Great job! I'm very impressed with your skills!
THANK YOU all so very much!
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
- Thread starter greenpixie
- Start date
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THANK YOU all so very much!
Thanks Aggie! I am planning on posting a few how-to pics later today. People may think of some easier ways to do it once they see how I approached it!
Joodlz, in fact, when I was buying the acrylic paints at Walmart the other day, I saw the glossy ones, but they were $1 each instead of 50 cents (for plain ones), and the cheap side of me won... later that made me remember the old proverb - "The cheap man pays twice". I saw you mentioning the clear gloss paint for your projects before, so I think I'll get it and try to save the dull surfaces. The next batch of paint will definitely be glossy! Thanks, Joodlz!
Thanks, I hope it's working the way is supposed to be, I just need to be patient and keep applying more layers.
I did it! My first dunk! 
I think I went a bit overboard with the soap, but I made sure I rinsed it all off. I can already tell the difference, and most of the spots I thought were bad, were some kind of gunk that now is gone.
When the whole project is done, I will post the before/after pictures. I hope I was an attentive student, and now that I am going to put all your great tips to work, the result will show it.
I think I went a bit overboard with the soap, but I made sure I rinsed it all off. I can already tell the difference, and most of the spots I thought were bad, were some kind of gunk that now is gone.
When the whole project is done, I will post the before/after pictures. I hope I was an attentive student, and now that I am going to put all your great tips to work, the result will show it.
Ooh, I love that bag! I can hardly wait to see the final result!I did it! My first dunk!
I think I went a bit overboard with the soap, but I made sure I rinsed it all off. I can already tell the difference, and most of the spots I thought were bad, were some kind of gunk that now is gone.
When the whole project is done, I will post the before/after pictures. I hope I was an attentive student, and now that I am going to put all your great tips to work, the result will show it.
Hi~ I'm hoping to get some input regarding my new-to-me 2001 black stewardess bag. I know she's not vintage but I'm thinking you ladies are the ones who may be able to help me figure out what is going on.
She arrived in excellent condition and I used apple cleaner immediately - got a ton of color transfer on my white cloth. I buffed and buffed well after she was dry and still got color transfer which seemed strange. In the meantime, Leather cpr arrived on my doorstep so I used that - same thing. I've used it 3 times over the past 3 days and still get tons of black on my cloth. Once dry, I still get a bit of color transfer. I haven't had this experience before. My concern is color transfer on my clothing.
Do you think she was dyed or that some type of shoe polish was used? She appeared normal - no strange odors, nothing strange about appearance.
To be clear this happens on the entire exterior of the purse as well as when I clean/buff the strap (outside, not underside), and the interior including the inside of both slip pockets that are under the flap. However it doesn't happen when I clean the hang tag.
So what should I do next? Would a bath help? I've never done that and it really wasn't my plan when I got her. I don't want to be afraid to use her because of the color transfer issue. Right now I wouldn't get her anywhere near a white blouse or light colored clothing.
Thanks for any input!!
She arrived in excellent condition and I used apple cleaner immediately - got a ton of color transfer on my white cloth. I buffed and buffed well after she was dry and still got color transfer which seemed strange. In the meantime, Leather cpr arrived on my doorstep so I used that - same thing. I've used it 3 times over the past 3 days and still get tons of black on my cloth. Once dry, I still get a bit of color transfer. I haven't had this experience before. My concern is color transfer on my clothing.
Do you think she was dyed or that some type of shoe polish was used? She appeared normal - no strange odors, nothing strange about appearance.
To be clear this happens on the entire exterior of the purse as well as when I clean/buff the strap (outside, not underside), and the interior including the inside of both slip pockets that are under the flap. However it doesn't happen when I clean the hang tag.
So what should I do next? Would a bath help? I've never done that and it really wasn't my plan when I got her. I don't want to be afraid to use her because of the color transfer issue. Right now I wouldn't get her anywhere near a white blouse or light colored clothing.
Thanks for any input!!
It sounds as if your bag has been (gasp) doused with shoe polish. Yes! your bag will need a very good wash,,maybe two to get as much of that (whatever it is) off. There is always a bit of color transfer, but that sounds excessive! there are many great guides on here as to the wash. Most agree with a warm water, with soap wash.
Hi everyone, I am back with more questions! Whateve was nice enough to identify my bags for me and I have started the rehab process on them. I will be honest and say that I freaked out a bit when the first one went for a bath because it changed a grey color in parts at first (originally cream). I would appreciate some advice on what to do next, I am trying to go through all the old posts currently but I have not yet found info on a few things.
They are now bathed, stuffed, and drying and then I will do the leather conditioner.
