Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[tehkatt]

Also is it just me or does it seem like Stewardess typically have more damage compared to other vintage styles? I received a black Stewardess with a gaping hole in the pipping, now this weird burgandy leather debacle. Maybe it has to do with age and availability.... I want a complete stewardess already!

 

[Jessi319]

Hey everyone. I have a question about a specific rehab.

I purchased a burgandy stewardess from the 80s and it came REALLY dry and caked with a white film. It also had a musty smell to it. I dunked it in Woolite and water like five times and the water immediately bled dark dark purple, almost like the shade of red grape juice or red wine. I took it out, shaped it and dried it next to a window.

I always try to moisturize my bags a day or two after the bath, so last night I bust out the Leather CPR and began applying it on the bag. I realized I was getting some stuff on my hands (like a gritty sensation) so I took some paper towels and started applying the cpr on it. This is where it gets weird, the papers were turning BLACK/Deep purple as I was rubbing. I don't know if this was dirt or dye or what. I went over the entire bag with CPR, cleaning really intensely and eventually the towels turned just a light pink.

I'm still waiting for the bag to dry but is it natural for it to lose so much color? If a leather bag was truly dirty, would a Woolite bath suffice or should I wash it again with saddle soap? Also the texture of the leather, as of now, is kind of stiff and hard. There is a small crack or fissure on the leather where the flap goes up and down, how can I repair this leather crack so it doesn't spread and get worse???

I'm kind of irritated with myself because this bag was $70, which is WAY more than what I would normally spend on a rehab. Kicking myself for not getting the dirty red Stewardess for $50 instead.... I least I know how to clean hair out of a bag, but this one feels weird.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/160761577582?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Here's the bag. Paid way too much for it, not feeling the color either after the bath.

This is a NYC made bag, so it's really pretty old, and therefore not too surprising that there would be a possibility of some fine cracking. Can you post photos of the cracked area once it dries? Having a NYC era bag is awesome, so I hope you can make her usable!! They do feel stiffer after a bath, and need to have some conditioner worked in very sparingly, but thoroughly with some resting in between until you get the feel you are looking for. Also, doesn't hurt to put some blackrock Leather n rich on once the leather is less stiff after a few applications of LCPR. Keep us posted!!

 

[Jessi319]

Also is it just me or does it seem like Stewardess typically have more damage compared to other vintage styles? I received a black Stewardess with a gaping hole in the pipping, now this weird burgandy leather debacle. Maybe it has to do with age and availability.... I want a complete stewardess already!

I have a newer Costa Rica made Stewardess so it's in wonderful shape with no leather issues, but I wouldn't mind at all finding an older version and trying to fix her up! I do think because this is such a great classic bag that the older ones are going to get some heavy use...it's just that kind of bag...user friendly so heavy wear will likely happen. I hope you get her looking like you want!!

 

[Jessi319]

Thanks for your thoughts! With my other bags, right after CPR they got sooo smooshy and delicious. This stewardess feels off! The good news is that it looks like it was never used, theres literally no wear on the bag or scratches. But unfortunately the leather feels almost brittle and I'm scared to handle it too much for fear of more cracks appearing in the leather. So strange since I've rehabbed tons of vintage Coach bags and the leather had never felt like it was in danger of damage. This is my first NYC bag so does it have to do with leather from then? How can I reinforce the leather and repair the fissure?? Also the zipper inside is caked with a white greenish mineral goop, what product can get rid of that?

Greenish stuff is usually called Verdigris. The only way I know to treat that is to make a paste of Baking soda and White vinegar til it's about the consistency of ketchup and gently work it into the areas having green (I use a qtip but others have even used a dremel tool which probably is awesome!) I am wondering if the 'grit' feeling you're talking about is just some sort of crumbling from dry leather. I hope not but time will tell on that one.

 

[katev]

I only paid about 70. I woul like to dunk it. Hot or cold water? Which temp keeps the dye from running?

