happens quite a bit. Any tips on protecting the leather during the polishing process? For my second rehab, I tried wenol during the rinse stage after the bath and like it better but feel short on time since I didn't want to leave it in the water too long. Or is that okay? Would it be best to try polishing the brass before the bath? Thanks.
Click to expand...

I think either 5 or 6 inches for a horsehair brush is fine.

I usually polish the brass after the bath and I try to keep from getting any on the leather, if I do then I wipe it off quickly with a damp cloth.

You can also remove the turnlock hardware and that makes it mucheasier to polish.

It's boring and tiring but you just have to keep working at it. You can also try using a Dremel hand tool to polish hardware. I use one on really big jobs or bad tarnish.
 
#9,063
Lilacgal said:
This thread motivated me to try my own rehab project. BTW, the ladies here rock at rehab, and I'd greatly welcome some help. I followed the rehab suggestions offered in this thread but my Legacy(9966) remains some what stiff. A play of what I did - I first washed with dawn, soaked 40 minutes, rinsed, and soaked again for 15 minutes to get the soap out. Next, I drained the wet bag with towels. Let it dry in the evening sun for 3 hours. Brought her in, changed the towels, and let her dry overnight. Next day, while still wet, I put a coat of leather CPR, changed towels and let her dry again. Towards the end of the day, I removed the towels and put a generous coat of CPR and let her stay overnight. The next three days I applied one coat of CPR each and let the bag dry. I was expecting a nice chewy texture after conditioning , but the bag still feels stiff. What did I miss or do wrong, I'd greatly appreciate some help please to rescue her. The bag was in excellent vintage condition albeit dirty. It wasn't stiff or dry when I bought it.
Click to expand...

The leather is probably just really, realy dry. Sometimes you have to use more intensive conditioners like Leather Therapy Equestrian Restorer & Conditioner or refined Emu oil. Some people like mink oil and neatsfoot, but I haven't tried those. See the link below for leather therapy, good luck!

Leather Therapy:
http://www.leathertherapy.com/categories/Equestrian-Products/
 
#9,064
shun said:
I have a question for those who use the Kiwi Horsehair brush. Is it 5" or 6" in length? I've seen both online so wasn't sure if there was a difference or if sellers are just off when measuring.

Also some advice about using wenol would be appreciated. Unfortunately, I've learned very quickly that polishing the brass is my least favorite part of the rehab process and tarnish on the brass makes me cringe. On my first rehab, which is a station bag, I must have tried it about 5 times with wenol and am still not satisfied as I get tired working with Q tips after about half an hour. I try to avoid touching the leather with the wenol but it happens quite a bit. Any tips on protecting the leather during the polishing process? For my second rehab, I tried wenol during the rinse stage after the bath and like it better but feel short on time since I didn't want to leave it in the water too long. Or is that okay? Would it be best to try polishing the brass before the bath? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Jessi had a great suggestion. You cut a hole in the press and seal wrap so the metal parts stick through the hole and the plastic covers the leather. That way you don't have to be so careful to keep it off the leather.

I use some fine steel wool when polishing. I think it works well.
 
#9,065
Lilacgal said:
This thread motivated me to try my own rehab project. BTW, the ladies here rock at rehab, and I'd greatly welcome some help. I followed the rehab suggestions offered in this thread but my Legacy(9966) remains some what stiff. A play of what I did - I first washed with dawn, soaked 40 minutes, rinsed, and soaked again for 15 minutes to get the soap out. Next, I drained the wet bag with towels. Let it dry in the evening sun for 3 hours. Brought her in, changed the towels, and let her dry overnight. Next day, while still wet, I put a coat of leather CPR, changed towels and let her dry again. Towards the end of the day, I removed the towels and put a generous coat of CPR and let her stay overnight. The next three days I applied one coat of CPR each and let the bag dry. I was expecting a nice chewy texture after conditioning , but the bag still feels stiff. What did I miss or do wrong, I'd greatly appreciate some help please to rescue her. The bag was in excellent vintage condition albeit dirty. It wasn't stiff or dry when I bought it.
Click to expand...
I've had a few come out stiff. I wondered if it was the soap I used or if I didn't rinse it well enough. If the leather wasn't really dry when you got it, that could be the problem.

For super dry stiff leather, I have used mink oil. I am using Skidmore's Leather cream on a very stiff dry, brittle bag and so far, I love the results.
 
#9,067
shun said:
I have a question for those who use the Kiwi Horsehair brush. Is it 5" or 6" in length? I've seen both online so wasn't sure if there was a difference or if sellers are just off when measuring.

