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#20,866
Ava_13579 said:
Thanks so much for letting me know!!

Small thing, but are those prices in USD, or CAD?

Interesting techniques!!

Hey, I’m happy to fiddle with things for better results. (I probably spent the equivalent of a couple of full days on my Willis, or more.)

Mind if I please ask a couple of things about your cardboard technique?

Do you use cardboard inserts for the pockets only?

Or do you use cardboard for the body of the bag? By cutting cardboard and assembling into a box-like shape that’s the size of the interior of the bag?

I believe that a lot of cardboard is dyed, to be that typical brown color. So I’m assuming this technique is for very dark-colored bags like mahogany or black.

Or have you used this for lighter-colored bags, and not had any issues with cardboard staining the suede?

About burnishing strap edges, please let me see if I understand correctly (and if not, please let me know)?

Step 1: Get out the strap. This process is for strap edges that are fuzzy and have lost color.
Step 2: Shave the fuzzy bits from the strap edges.
Step 3: Paint the edges.
Step 4: The edges are now rough, because the nappy leather has been coated in paint. So sand the edges.
Step 5: Edges are dull, so add glossy acrylic.
Step 6: Surface of edges may be uneven. If so, sand the edges.

By the way, you mentioned edge paint. May I ask what kind of paint you've used for this?

You also mentioned glossy acrylic. Is that glossy, pigmented acrylic paint? Or a clear top coat?

Hope you don't mind I'm asking for detail! I'm very curious about this.
Click to expand...
Hey here - i responded but the reply is a few postings below! I can't seem to fix it...
 
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#20,867
Ava_13579 said:
Happy Weekend, everyone!

So, with the latest bag that I received, the eBay gods have not been kind to me.
When I received the bag, I took pictures, which are below.

A few things.

I'm surprised. I didn't intentionally get this bag in bad shape as a big project. Pictures looked good. No mention of issues.

I knew there could be an issue with the bottom of the bag. (After I purchased, the seller let me know that there was some discolouration on the bottom, and wear on the corners. She sent some pictures of the bottom of the bag. Didn’t look awful. I saw light-colored areas, which I thought looked like scuffs. Figured they'd darken, or I'd use Saphir products on them.)

The bag was then cleaned and conditioned at a Coach store before it was shipped. So the bag has already been cleaned, and recently.

About the dark spots on the bag: many of these are pits in the leather. They’re not flat, but depressions in the bag.

The seller is in Hawaii. After receiving this bag, I searched purseforum for TPF members posting about mold. I got the impression that in Hawaii, mold is a big issue; apparently, because of the climate, it can quickly form on leather goods left in a closet for just a little while.

I haven't done anything to the bag. Received it, took pictures, and put it inside clear, double-bagged garbage bags. Because, ew. It's sitting in my living room right now.

Thoughts?
Anyone know what's wrong with this bag?
I've never seen mold on leather in person. Does anyone know if it would look like this?
A combination of issues?

(The bags looks very bad to me, and not really salvageable.)

Was really looking forward to this one.
=(

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Click to expand...
I'm so sorry! I feel terrible that I encouraged you to get it. That is mold damage and it is not fixable. Contact the seller and tell her how unhappy you are. If she isn't willing to take it back, paying shipping both ways, and giving you a full refund, open a return request, not as described.
 
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#20,868
Ava_13579 said:
Thanks so much for letting me know!!

Small thing, but are those prices in USD, or CAD?

Interesting techniques!!

Hey, I’m happy to fiddle with things for better results. (I probably spent the equivalent of a couple of full days on my Willis, or more.)

Mind if I please ask a couple of things about your cardboard technique?

Do you use cardboard inserts for the pockets only?

Or do you use cardboard for the body of the bag? By cutting cardboard and assembling into a box-like shape that’s the size of the interior of the bag?

I believe that a lot of cardboard is dyed, to be that typical brown color. So I’m assuming this technique is for very dark-colored bags like mahogany or black.

Or have you used this for lighter-colored bags, and not had any issues with cardboard staining the suede?

About burnishing strap edges, please let me see if I understand correctly (and if not, please let me know)?

Step 1: Get out the strap. This process is for strap edges that are fuzzy and have lost color.
Step 2: Shave the fuzzy bits from the strap edges.
Step 3: Paint the edges.
Step 4: The edges are now rough, because the nappy leather has been coated in paint. So sand the edges.
Step 5: Edges are dull, so add glossy acrylic.
Step 6: Surface of edges may be uneven. If so, sand the edges.

By the way, you mentioned edge paint. May I ask what kind of paint you've used for this?

You also mentioned glossy acrylic. Is that glossy, pigmented acrylic paint? Or a clear top coat?

Hope you don't mind I'm asking for detail! I'm very curious about this.
Click to expand...
Ava_13579 said:
Thanks so much for letting me know!!

Small thing, but are those prices in USD, or CAD?

Interesting techniques!!

Hey, I’m happy to fiddle with things for better results. (I probably spent the equivalent of a couple of full days on my Willis, or more.)

Mind if I please ask a couple of things about your cardboard technique?

Do you use cardboard inserts for the pockets only?

