After not being completely happy with my Lite Tote vinegaroon adventure, I went searching for other ways to get this bag black! The top photo shows the bag at the early stages of drying. The dryer it got, the lighter it became. Yuck!
I read more on leatherworker.net and decided to try Minwax. Yikes, you say? It does sound a little crazy, but I've read many places that the nature of leather and wood are not too different, so why not try it.
On April 1, I bought a 1/2 pint can of Minwax Wood Finish in Ebony, covered my outdoor table with an old beach towel, put on the gloves and went to work. Using a folded up piece of old t-shirt material dipped in the Minwax, I rubbed the stain into the leather, working in a circular motion until it was well covered. Gave it 2 generous coats, as the leather was drinking it in! I used q-tips dipped in stain to do the inside top lining, the top edge folds and all the stitching. I hung it inside to dry overnight.
On April 2, the surface was still a little tacky and there was a little rub-off. I placed the bag in diffused sunlight for several hours, flipping periodically, for a couple of hours. Still have a little color rubbing off the handles, so I gave them a good rub with another piece of clean t-shirt. No color rubbing off the body. Then I put some Lexol on the handles and got a lot of color coming off. Switched to Leather CPR and color lift was nearly nothing. So I generously applied Leather CPR to the whole bag and let it rest and dry overnight.
This morning the surface of the bag looked very good. Still slightly tacky on the handles, so I put it out in diffused sun again, turning, flipping occasionally. Then out in full sun for an hour or so, propped open.
So far, I'm pleased with this result! The color is beautiful and rich, the original distressed look is gone. There is just a tiny sheen of deep brown peeking through the black that gives it a nice patina. I left the inside zipper pocket color alone, as it makes it easier to find things in a light colored bag interior (my eyes are getting older with the rest of me
) I will likely do another round of Leather CPR in a day or so.
A note about smell: I think Minwax has reformulated their product. The odor is minimal, much like a newly polished pair of shoes! But if you do this, work in a well-ventilated area.
I'll keep you all posted on any rub-off issues...I welcome your questions and comments!
I read more on leatherworker.net and decided to try Minwax. Yikes, you say? It does sound a little crazy, but I've read many places that the nature of leather and wood are not too different, so why not try it.
On April 1, I bought a 1/2 pint can of Minwax Wood Finish in Ebony, covered my outdoor table with an old beach towel, put on the gloves and went to work. Using a folded up piece of old t-shirt material dipped in the Minwax, I rubbed the stain into the leather, working in a circular motion until it was well covered. Gave it 2 generous coats, as the leather was drinking it in! I used q-tips dipped in stain to do the inside top lining, the top edge folds and all the stitching. I hung it inside to dry overnight.
On April 2, the surface was still a little tacky and there was a little rub-off. I placed the bag in diffused sunlight for several hours, flipping periodically, for a couple of hours. Still have a little color rubbing off the handles, so I gave them a good rub with another piece of clean t-shirt. No color rubbing off the body. Then I put some Lexol on the handles and got a lot of color coming off. Switched to Leather CPR and color lift was nearly nothing. So I generously applied Leather CPR to the whole bag and let it rest and dry overnight.
This morning the surface of the bag looked very good. Still slightly tacky on the handles, so I put it out in diffused sun again, turning, flipping occasionally. Then out in full sun for an hour or so, propped open.
So far, I'm pleased with this result! The color is beautiful and rich, the original distressed look is gone. There is just a tiny sheen of deep brown peeking through the black that gives it a nice patina. I left the inside zipper pocket color alone, as it makes it easier to find things in a light colored bag interior (my eyes are getting older with the rest of me
) I will likely do another round of Leather CPR in a day or so. A note about smell: I think Minwax has reformulated their product. The odor is minimal, much like a newly polished pair of shoes! But if you do this, work in a well-ventilated area.
I'll keep you all posted on any rub-off issues...I welcome your questions and comments!
I think I'll bathe one in cold water and woolite and scrub the lights out of that lining. Eep!! I'm scared lol but through your experience it should be okay. I'll keep everyone posted, thanks again katev with your amazing work 