Also some advice about using wenol would be appreciated. Unfortunately, I've learned very quickly that polishing the brass is my least favorite part of the rehab process and tarnish on the brass makes me cringe. On my first rehab, which is a station bag, I must have tried it about 5 times with wenol and am still not satisfied as I get tired working with Q tips after about half an hour. I try to avoid touching the leather with the wenol but it happens quite a bit. Any tips on protecting the leather during the polishing process? For my second rehab, I tried wenol during the rinse stage after the bath and like it better but feel short on time since I didn't want to leave it in the water too long. Or is that okay? Would it be best to try polishing the brass before the bath? Thanks.
Click to expand...
I polish my lighter colored bags, specifically British Tan, Tabac, etc... before bath in case any black marks get on the leather. It is good to keep a wet rag right there though to get the Wenol right off. For black bags I don't worry as much :)
 
#9,068
katev said:
The leather is probably just really, realy dry. Sometimes you have to use more intensive conditioners like Leather Therapy Equestrian Restorer & Conditioner or refined Emu oil. Some people like mink oil and neatsfoot, but I haven't tried those. See the link below for leather therapy, good luck!

Leather Therapy:
http://www.leathertherapy.com/categories/Equestrian-Products/[/QUOTE]

whateve said:
I've had a few come out stiff. I wondered if it was the soap I used or if I didn't rinse it well enough. If the leather wasn't really dry when you got it, that could be the problem.

For super dry stiff leather, I have used mink oil. I am using Skidmore's Leather cream on a very stiff dry, brittle bag and so far, I love the results.
Click to expand...

Thank You both for your suggestions. I will look up leather therapy and mink oil, I'll try one of these and see how it goes.

Never heard of skidmore's, Thank you for this reference as well.

Would any of these products work for reviving/darkening faded color as well? TIA.
Click to expand...
 
#9,069
Lilacgal said:
katev said:
The leather is probably just really, realy dry. Sometimes you have to use more intensive conditioners like Leather Therapy Equestrian Restorer & Conditioner or refined Emu oil. Some people like mink oil and neatsfoot, but I haven't tried those. See the link below for leather therapy, good luck!

Leather Therapy:
http://www.leathertherapy.com/categories/Equestrian-Products/
Click to expand...



Thank You both for your suggestions. I will look up leather therapy and mink oil, I'll try one of these and see how it goes.

Never heard of skidmore's, Thank you for this reference as well.

Would any of these products work for reviving/darkening faded color as well? TIA.
Click to expand...

Conditioning helps to even out color, but Black Rocks Leather N Rich is the very best for restoring the original color and camouflaging faded areas and scuffs. See the link below for a demonstration of how well it works!

Ledobe’s amethyst Bridget, black rocks:
http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-clubhouse/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club-624452-371.html#post22705588
 
#9,070
katev said:
I think either 5 or 6 inches for a horsehair brush is fine.

I usually polish the brass after the bath and I try to keep from getting any on the leather, if I do then I wipe it off quickly with a damp cloth.

You can also remove the turnlock hardware and that makes it mucheasier to polish.

It's boring and tiring but you just have to keep working at it. You can also try using a Dremel hand tool to polish hardware. I use one on really big jobs or bad tarnish.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the tips. I'll keep a damp cloth on hand then. Not brave enough to try removing the hardware yet but I might try it one day. I'll have to see if I can find someone with a Dremel hand tool. Though I would be very dangerous with one :)
 
#9,071
whateve said:
Jessi had a great suggestion. You cut a hole in the press and seal wrap so the metal parts stick through the hole and the plastic covers the leather. That way you don't have to be so careful to keep it off the leather.

I use some fine steel wool when polishing. I think it works well.
Click to expand...

Thanks, that's a great tip. I did try wrapping the strap in saran wrap and I was less paranoid about touching it with wenol so making a hole should be great.

Does any brand of fine steel wool work or is there a preferred brand? Maybe I can pick up some at the local Home Depot. Thanks.
 
#9,072
Porter4 said:
I have a black Courer with the metal black tag as well, and I agree, the leather is thinner than my Courier's with creed imprints. Your new Courier is gorgeous! I would think Leather CPR would be safe, but you could always start with Apple and see if that is enough.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I did go ahead and put some CPR on the pocket and it was ok, now the bag is even more gorgeous! Thanks ladies!
 
#9,073
Porter4 said:
I polish my lighter colored bags, specifically British Tan, Tabac, etc... before bath in case any black marks get on the leather. It is good to keep a wet rag right there though to get the Wenol right off. For black bags I don't worry as much :)
Click to expand...

Thanks, I'll keep that in mind for any lighter bags I get in the future. I would love a bag in British Tan but the prices just seem to run away from me.
 
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