Or do you use cardboard for the body of the bag? By cutting cardboard and assembling into a box-like shape that’s the size of the interior of the bag?

I believe that a lot of cardboard is dyed, to be that typical brown color. So I’m assuming this technique is for very dark-colored bags like mahogany or black.

Or have you used this for lighter-colored bags, and not had any issues with cardboard staining the suede?

About burnishing strap edges, please let me see if I understand correctly (and if not, please let me know)?

Step 1: Get out the strap. This process is for strap edges that are fuzzy and have lost color.
Step 2: Shave the fuzzy bits from the strap edges.
Step 3: Paint the edges.
Step 4: The edges are now rough, because the nappy leather has been coated in paint. So sand the edges.
Step 5: Edges are dull, so add glossy acrylic.
Step 6: Surface of edges may be uneven. If so, sand the edges.

By the way, you mentioned edge paint. May I ask what kind of paint you've used for this?

You also mentioned glossy acrylic. Is that glossy, pigmented acrylic paint? Or a clear top coat?

Hope you don't mind I'm asking for detail! I'm very curious about this.
Click to expand...
Hey, I'm very happy to share my experience, but there are much mire experienced rehabbers here
Ava_13579 said:
Thanks so much for letting me know!!

Small thing, but are those prices in USD, or CAD?

Interesting techniques!!

Hey, I’m happy to fiddle with things for better results. (I probably spent the equivalent of a couple of full days on my Willis, or more.)

Mind if I please ask a couple of things about your cardboard technique?

Do you use cardboard inserts for the pockets only?

Or do you use cardboard for the body of the bag? By cutting cardboard and assembling into a box-like shape that’s the size of the interior of the bag?

I believe that a lot of cardboard is dyed, to be that typical brown color. So I’m assuming this technique is for very dark-colored bags like mahogany or black.

Or have you used this for lighter-colored bags, and not had any issues with cardboard staining the suede?

About burnishing strap edges, please let me see if I understand correctly (and if not, please let me know)?

Step 1: Get out the strap. This process is for strap edges that are fuzzy and have lost color.
Step 2: Shave the fuzzy bits from the strap edges.
Step 3: Paint the edges.
Step 4: The edges are now rough, because the nappy leather has been coated in paint. So sand the edges.
Step 5: Edges are dull, so add glossy acrylic.
Step 6: Surface of edges may be uneven. If so, sand the edges.

By the way, you mentioned edge paint. May I ask what kind of paint you've used for this?

You also mentioned glossy acrylic. Is that glossy, pigmented acrylic paint? Or a clear top coat?

Hope you don't mind I'm asking for detail! I'm very curious about this.
Click to expand...
Het there! i responded but somehow my response went a few posts down and I can't fix it...
 
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#20,869
whateve said:
I'm so sorry! I feel terrible that I encouraged you to get it. That is mold damage and it is not fixable. Contact the seller and tell her how unhappy you are. If she isn't willing to take it back, paying shipping both ways, and giving you a full refund, open a return request, not as described.
Click to expand...

Oh my gosh, this had nothing to do with you; no reason to feel bad at all! I used the guidelines you generously provided when I looked at the pictures on the listing, and the pictures look fine to me.

You've been incredible!

I'm going to reach out to the seller, and hope she's cooperative.

I've never returned anything on eBay. If I have to open a return request, is that when you indicate the item is significantly not as described?

I did a little reading on this, and it looks like if the item is significantly not as described, the buyer pays the return shipping? Do you happen to know offhand if that's how it works?
 
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#20,870
nursebetty said:
I'm happy to share my experience, but there are so many more experienced rehabbers here. That being said here's what I did that I think worked for me.

Blocking out to dry:

I used acid-free cardstock on a light coloured bag because I had some from another project. I doubt it's necessary. Perhaps poster board from Dollarama, Michael's or the drugstore would work as well. I agree that dye would be a concern- perhaps get white or 'natural' and test for colour fastness first? Your bag looks good structurally and probably will dry in a good shape. My bag was warped and I was trying to force it back into shape. I did a rectangle inside the bag pressed along the bottom, one panel for back pocket and each edge ( Basically I made a loose box - it was a Willis) the stuffing with towels held the panels in place.

Strap edges:

I like cheapo artist craft or art store acrylic paint in a colour that closely matches the existing trim. I've used folk art and a student grade acrylic from Curry's. I have cut it with conditioner to apply, and cut with gloss acrylic to add sheen. No matter what I did, best results were with multiple light applications, rather than one heavy one. A light, quick sand with an emery board between coats worked for me. Hairy strap edges get a trim with tiny sharp scissors. I don't have a way to deal with hairy edges that I'm married to. Your bag edges look good. The acrylic, when applied in one direction will encourage hairy bits to lie flat.


Lately, I have been mixing a small jar of paint/ acrylic gloss/ leather CPR in the colour I need so that the consistency is loose paint ( not too drippy). I store with a tight- fitting lid. I can't give you ratios because you have to fiddle to get the look you want, but you can't mess up too badly. If it's too light or not glossy enough just adjust for another layer.

Somebody here used dye on their strap edges and it looks incredible!

