Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[tealocean]

Hi Everyone! I just got an adorable vintage Regina that smells like smoke. It's really strong, especially inside where the leather is unfinished. I recently read somewhere in the Coach forums that someone said they can get any odor out of this vintage leather. I have searched the forums but didn't find that post. I hope you see this! @katev I saw a post where you mentioned smoke removal. I thought @Lake Effect might have tried this too. I have successfully gotten a tobacco scent out of the lining of a bag thanks to @whateve 's great tip to use fresh air and sunshine. I saturated that lining with vinegar and let it dry in the wind several times, and then sealed the bag up in a tub with zeolite (for weeks) to absorb any residual odor in the leather. It worked. I would love to save this little bag if it's possible to get every bit of smoke out without a hint of it lingering. Is it possible?

If it is worth trying, this will be my first vintage rehab! Aside from the smoke, the bag just needs a good conditioning. I already like how it looks. Right now I'm just airing it outside, and when it's inside, I seal it up with zeolite (and will also try charcoal). How long should I do that before I give it a bath with soap and vinegar? Or is there something else I should try? Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[Morgan_Bellini]

Gorgeous bag, I love the Bleeckers!

I have rehabbed 2 Bleecker bags and one wallet and they all came out great. At first I was afraid to dunk them because the tattersall lining looks so delicate, but those bags are tough and they can take the rough stuff!

You can read about the rehabs at the links below and see the before and after pics; please come back and show us the after pics for your beautiful new (to you) bag; I'm sure that it will be stunning!

Mahogany Bleecker Woven Pocket Hobo 12378, Before:
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club.833400/page-1260#post-32934970

Mahogany Bleecker Woven Pocket Hobo 12378, After:
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club.833400/page-1261#post-32935068

Ink Bleecker Legacy Flap Bag 11419 and Ink Bleecker Checkbook Wallet 41549, Before and After:
https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club.833400/page-913#post-31372785

Ammrx, check out these links for rehabbing your Bleecker duffle. I just bought the same bag in British tan and I'm very excited to get her all cleaned up! You have a gorgeous bag, I love the color!

 

[Lake Effect]

Hi Everyone! I just got an adorable vintage Regina that smells like smoke. It's really strong, especially inside where the leather is unfinished. I recently read somewhere in the Coach forums that someone said they can get any odor out of this vintage leather. I have searched the forums but didn't find that post. I hope you see this! @katev I saw a post where you mentioned smoke removal. I thought @Lake Effect might have tried this too. I have successfully gotten a tobacco scent out of the lining of a bag thanks to @whateve 's great tip to use fresh air and sunshine. I saturated that lining with vinegar and let it dry in the wind several times, and then sealed the bag up in a tub with zeolite (for weeks) to absorb any residual odor in the leather. It worked. I would love to save this little bag if it's possible to get every bit of smoke out without a hint of it lingering. Is it possible?

If it is worth trying, this will be my first vintage rehab! Aside from the smoke, the bag just needs a good conditioning. I already like how it looks. Right now I'm just airing it outside, and when it's inside, I seal it up with zeolite (and will also try charcoal). How long should I do that before I give it a bath with soap and vinegar? Or is there something else I should try? Thank you in advance for any advice.

No, I did not post on smoke/odor removal. I have not dealt with that yet. Sorry!

 

[Ava_13579]

It doesn't look serious at all to me. I don't think there is any problem with bathing. Are there any stitches missing on the bad side?

Thanks for the reply!!
Looks like all the stitches are there. Two stitches seem to possibly be a bit loose compared with the stitches on the other side, that's all. Doesn't look like much of an issue, at least not yet.

 

[Ava_13579]

Hi everyone!

I'd like to ask a couple of questions about a Bone-colored bag. (I'm assuming this bag is the color that Coach called Bone?)

This is my first rehab. (I know, I know, a light-colored bag may not have been my best bet.)

The bag looked quite light in the listing, like a white or off-white. I wasn't thrilled when I saw it in-person. It was beige, almost like a tan color.

So far, I cleaned it using Magic Erasers, which were sometimes wet with water that had Ivory soap. (I realize that a Magic Eraser may not have been advisable, but it's been done. I may have been better-off giving the bag a bath before even considering anything aggressive.)

I then applied Fiebing's leather lotion.

The bag is a lot cleaner now, but there's some unevenness, which is noticeable in bright, natural light. I don't really want to go further with the Magic Eraser. I not completely sure what the true color of the bag is supposed to look like, as some spots are almost-white, so don't know if I lightened the finish, or if that's the true color of the bag. I'm weary of going too far.

(When everything is done, I'd be open to using Angelus acrylic leather paint on the bag if that'd help, though I don't have experience using it on a Coach bag. I've only used it on shoes, which turned out well. So if the finish comes off in a small spot, that wouldn't be the end of the world.)

I'm planning to give the bag a bath. I'd appreciate if anyone has advice, in particular for a light-colored bag.

Soap
I'll use Ivory, unless you advise to use something else.

Leather conditioner
I live in Toronto, Canada, and I'd have to order most of the recommended leather conditioners from the United States. I was using Fiebing's, as I was able to get it in Toronto. Anyone have experience with this, compared with Apple or Leather CPR, for light-colored bags?
I'd have to order Apple from the United States (which would take some time to arrive).
It looks like Leather CPR is now in-stock at a Toronto store, so if I'd get the same result as with Apple conditioner, I'd be inclined to go with the Leather CPR.