I usually use lukewarm water, but I have never washed a bag like that one so I have no idea. Perhaps you should try surface cleaning with baby wipes first and see how that works, good luck!

 

[tehkatt]

This is a NYC made bag, so it's really pretty old, and therefore not too surprising that there would be a possibility of some fine cracking. Can you post photos of the cracked area once it dries? Having a NYC era bag is awesome, so I hope you can make her usable!! They do feel stiffer after a bath, and need to have some conditioner worked in very sparingly, but thoroughly with some resting in between until you get the feel you are looking for. Also, doesn't hurt to put some blackrock Leather n rich on once the leather is less stiff after a few applications of LCPR. Keep us posted!!

Thanks for all the advice Jessi319! I was actually really upset that there were all these problems, so your post actually made me feel LOADS better. It's a challenge but I'm hoping to see it through! I SO wanted a Stewardess and it's great I have two Made in NYC era ones, but the two are my first real challenges.

I will take a picture of the fissures when it dries more properly and I can assess the damage. I already found two more on the underside of the flap. Sigh. Good thing is that (fingers crossed), the leather feels a bit more normal after I cleaned it so vigorously yesterday. Also the mildew, musty smell that was nauseating me has seemed to dissipate.

I'm going to bathe my black Stewardess tomorrow morning when DBF leaves to go out with his friends. Then I have free reign to break out all the rehab purses I've been hiding from him! hehehe.

Quick question, would this product be good for the leather cracks? The problem with all the rips and fissures is that they're in high usage areas (e.g. the front flap, where I'll be opening and closing often), so I need something that will bind the leather together so the problem won't spread. Also on the Black Stewardesss, the rip in the pipping is near the area where the straps flop back and forth, so the acrylic paint might not be strong enough

http://www.amazon.com/Super-Glue-Le...CZRW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1332664305&sr=8-2

 

[Jessi319]

Thanks for all the advice Jessi319! I was actually really upset that there were all these problems, so your post actually made me feel LOADS better. It's a challenge but I'm hoping to see it through! I SO wanted a Stewardess and it's great I have two Made in NYC era ones, but the two are my first real challenges.

I will take a picture of the fissures when it dries more properly and I can assess the damage. I already found two more on the underside of the flap. Sigh. Good thing is that (fingers crossed), the leather feels a bit more normal after I cleaned it so vigorously yesterday. Also the mildew, musty smell that was nauseating me has seemed to dissipate.

I'm going to bathe my black Stewardess tomorrow morning when DBF leaves to go out with his friends. Then I have free reign to break out all the rehab purses I've been hiding from him! hehehe.

Quick question, would this product be good for the leather cracks? The problem with all the rips and fissures is that they're in high usage areas (e.g. the front flap, where I'll be opening and closing often), so I need something that will bind the leather together so the problem won't spread. Also on the Black Stewardesss, the rip in the pipping is near the area where the straps flop back and forth, so the acrylic paint might not be strong enough

http://www.amazon.com/Super-Glue-Le...CZRW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1332664305&sr=8-2

The remark about washing your bags when you have the house to yourself made me laugh...I can't tell you how many "secret" bag stashes I have LOL. IF my DH ever logs into TPF and reads my posts I"m in trouble I usually explain that I am fixing them up to resell them, which is partly true. haha

I might be afraid to try that glue just yet. It would be a permanent fix. I guess once we see the issues in photos, I can further think on it and KateV is very knowledgeable and would have some possible advice on that too. I honestly think I'd try to find a cobbler or a leather working place like Tandy Leather and see what they recommend once you reach that point.. IT seems like some kind of sealant like Edge Kote if a color match could be found, or a true LEATHER glue (the tube on amazon seems to cater to less porous products like vinyls, etc). I have a really old Rambler bag that looks similar in size to the Stewardess that I am working on now, and there are some things I am just not going to be abe to fix. I've accepted it, but I kind of like that vintage "Patina" and hope to still carry her. I'll post photos of her soon. I hope you are able to get her usable. We'll stand by meanwhile. !