I do think the brass here is solid, with a factory lacquer to prevent colour change/ verdigris, but I haven't tried to polish mine yet. If I do I will happily report. I think the metal bit is inside the turn mechanism, but get other opinions!

Finally, I think i probably paid 140.00 to 150.00 Canadian for my Navy Court! I know! Crazy pants expensive! The seller thought it was black too. It was a happy discovery that it was navy.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much! That sounds smart!

I got an Emmie recently. Because it's a cube shape, I figured stuffing the bag with towels might not work so well, and was considering using cardboard to form a cube, and use it to shape the bag while drying. (I was going to wrap the cardboard in Saran wrap, and then towels.)
When the bag arrived, it was in better condition than expected, and I haven't done anything to it yet. If it gets dunked, I'll use this technique! And likely for other bags, too.

Hahaha! About dying the strap edges, I think the post you're thinking of was from me. I dyed the strap edges on my Willis. The process was very similar to the one you described, but with dye instead of paint. So I'm thinking the results were likely pretty similar.

Question: happen to remember where you got acid-free cardstock?
 
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#20,871
aerinha said:
Unless you really want to do a major rehab, I would ask the seller to take it back, including your pics in the message. If she won’t do it, file a claim through ebay.

If you want to try to clean it, the mold cure is soaking in vinegar water, an expert will have to comment on how much to use. After that I would proceed with a full clean and condition at home. No way of knowing if the seller really took it to Coach for a clean and even if she did, Coach does a light clean, not a full soak and condition.
Click to expand...

I'm going to send it back. Blargh.
Thanks. I'll include the pictures in the message.
 
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#20,873
Ava_13579 said:
Thanks so much! That sounds smart!

I got an Emmie recently. Because it's a cube shape, I figured stuffing the bag with towels might not work so well, and was considering using cardboard to form a cube, and use it to shape the bag while drying. (I was going to wrap the cardboard in Saran wrap, and then towels.)
When the bag arrived, it was in better condition than expected, and I haven't done anything to it yet. If it gets dunked, I'll use this technique! And likely for other bags, too.

Hahaha! About dying the strap edges, I think the post you're thinking of was from me. I dyed the strap edges on my Willis. The process was very similar to the one you described, but with dye instead of paint. So I'm thinking the results were likely pretty similar.

Question: happen to remember where you got acid-free cardstock?
Click to expand...
If you are in Toronto you can try Curry's, DeSerres, or any art supply store or framing supply shop. I don't think it's necessary to go acid-free as you're not storing the bag with cardboard in it. But if you want to do it it wouldn't hurt. The sheets are quite large so you can use any left overs for storing art, photos, or backing articles for framing purposes. All it does is keep things from turning yellow over time, as the ph in regular cardstock can do.
 
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#20,874
Ava_13579 said:
Oh my gosh, this had nothing to do with you; no reason to feel bad at all! I used the guidelines you generously provided when I looked at the pictures on the listing, and the pictures look fine to me.

You've been incredible!

I'm going to reach out to the seller, and hope she's cooperative.

I've never returned anything on eBay. If I have to open a return request, is that when you indicate the item is significantly not as described?

I did a little reading on this, and it looks like if the item is significantly not as described, the buyer pays the return shipping? Do you happen to know offhand if that's how it works?
Click to expand...

Not always. Sellers can set their return policy and some specify you have to pay return shipping, so if yours agrees to take it back on her own, she might want you to pay shipping. I had a seller do this to me on a vintage pin missing half it’s stones though listed as perfect. Now if the seller says no returns then you have to fight it through ebay and she will have to pay return shipping if they make her take it back. I probably could have fought having to pay for the pin since the listing was so wrong but it didn’t occur to me,

What you need to do is go into your purchase history and click the return option. Then follow the steps.
 
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#20,875
Ava_13579 said:
Oh my gosh, this had nothing to do with you; no reason to feel bad at all! I used the guidelines you generously provided when I looked at the pictures on the listing, and the pictures look fine to me.

You've been incredible!

I'm going to reach out to the seller, and hope she's cooperative.

I've never returned anything on eBay. If I have to open a return request, is that when you indicate the item is significantly not as described?

I did a little reading on this, and it looks like if the item is significantly not as described, the buyer pays the return shipping? Do you happen to know offhand if that's how it works?
Click to expand...
If you open the return request, not as described, the seller will have to pay return shipping if she agrees or if you win. I don't see any reason you wouldn't win this easily. With ebay, the buyer is almost always right. If the transaction was international, the seller may not be able to provide the shipping label. You might have to price it and ask her to send you the money through paypal.

If she agrees without you opening a return request, insist on the shipping money ahead of time. Make sure you buy shipping that has tracking. When she receives it, if you have any trouble getting your refund, you can show the tracking to prove you shipped it back.
 
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#20,879
Catbird9 said:
Pure loveliness--nice job!
Click to expand...

Aku_no_Hana said:
Gorgeous!
Click to expand...

Thank you both! It was interesting to do same type of bag, both NYC made, and see the slight differences in leather type, hardware condition, and so on. No two really are the same. I am pleased with how it came out. Being a red bag, I was nervous!
 
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