Leather conditioner - more intense
I've seen good things here about Blackrock, and Obenaufs. The handle of the bag seems to be the most dry part. (Not sure if I should be concerned that the leather could crack.) Anyone have experience with which is better for a Bone-colored bag? (I'd have to order these online, and because of shipping, they're relatively expensive, it would be nice to get only one if possible.)

Also: Photos
In case they're helpful, attaching some photos.

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Any other general advice about light-colored bags would also be appreciated!

 

[whateve]

Ideas on the steps to rehab this bag. I have always been attracted to neutrals but this one somehow called out to me. But I have no idea how to go about fixing the uneven coloring. Do I wash in the sink ? All advice welcome.

They used a different type of leather for the strap and buckle attachments than the body. It took the dye differently. All my Bleecker bags have similar variation.

 

[Ammrx]

so I have a question about replacing d rings and hang tags. Can these be gotten from coach ? If not, do any of you guys have a favorite source you from could share. Thanks for the information.

 

[katev]

so I have a question about replacing d rings and hang tags. Can these be gotten from coach ? If not, do any of you guys have a favorite source you from could share. Thanks for the information.

Here is a thread about a British Tan Willis that I rehabbed that needed parts, including a D ring:

https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club.833400/page-914#post-31379596

 

[whateve]

so I have a question about replacing d rings and hang tags. Can these be gotten from coach ? If not, do any of you guys have a favorite source you from could share. Thanks for the information.

You can call Coach or email them to get hangtags. There is a limit. If you are near a store, preferably an outlet, they usually have a box of hangtags that have fallen off bags. I got a d ring once from an SA at a Coach store but that was a really long time ago. I don't know if they will provide those. If not, you can get them on ebay. This seller specializes in Coach parts: http://www.ebaystores.com/SCECKERT-...l?_fsub=8&_sid=14491045&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

 

[Ammrx]

Here is a thread about a British Tan Willis that I rehabbed that needed parts, including a D ring:

https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club.833400/page-914#post-31379596

You can call Coach or email them to get hangtags. There is a limit. If you are near a store, preferably an outlet, they usually have a box of hangtags that have fallen off bags. I got a d ring once from an SA at a Coach store but that was a really long time ago. I don't know if they will provide those. If not, you can get them on ebay. This seller specializes in Coach parts: http://www.ebaystores.com/SCECKERT-...l?_fsub=8&_sid=14491045&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

Thank you for the information. I will try both.

 

[nursebetty]

I have a few vintage Coach briefcases. I don't think you'll be able to find one with a really long strap drop for him to wear cross-body if he is really tall. The straps aren't super long, even on the adjustable ones. I have a Carrier, a Beekman and another one that I'm not sure what it is called. I just looked, and I have them not quite on the longest setting, and I shoulder carry them. I'm 5" 6'.

Thank you

 

[katev]

Here is a thread about a British Tan Willis that I rehabbed that needed parts, including a D ring:

https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club.833400/page-914#post-31379596

You can call Coach or email them to get hangtags. There is a limit. If you are near a store, preferably an outlet, they usually have a box of hangtags that have fallen off bags. I got a d ring once from an SA at a Coach store but that was a really long time ago. I don't know if they will provide those. If not, you can get them on ebay. This seller specializes in Coach parts: http://www.ebaystores.com/SCECKERT-...l?_fsub=8&_sid=14491045&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

Thank you for the information. I will try both.

Do you need to replace the turnlock? Coach will send free brass or nickel standard size turnlocks and easy instructions for vintage bags, see below.

https://www.coach.com/repair-services.html

THE TURNLOCK CLOSURE ON MY HANDBAG NEEDS REPLACING. IS THAT SOMETHING I CAN DO MYSELF?
In many cases we can send you a new turnlock with instructions for replacement.
Please call 1-866-262-2440 or email [email protected] for more information.

 

[mrk2014]

If you dunk again, use hotter than normal water. I did this for a bag that already had water spots. It didn't get rid of them completely but it helped. Then I used paint to blend in the lines.

Hello again,

I did as suggested, and I am still lost.

I waited for several days, no change on the spots, so I dunked the bag again in very hot water for 30 minutes, turning a couple times. I didn't put any conditioner till the second day of drying. The spots are back, in different places and those that looked like water marks, still the same. I do not have a clue of what's going on. It is totally dry now.

 

[Ammrx]

They used a different type of leather for the strap and buckle attachments than the body. It took the dye differently. All my Bleecker bags have similar variation.

So I dunked and when it was almost dry I started conditioning. When it was in the water it bled so much it scared me. It stained the towels and my hands. When I applied the conditioner leather cpr more color come off. So now it is still blotchy in some spots. Do I just let it dry and use a final product buff and call it good ? I am under the impression that reds/pinks can be difficult. Any other advice. Thanks.

 

[katev]

Hello again,

I did as suggested, and I am still lost.

I waited for several days, no change on the spots, so I dunked the bag again in very hot water for 30 minutes, turning a couple times. I didn't put any conditioner till the second day of drying. The spots are back, in different places and those that looked like water marks, still the same. I do not have a clue of what's going on. It is totally dry now. View attachment 4376196 View attachment 4376197

If you apply a couple of coats of black rocks it will generally darken the bag a little and make all those dark spots sort of blend in together, making them much less noticeable. Be very sparing in putting BR on and rub off the excess immediately and buff. wait a day before putting on the next coat of BR, good luck!