1. Black Andrea slim bag from 2000, this one has creasing from being stored wrong and use (I think), anything to smooth it out or fill in the few scratches it has?
2. Brown Lewiston bag from 90s, this one had what looked to be wear marks on the bottom which have disappeared when wet, if they come back in after drying and conditioning what is my best option for covering?
3. Cream Ergo Pocket zip from 2001 this one has the most issues, mainly wear/rub marks, can I mix paint with something to cover the spots some?
Lastly I just bought a 13648 White Leather Ali Flap Hobo Tote Purse. From what I can see the outside is dirty and needs cleaning and the tan inside has a lot of marks. Is there any way to give this bag a soaking bath ( i know it is iffy with lined bags) and what is the best product to remove stains and pen marks from the fabric?
Thank you so much for all your help. I think my husband is going to hate the fact that I found this rehab post, I can see myself spending a lot more time on Ebay and at thrift stores lol.
and I have started the rehab process on them. I will be honest and say that I freaked out a bit when the first one went for a bath because it changed a grey color in parts at first (originally cream). I would appreciate some advice on what to do next, I am trying to go through all the old posts currently but I have not yet found info on a few things. They are now bathed, stuffed, and drying and then I will do the leather conditioner.
1. Black Andrea slim bag from 2000, this one has creasing from being stored wrong and use (I think), anything to smooth it out or fill in the few scratches it has?
2. Brown Lewiston bag from 90s, this one had what looked to be wear marks on the bottom which have disappeared when wet, if they come back in after drying and conditioning what is my best option for covering?
3. Cream Ergo Pocket zip from 2001 this one has the most issues, mainly wear/rub marks, can I mix paint with something to cover the spots some?
Lastly I just bought a 13648 White Leather Ali Flap Hobo Tote Purse. From what I can see the outside is dirty and needs cleaning and the tan inside has a lot of marks. Is there any way to give this bag a soaking bath ( i know it is iffy with lined bags) and what is the best product to remove stains and pen marks from the fabric?
Thank you so much for all your help. I think my husband is going to hate the fact that I found this rehab post, I can see myself spending a lot more time on Ebay and at thrift stores lol.
Hi everyone, I am back with more questions! Whateve was nice enough to identify my bags for me
They are now bathed, stuffed, and drying and then I will do the leather conditioner.
1. Black Andrea slim bag from 2000, this one has creasing from being stored wrong and use (I think), anything to smooth it out or fill in the few scratches it has?
2. Brown Lewiston bag from 90s, this one had what looked to be wear marks on the bottom which have disappeared when wet, if they come back in after drying and conditioning what is my best option for covering?
3. Cream Ergo Pocket zip from 2001 this one has the most issues, mainly wear/rub marks, can I mix paint with something to cover the spots some?
Lastly I just bought a 13648 White Leather Ali Flap Hobo Tote Purse. From what I can see the outside is dirty and needs cleaning and the tan inside has a lot of marks. Is there any way to give this bag a soaking bath ( i know it is iffy with lined bags) and what is the best product to remove stains and pen marks from the fabric?
Thank you so much for all your help. I think my husband is going to hate the fact that I found this rehab post, I can see myself spending a lot more time on Ebay and at thrift stores lol.
Wait, wait, wait..let them all dry thoroughly..THEN see what the re-habbers advise.
Nothing can really be decided until then. As for the Ali..if it is that bad, then go ahead & dunk. But, maybe wait until you finish the others & get a 'feel' for it.
BTW..It is better if you are new to this to concentrate on one bag at a time.. Patience Girl!!
I'm thinking the same....a bath may be the next step.
Does anyone know if there is a way I can tell if polish was used? I'm still not 100% sure....
If it is polish will I need to scrub it to remove or just soak?
I did it! My first dunk!
I think I went a bit overboard with the soap, but I made sure I rinsed it all off. I can already tell the difference, and most of the spots I thought were bad, were some kind of gunk that now is gone.
When the whole project is done, I will post the before/after pictures. I hope I was an attentive student, and now that I am going to put all your great tips to work, the result will show it.
Yay, you did it!! You will be happy and so will your bag. : D
Not sure how you tell for certain if its shoe polish - does it smell like shoe polish? You could ask the seller but of course you are unlikely to get an honest answer. It definitely sound like it's been coated in something so you need to remove it.
Soak it for 30 - 45 mins in warm water then scrub gently inside and outside with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly in warm water until it runs clear. Hopefully that will do it . Good luck!
That's the thing, there is no smell....I may get brave this weekend and dunk it and give it a gentle scrub. If it wasn't for all the success stories in this thread, I'd never be brave enough to try it!
ETA: I contacted the seller but haven't heard back. I don't want a refund...I just would like to know what was used on the purse. Not expecting to hear anything helpful...
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