Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[qwertie]

A while ago I got a dark brown NYC basic bag from Poshmark. Thought to post the rehab experience to show NYC bag is totally dunk able. The leather of bag was in good condition other than out of shape, but both shoulder strap and wrist strap were very dry and stiff, they were thin leather and dried out easier compare with the thick leather of bag. First I wiped down the whole bag with cleaning towel, the conditioned them twice with leather cpr in 2 days. Then dunk the whole bag with the hair shampoo I figured might be good for cleaning leather (I did try the shampoo on a testing bag prior with good result). The biggest concern was to conserve the precious creed, I had a Legacy Patricia's creed almost disappeared on me after dunking and drying, then a court bag's creed faded quite a bit. The soft thick glove tanned leather soaked up water like sponge, take a long time to dry, and I was foolish to not to pay attention. So with this basic bag, I dried the interior pocket with creed stamped on really good with towel after dunking, and pulled it outside while drying, the result was very good. She Is almost done and beautiful already.

Love the basic bag. Yours is looking amazing!

 

[artax two]

So here are some photos from my first attempt at a mild rehab. This bag was not in bad condition, just had some smushed up corners and a curled up turnlock flap. It was filthy inside as it hadn't been cleaned before selling. It had what I would assume is a good amount of verdigris but I don't really know if it was a lot or not. I didn't remove the hardware as you can see. I used one coat of Apple conditioner and maybe I'll add another if it needs it but it seems to feel really soft after just one application. I'll check it again in a day or two to see how it feels. I think since this one had a lot of chipping on the hardware up under the leather that goes around all the D rings, there will likely always be an issue with verdigris? I don't know. I am really happy with how the corners and turnlock flap were stiffened out and the oily shine got removed and now she is back to an even and natural leather sheen. To be quite honest I did not really get all that much enjoyment from doing this, which surprised me, because I can see how it could indeed bring enjoyment to bring these bags back to beauty. But for me, I think I would rather just be able to put a bag right on my shoulder and go. Or maybe just the hustle and bustle of this time of year made it feel a little like a chore. The last pic is of my Station sisters, I think its shaping up to be my favorite vintage style.

 

[qwertie]

On a sort of related note, has anyone ever had to clean verdigris off the zippers?
My burgundy (I thought it was brown) basic bag has verdigris on the teeth of the zipper and I’m tempted to rub it with brasso - I think that would discolour the fabric around the zipper though so I am wondering if others have had success with other methods. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!
(I’ve tried using a toothpick and vinegar but I don’t think it’s coming out...)

 

[Narnanz]

So here are some photos from my first attempt at a mild rehab. This bag was not in bad condition, just had some smushed up corners and a curled up turnlock flap. It was filthy inside as it hadn't been cleaned before selling. It had what I would assume is a good amount of verdigris but I don't really know if it was a lot or not. I didn't remove the hardware as you can see. I used one coat of Apple conditioner and maybe I'll add another if it needs it but it seems to feel really soft after just one application. I'll check it again in a day or two to see how it feels. I think since this one had a lot of chipping on the hardware up under the leather that goes around all the D rings, there will likely always be an issue with verdigris? I don't know. I am really happy with how the corners and turnlock flap were stiffened out and the oily shine got removed and now she is back to an even and natural leather sheen. To be quite honest I did not really get all that much enjoyment from doing this, which surprised me, because I can see how it could indeed bring enjoyment to bring these bags back to beauty. But for me, I think I would rather just be able to put a bag right on my shoulder and go. Or maybe just the hustle and bustle of this time of year made it feel a little like a chore. The last pic is of my Station sisters, I think its shaping up to be my favorite vintage style.View attachment 4621150 View attachment 4621151 View attachment 4621152 View attachment 4621153 View attachment 4621154 View attachment 4621155 View attachment 4621156

Looks wonderful...great job.

 

[whateve]

On a sort of related note, has anyone ever had to clean verdigris off the zippers?
My burgundy (I thought it was brown) basic bag has verdigris on the teeth of the zipper and I’m tempted to rub it with brasso - I think that would discolour the fabric around the zipper though so I am wondering if others have had success with other methods. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!
(I’ve tried using a toothpick and vinegar but I don’t think it’s coming out...)
View attachment 4621160 View attachment 4621161

I use vinegar with steel wool or a toothbrush.

 

[Catbird9]

On a sort of related note, has anyone ever had to clean verdigris off the zippers?
My burgundy (I thought it was brown) basic bag has verdigris on the teeth of the zipper and I’m tempted to rub it with brasso - I think that would discolour the fabric around the zipper though so I am wondering if others have had success with other methods. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!
(I’ve tried using a toothpick and vinegar but I don’t think it’s coming out...)
View attachment 4621160 View attachment 4621161

I've used various methods including toothpicks, vinegar on a q-tip or microfiber cloth, a Cape Cod polishing cloth, and/or a dry paper towel rubbed back and forth while holding the zipper tape firmly at one end.

 

[Catbird9]

Spa Sunday: City Bag

I got this early 90s City Bag to challenge myself with a piping repair. The surface finish on the top part of the flap was worn pretty badly too. I'm going to try to improve the finish and fill the holes in the piping.

Before:


Drying:



Rehab consultant expressing supportive concern:



We shall see!

 

[qwertie]

I use vinegar with steel wool or a toothbrush.

I've used various methods including toothpicks, vinegar on a q-tip or microfiber cloth, a Cape Cod polishing cloth, and/or a dry paper towel rubbed back and forth while holding the zipper tape firmly at one end.

Thanks for the insights whateve and Catbird9. I shall give it another try and report back! Thanks again!

 

[Narnanz]

I see you only employ the best consultants.

 

[Jacynthe]

City finished. Used her today. Might keep on giving her a condition periodically thru the week...but think this is as good as she will get.
View attachment 4620611

Pretty City Narnanz! Nice! thanks for posting!

 

[LunaSilver]

On a sort of related note, has anyone ever had to clean verdigris off the zippers?
My burgundy (I thought it was brown) basic bag has verdigris on the teeth of the zipper and I’m tempted to rub it with brasso - I think that would discolour the fabric around the zipper though so I am wondering if others have had success with other methods. Any advice would be much appreciated! Thanks!
(I’ve tried using a toothpick and vinegar but I don’t think it’s coming out...)
View attachment 4621160 View attachment 4621161

Haven't tried that on verdigris myself, but I used toothpaste to clean some other tough stains with good results. The mild polishing effect of toothpaste works wonders in cleaning

 

[gaditana]

I knew this thread existed but only recently started looking at all the dunked bags and now I’m hooked! Paid $6 for this oldie at the thrift store, made in USA. It came out amazing after a bath polish!

 

[gaditana]

I knew this thread existed but only recently started looking at all the dunked bags and now I’m hooked! Paid $6 for this oldie at the thrift store, made in USA. It came out amazing after a bath polish!

 

[valv54]

Aww! A legacy zip was my first rehab too! Very nice.

 

[Narnanz]

I love these bags...think they are so versitile.