 

[x UHOH X]

I'm going to bathe my black Stewardess tomorrow morning when DBF leaves to go out with his friends. Then I have free reign to break out all the rehab purses I've been hiding from him! hehehe.

The remark about washing your bags when you have the house to yourself made me laugh...I can't tell you how many "secret" bag stashes I have LOL. IF my DH ever logs into TPF and reads my posts I"m in trouble I usually explain that I am fixing them up to resell them, which is partly true. haha

You guys crack me up - mostly because I'm right there with you. Hubby has NO CLUE about half the stuff I've stashed. Although I did tell him more than once: if anything ever happens to me DO NOT let just ANYONE into my house to assess the value of my things. I designated trusted advisors, and made him swear a blood oath. It made him a little suspicious, but I did the Jedi mind trick on him and he forgot to follow up.

Before you glue the purse - and unless KateV has any other suggestions - maybe you should talk to DocRide since it was a more expensive project. I suggest her because she does a lot with leather goods for tack and saddlery (as well as Hermes and other expensive bags), which get lots of wear and tear but still have to look good for equestrian shows. If you don't get an answer from there, do you know anybody who does horse shows that you can ask?

I also wondered: was the gritty film from someone trying to use the Coach brand "conditioner" on it before you got it? I've heard so many bad things about it, I thought perhaps it was the old residue from that stuff. Thoughts, anybody?

Good luck!!

 

[kellyx]

HI everyone! I am looking at a large coach zoe mahagony leather. I am just concerned about the condition of the leather. It doesnt look dried out, but it does look very faded. Almost to the point it doesnt look brown at all. Is it worth the trouble to rehab or should I pass? How would I go about restoring the leather to a rich dark brown again if it's worth it? Thanks!

 

[x UHOH X]

I everyone! I am looking at a large coach zoe mahagony leather. I am just concerned about the condition of the leather. It doesnt look dried out, but it does look very faded. Almost to the point it doesnt look brown at all. Is it worth the trouble to rehab or should I pass? How would I go about restoring the leather to a rich dark brown again if it's worth it? Thanks!

Pics help - do you have any to show us? And it would also depend on how much it'll cost you. Sometimes just a little TLC will get these beauties back into form pretty quickly. Sometimes a bath, sometimes just a little conditioner will do the trick. PICS!

 

[JOODLZ]

A while back, I posted about a rehab I was doing on a beige drawstring flap bag. The process is called Vinegaroon (I think I misspelled it before). I've since completed the project and have created a 7-page step-by-step (with pictures) of the process as a .pdf.

Can I post a pdf? Any suggestions are appreciated - Thanks!

 

[katev]

A while back, I posted about a rehab I was doing on a beige drawstring flap bag. The process is called Vinegaroon (I think I misspelled it before). I've since completed the project and have created a 7-page step-by-step (with pictures) of the process as a .pdf.

Can I post a pdf? Any suggestions are appreciated - Thanks!

You would have to ask a moderator about posting a PDF, I have only attached JPG photos to posts. I am looking forward to learning about your process and seeing the pics!

I have been working on a distressed leather bag and I am disappointed with the results. I was thinking of having her dyed but maybe Vinegaroon is the best option!

 

[iyaken]

I'm glad to see the thread alive and kicking! I have not been rehabbing much over the winter (cold water, aiee!) other than to apply black rock and/or leather cpr to already washed bags. I have a 70s british tan that was so faded (I thought it was a camel color), dry, and cracked, that I almost gave up on it. But it's grown on me over the past few months, discolorations, scars and all. I keep it in a drawer at work so that I can check on it and maybe condition it on a slow day.

