Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

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#1,126
chowlover2 said:
Thank you! I am on the hunt for a bag to rehab. It's so sad Coach stopped making quality bags. The leather on the new bags does not compare to the leather on the older bags. I'm really glad to see the older bags rehabbed and given new lives. I was shopping at the outlets a week ago, and all I could think was I wouldn't want to carry most of these bags 20,30, 40 yrs from now. I gues what there making is selling, but I have had to move on from them as a brand.
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The quality is why I have started collecting Coach bags, usually the older ones. They are so well made and last really well. I was so pleased when I got my Gigi that had been very well used, as it still looked fantastic, the leather is lovely and soft and the colour is beautiful. The previous owner told me that she had not taken especially good care of it, but it withstood all she threw at it. It also makes me less scared to use it.
 
#1,127
4213jen said:
Thank you. I was just googling emu oil and found heaps of options. My next question was going to be whether to use the products formulated for leather (with bees wax and lemon myrtle added) or the pure oil. Here's to one advantage to living in Australia - I miss out on finding Coach at my local thrift store, but emu oil is cheap and easily available!
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She suggested 100% emu oil because wax will darken the leather, but you can use bees wax later to finish the leather if you wish. I have never used emu oil, so better ask her if you need more info (and let me know what she says!)
 
#1,128
4213jen said:
The quality is why I have started collecting Coach bags, usually the older ones. They are so well made and last really well. I was so pleased when I got my Gigi that had been very well used, as it still looked fantastic, the leather is lovely and soft and the colour is beautiful. The previous owner told me that she had not taken especially good care of it, but it withstood all she threw at it. It also makes me less scared to use it.
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I'm eyeing a tan tote, but the handles are quite dark compared to the rest of the bag ( just darkened from use ) I'm assuming a bath won't get that much of the oils out, would dyeing the bag be a better option?
 
#1,129
chowlover2 said:
I'm eyeing a tan tote, but the handles are quite dark compared to the rest of the bag ( just darkened from use ) I'm assuming a bath won't get that much of the oils out, would dyeing the bag be a better option?
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I always suggest starting with a dark colored bag for your first rehab because the light-colored ones can be much more challenging (and disappointing). You can dye the bag or have it dyed professionally but you will lose the vintage patina and a professional dye job adds expense.

If you prefer to start with a tan bag, then it's better to pick one that is in good shape and dosen't have significant spots, stains, and/or discoloration of the high-touch area, because you are correct in that you probably won't be able to get the dark color out.

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do!
 
#1,130
chowlover2 said:
I am so jealous, what a beautiful bag. It will be even more so when you are finished. You girls are giving me the rehab bug. Has anyone here read Momtok's thread? Her's is entitled Two Seventies/Eighties Made in NYC bags. There is some great info there as well, and most inspiring. I loved the leather on the older bags, really don't care for the canvas and shiny finish on some of the newer bags. These bags you are in process of rehabbing are classics, they will look good forever IMHO!:smile1:
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So, here she is....she came to me today and she needed some serious love. When I unpackaged her, my husband's mouth opened wide and he said, "I hope you didn't pay a lot for that."

I immediately began the "Katev" process:

1) I shook the crumbs and grass (yes grass and even a pretzel) out
2) I ran her some nice bath water with ivory dish soap
3) I paid careful attention to the pockets and dirty stains including the inside
4) I drained the tab and turned on my high powered sprayer in the jacuzzi
5) Rinsed the bag and especially the dirty pockets
6) Stuffed her and she is now drying.

Before she dries completely, I will apply conditioner.

I was able to remove most of the damage to this lovely bag but the very bottom edge was not able to be cleaned and I know now that I am going to need some paint for the edges, the color is burnt orange - going to very hard to match. Overall I am pleased and glad I took a chance on this bag! Thank you ladies!

I will post pictures of the final product:graucho: I am having trouble with uploading, so I'll post that separate.
 
#1,131
katev said:
I always suggest starting with a dark colored bag for your first rehab because the light-colored ones can be much more challenging (and disappointing). You can dye the bag or have it dyed professionally but you will lose the vintage patina and a professional dye job adds expense.

If you prefer to start with a tan bag, then it's better to pick one that is in good shape and dosen't have significant spots, stains, and/or discoloration of the high-touch area, because you are correct in that you probably won't be able to get the dark color out.

Good luck and let us know what you decide to do!
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Thanks so much!:hugs:
 
#1,132
Nekolassa said:
So, here she is....she came to me today and she needed some serious love. When I unpackaged her, my husband's mouth opened wide and he said, "I hope you didn't pay a lot for that."

I immediately began the "Katev" process:

1) I shook the crumbs and grass (yes grass and even a pretzel) out
2) I ran her some nice bath water with ivory dish soap
3) I paid careful attention to the pockets and dirty stains including the inside
4) I drained the tab and turned on my high powered sprayer in the jacuzzi
5) Rinsed the bag and especially the dirty pockets
6) Stuffed her and she is now drying.

Before she dries completely, I will apply conditioner.

I was able to remove most of the damage to this lovely bag but the very bottom edge was not able to be cleaned and I know now that I am going to need some paint for the edges, the color is burnt orange - going to very hard to match. Overall I am pleased and glad I took a chance on this bag! Thank you ladies!

I will post pictures of the final product:graucho: I am having trouble with uploading, so I'll post that separate.
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I am keen to see your results. Your bag is lovely, and so unusual!
 
#1,138
#1,139
4213jen said:
Thank you. I was just googling emu oil and found heaps of options. My next question was going to be whether to use the products formulated for leather (with bees wax and lemon myrtle added) or the pure oil. Here's to one advantage to living in Australia - I miss out on finding Coach at my local thrift store, but emu oil is cheap and easily available!
Click to expand...

Pure emu oil will simply moisturize the leather. If you want to finish the leather, using one with beeswax will seal it, too. Since leather the isn't finished, you can choose to use just the oil or to let the wax give it a protective layer. If you are using a formulated product, just double check that it is at least 50% oil. If wax is the first ingredient, it will act as more of a finish than a protective moisturizer and won't absorb as readily.

You can also use pure oil followed by an application of raw beeswax. Just soften it slightly and apply lightly. This will finish your vachetta, though (which is what we aim to do in the horse world). If you don't apply wax, it will leave it unfinished as it was intended and won't harm your bag.

The product (pure vs. formulated) is your choice, but if you're trying to keep your leather as close to original as possible, the 100% oil is the way to go!
 
#1,140
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