I used the clear Edge Kote with a bit of acrylics added for the colored bags, and it worked fine... I saw many different colors of EK at the Tandy Leather store, but I found it more efficient to just make my own in the amounts that I need.
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
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I used the clear Edge Kote with a bit of acrylics added for the colored bags, and it worked fine... I saw many different colors of EK at the Tandy Leather store, but I found it more efficient to just make my own in the amounts that I need.
I'm with you on burgundy bags!Finished up my burgundy basic bag! Finally had some time to polish the hardware. I love the color, very rich and a great little size that does hold quite a bit!
A couple before shots and then the afters
ETA just noticed a thread I forgot to cut off LOL
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I found Basic Bags and Companion Bags to be very roomy yet not bulky - in the first place, because they have domed profile (unlike tapered bags which instantly lose some capacity because of their shape - Winnie, anyone? LoL).
And your bag turned out beautifully!
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Thank you everyone for the sweet comments about my burgundy basic bag!
Yes I really like this roomy size! I’m hoping to dunk 2 convertible clutches tonight to start their rehab! I seem to really be liking these rectangular roomy silhouettes lately.
Yes I really like this roomy size! I’m hoping to dunk 2 convertible clutches tonight to start their rehab! I seem to really be liking these rectangular roomy silhouettes lately.
Hey guys, a color loss in NYC bags question.
I have a beautiful original Camera Bag in navy that had few problems but dry leather and faded color (not too bad though). It got better after the bath - and there was almost no bleeding - and conditioning with the Leather Therapy and Blackrocks, but there's still room for improvement. Hard to catch on the camera, so no picture, but you know how rich and deep that NYC navy color is, right?
Thanks in advance!
I have a beautiful original Camera Bag in navy that had few problems but dry leather and faded color (not too bad though). It got better after the bath - and there was almost no bleeding - and conditioning with the Leather Therapy and Blackrocks, but there's still room for improvement. Hard to catch on the camera, so no picture, but you know how rich and deep that NYC navy color is, right?
Thanks in advance!
Regarding reshaping bags.... do you guys use any other way than dunking and stuffing?
I know that is not the norm, when you get a squished bag, normally needs a cleaning, conditioning... the works, but in those cases when the bag looks like ready to carry but out of "shape". Is there other way?
I was thinking perhaps using a hair dryer to get the leather warm, or putting it in the dryer for the same purpose, and then stuff it, would that work?
TIA
I know that is not the norm, when you get a squished bag, normally needs a cleaning, conditioning... the works, but in those cases when the bag looks like ready to carry but out of "shape". Is there other way?
I was thinking perhaps using a hair dryer to get the leather warm, or putting it in the dryer for the same purpose, and then stuff it, would that work?
TIA
I wouldn't put the bag itself in the dryer.
I would apply a little conditioner (Leather CPR is what I use) to the bag, then warm up some towels in the dryer and stuff the bag with them. Cover the bag with a warm towel and let it stand for 24 hrs. Repeat the process if needed.
There's not much else you can do, as far as I know, unless you want to get into dyeing, which would change the texture and suppleness of the leather.
Yes, thank you so much Catbird9, I knew I would get great advice. You might have saved my bag too (putting it in the dryer, silly me...)
Tough call. I have a navy NYC bag that is almost black! I am touching up a scratch on it with Black Saphir Juvacuir . Side note, I did freshen up a black Pocket Purse with the Juvacuir, and there was no loss of the suppleness of the leather.
I have late 90s Bleeker Basket tote in dark blue, no where as dark as the NYC bag. The is some fading and scratching from use, still, after dunking, conditioning and Obenauf’s Oil. At some point, I will look into a Saphir product to revive it. People have commented here on other Saphir products. They’re not cheap, but they are better quality leather recolorant.
Thanks again to everyone for the suggestions! I decided I would think on it. Then family showed up for a couple weeks so I didn't get around to doing anything else to it but a few coats of CLR. And I think she's just about ready to use! Soooo excited!!! I have to say this navy is gorgeous! I'm dying to get the hardware back on and use! I had my sister give it the sniff test (she hadn't smelled it before) and she says it smells like leather with maybe a whiff of "old". So I'm going to get some of those odor absorbers someone suggested and just give it more time. Two questions -
1 - How many coats of CLR should i do? I've done 5.
2 - Is that it or should I follow with something else like Black Rock or another product? Or does it not matter?
1 - How many coats of CLR should i do? I've done 5.
2 - Is that it or should I follow with something else like Black Rock or another product? Or does it not matter?
I've tried to stay away from dyeing for as long as I can, and I don't think I'm that desperate this time as I've seen some terrible results of poorly done job. And I agree about change in texture and suppleness of the leather - you know how wonderful those NYC bags are to the touch, and I don't want to lose that!
I have to look into Juvacuir, never heard of it - but again, I was never interested much in leather dyeing products. Still, I don't want to use it as my practice project as the bag overall is in great condition and didn't even have bare corners. Besides, weighing leaving it as is vs. such extreme measure as recoloring I'd probably not risk ruining the bag I really like... It's not faded that significantly and rather evenly.
I just have to hope it won't fade more as I use it. Thank you both for your suggestions!
I've stuffed bags like this with towels and left them hanging in my bathroom. The moisture from showering helps the bag reshape. It takes some time, so be patient.