Shortly, I will be getting a silver sophia in the mail that's supposedly in good condition other than worn silver on the handles - I have already bookmarked katev's metallic touch up thread! I know wear on metallics is hard to catch in pictures, so I couldn't really tell if there were other signs of wear, but the handles definitely showed black patches. This is my last purchase for a while (officially banned, less than a year after I started collecting) so I hope I can make it look good.

Keep posting, ladies! I find such inspiration in here. I'm still wanting a stewardess bag, but I guess I'll have to wait on that now. The one I saw that was in fairly good condition was a ~70s-80s tan new yorker, but it was just SLATHERED in shoe polish. The seller was so proud of it, she even slathered it again as I watched like so I do have about 10 or so more bags to rehab, so even on a ban, I've reason to drop by - especially with the warmer weather!

 

[katev]

Thanks for all the advice Jessi319! I was actually really upset that there were all these problems, so your post actually made me feel LOADS better. It's a challenge but I'm hoping to see it through! I SO wanted a Stewardess and it's great I have two Made in NYC era ones, but the two are my first real challenges.

I will take a picture of the fissures when it dries more properly and I can assess the damage. I already found two more on the underside of the flap. Sigh. Good thing is that (fingers crossed), the leather feels a bit more normal after I cleaned it so vigorously yesterday. Also the mildew, musty smell that was nauseating me has seemed to dissipate.

I'm going to bathe my black Stewardess tomorrow morning when DBF leaves to go out with his friends. Then I have free reign to break out all the rehab purses I've been hiding from him! hehehe.

Quick question, would this product be good for the leather cracks? The problem with all the rips and fissures is that they're in high usage areas (e.g. the front flap, where I'll be opening and closing often), so I need something that will bind the leather together so the problem won't spread. Also on the Black Stewardesss, the rip in the pipping is near the area where the straps flop back and forth, so the acrylic paint might not be strong enough

http://www.amazon.com/Super-Glue-Le...CZRW/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1332664305&sr=8-2

I agree that the age of the bag is a big factor in condition. We love finding those older made in NYC bags but they can be challenging rehabs. My black stewardess was made in the USA in 1999 and she was dirty and scuffed but intact and in good shape and she rehabbed beautifully and easily.

I also agree that before you start using glue or other products, you should do the rehab first to see how the leather responds. Sometimes flaws disappear or become much less noticeable after the bag is washed and conditioned. I would also like to see pics of the bag and the damaged areas to better advise you.

Docride and Coffee&Coach are both very knowledgeble about leather issues and care and always willing to advise a fellow TPFer. When you post your pics you should PM them and ask them to take a look.

I recently rehabed a bag with worn through piping and trim. Normally I would avoid such a bag but I was asked by someone to try and bring this bag back to life. Bebepurse advised me to go to Michaels and buy heavy acrylic paint (in tubes not bottles) and then use multiple, light applications to build-up and camouflage the damaged areas. I am impressed by the results and will post photos eventually but I am still waiting for a new turnlock from Coach.

Heavy paint may be an option for you but I think that there are other things that you should try first. What color is the bag? The bag I used the heavy paint on was black and that was helpful because it wasn't hard to find a color match.

I have also noticed a real difference in the rate of absorbing conditoner depending how dry the bags are. I was recently working on 3 british tan bags at the same time (similar vintage and leather thickness) and one of them dried much faster than the others - and it just drank the condition! It would just disapper as soon as I put it on and the leather still felt dry to the touch.

I've just received a bottle of refined 100% emu oil (a recommendation from Coffee&Coach) and I haven't tried it yet but it is supposed to be very good on dried out leather and natural, unfinished leather products.

 

[kellyx]

Pics help - do you have any to show us? And it would also depend on how much it'll cost you. Sometimes just a little TLC will get these beauties back into form pretty quickly. Sometimes a bath, sometimes just a little conditioner will do the trick. PICS!

I am not sure if the photos worked or not. How do you bath leather? I have never done that before.