Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
- Thread starter greenpixie
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OK, I know someone here recently used Edge Kote on the piping and was very happy with the results. At the time I read it I couldn't respond, was just reading through the thread on my phone somewhere where I couldn't take the time to post. I can't find the post now, but I just wanted to add a warning, I used Edge Kote on the piping of a city bag and was NOT happy with the result, it started to peel after awhile and that was without ever using the bag.
As I recall the it was used on here was black and that would probably be less obvious if it does start peeling. I realize it could be something to do with application or whatever but I just thought I'd mention that I wasn't happy using Edge-Kote this way so others might be interested. I still need to figure out a way to get it off without damaging the other leather (It's a red/british tan spectator city bag). I haven't had time to work on it so it's just waiting for me, patiently. That bag turned out to be quite the project.
That said, I have used black leather refinisher on some pretty faded piping and it came out great and has lasted forever. I know I sound like I work for them but in almost every situation it's worked out really well for me.
As I recall the it was used on here was black and that would probably be less obvious if it does start peeling. I realize it could be something to do with application or whatever but I just thought I'd mention that I wasn't happy using Edge-Kote this way so others might be interested. I still need to figure out a way to get it off without damaging the other leather (It's a red/british tan spectator city bag). I haven't had time to work on it so it's just waiting for me, patiently. That bag turned out to be quite the project.
That said, I have used black leather refinisher on some pretty faded piping and it came out great and has lasted forever. I know I sound like I work for them but in almost every situation it's worked out really well for me.
Depending on the spots, I might do a little spot cleaning first. If there is any ink, you need to address that first because it will spread once it hits the water. It is a good idea to dunk immediately after spot cleaning so that whatever you used for spot cleaning doesn't have a chance to dry. On a black bag I can't imagine there would be much to spot clean. You'll want to remove as much lint and stuff that's inside before you dunk.I am waiting anxiously for my black leather neglected bag, so I can start my first serious rehabbing.
I still need advice, if you ladies don't mind
Dunk it first or spot clean first? Warm water, cold? Ivory soap for leather? For how long the bath?
Before completely dry, start applying CPR?
Buff between layers.
Use acrylic paint mixed with conditioner for corners.
Edge Kote for straps edges.
I am very grateful for all the great tips you ladies share.
The eye make up applicator for touch up paint, and the make up sponges are a great tip. I want to share in case that helps, that I found out in those Dollar Stores, (I imagine in any discount store), some make up brushes kits/packages, that have different sizes (on the small side) regular brush and sponge totally inexpensive, much cheaper than the artist brushes, and that work great for small areas.
I almost always use warm water. It cleans better. The only reason I might make it a little cooler is if I was afraid of fading. Not really a problem with a black bag. I use any dish soap I have on hand. You'll want to use enough to get it clean but not so much that it will be hard to rinse off completely. You can soak it as long as you'd like. For me, the minimum is around 15 minutes. I think it takes a while for the water to soak in. I have a soft brush I use in the bath. Then rinse really well. Wrap in a towel to absorb some of the water. Lay it out on a towel, stuffing where necessary to get the right shape. Don't overstuff! I use just enough to get the shape I want. Sometimes I'll roll a small towel and put in the bottom. I might wrap the strap in a towel and then put heavy books on top to get it to dry flat. Check the drying progress as time goes on. You don't need to keep it stuffed all the time. Sometimes you can let it dry a bit before stuffing it at all. Then you can adjust it as it dries. You can change the position as needed. Like for a flap bag, I'll lay in flat in the beginning, but when it is almost dry, I'll sit it up and flip the flap over with some stuffing underneath so it will dry with the right bend.
Okay, you convinced me! I finally ordered some. I got a bunch of sample colors, including the fluorescent green! Maybe I'll finally get to finishing some bags that need dyeing.
One word of caution with the' Leather Refinish'(if it's the type I'm familiar with)You have to work quickly in small areas at a time because it dries really quickly and be SURE you have the coverage you need first time around because it does NOT do well for second coat. In fact the new coat can start removing the first coat and you end up with a hellofva mess! It also does not dye, just merely covers up. When everything goes smoothly tho, it is a great product. Does not rub off etc.
Thanks! So how would I end up doing an entire bag? If I overlap the area I've already done, it would remove it. What if I dilute it with conditioner? Would I be able to do another coat then?
A bit of overlap is fine (It does seem to work better with small bags however) but if you let the entire bag dry, then later see an area that needs touching up or the color did not dry the desired color..that is when the wheels can start coming off! I have never tried going back over with conditioner/product mix.
I'm afraid that would leave blotches. I guess it could be used in a small area to see how it would do.(??)
I am using the Edge Kote right now, to fix the cracked edges of the straps in a black bag, that otherwise looks like new, and I do not know what to think.
There are a few small spots where the finish is gone and only the leather is left, I have put about 3/4 layers in those spots and still look like painted but not building up. In the spots with the cracked finish I can see it helps, but as I never used it before I do not know if it's working right or not, my only reference is a YouTube video I found done by the manufacturer.
My concern is that right on the bottle says to store at 45 degrees and do not freeze, when I got it in the mail was not frozen, but outside was 11 degrees or so... is it spoiled? How to tell? No clue!
It's alive (insert evil laugh here)! Frankentote is going to be okay! This is the first fitting, I am just going to take a tiny bit more off the top edge, which should get that hole on the side all the way in. Then I will be able to trim the backside to match and re-attach the frame permanently.
Wish me luck!
Wish me luck!
It's alive (insert evil laugh here)! Frankentote is going to be okay! This is the first fitting, I am just going to take a tiny bit more off the top edge, which should get that hole on the side all the way in. Then I will be able to trim the backside to match and re-attach the frame permanently.
Wish me luck!
Amazing job!
It's alive (insert evil laugh here)! Frankentote is going to be okay! This is the first fitting, I am just going to take a tiny bit more off the top edge, which should get that hole on the side all the way in. Then I will be able to trim the backside to match and re-attach the frame permanently.
Wish me luck!
All your hard work is paying off! Looking great!
It's alive (insert evil laugh here)! Frankentote is going to be okay! This is the first fitting, I am just going to take a tiny bit more off the top edge, which should get that hole on the side all the way in. Then I will be able to trim the backside to match and re-attach the frame permanently.
Wish me luck!
Wow, it's looking great!!! Fingers crossed all goes well!!