I’m a rehab newbie and just want to make sure I do this correctly. This mahogany color had what might have been an old oily and dried stain across the front flap that I spent a lot of time scrubbing out with leather cleaner before and during soaking. I’d say 90% of it is gone, but it’s also removed the color. What kind of dye should I use to fix this and should I avoid conditioning this area while it’s drying until I can dye or go ahead and condition? Appreciate any help
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
- Thread starter greenpixie
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I would condition it normally. If it looks darker than the rest after conditioning, that probably means you damaged the surface of the leather. A paint based dye can help restore the surface. I'd wait until you have finished the rehab to figure out what kind of dye to use or if you can just use a bit of paint. You won't be able to pick the correct color until all the conditioning is done.
Thank you! Despite trying my best to read through and watch videos, I admit I have no idea what I’m doing. I’m ok with experimenting to see what works and appreciate the advice! It’s been a fun learning experience
Turns out I didn’t do as great of a job removing the stain as I thought I did! Just added the first layer of conditioner
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Ohhh, just realised that's what I did to my Court
. A little darker patch at the bottom on the front - there was a black stain and I rubbed it out with a staedtler. Although a darker patch is much better than a black stain! 
My vintage Swagger after a wash. Had some really bad rust verdigris on the zipper have to work out some more. I am also going to have to hand sew one of the straps. Thankfully I have some sewing experience and upholstery needles and thread. I’m nervous but excited to try it out.
There's been some chat and photos recently about dark spots appearing after a dunk and what they could be. My tangerine Geometric 9043 also started exhibiting some minor ones as she dried. The seller was a lovely TPFer, so I know there was nothing amiss with the bag.
Here are the minor marks which appeared:
(The biggest spot is on the piping in the last photo).
I used a lot of self-restraint and did not panic or intervene!
Instead I continued to condition/buff and allow the bag to dry normally. I checked her tonight (now a couple of days later) and the marks are definitely fainter!!! 
I'll keep you posted as to whether or not they disappear!
How are your "bags with post dunk spots" doing???
Here are the minor marks which appeared:
(The biggest spot is on the piping in the last photo).
I used a lot of self-restraint and did not panic or intervene!
Instead I continued to condition/buff and allow the bag to dry normally. I checked her tonight (now a couple of days later) and the marks are definitely fainter!!! I'll keep you posted as to whether or not they disappear!How are your "bags with post dunk spots" doing???
The two beauties in progress on my work table:
There's been some chat and photos recently about dark spots appearing after a dunk and what they could be. My tangerine Geometric 9043 also started exhibiting some minor ones as she dried. The seller was a lovely TPFer, so I know there was nothing amiss with the bag.
Here are the minor marks which appeared:
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(The biggest spot is on the piping in the last photo).
I used a lot of self-restraint and did not panic or intervene!
How are your "bags with post dunk spots" doing???
that’s great that your spots are lightening! Mine bag lightened a lot after I followed everyone’s suggestions but unfortunately is still showing marks.
Here are the most recent pictures. I didn’t find that the black rock helped too much, I feel that it was making the dark spots darker so I got scared and stopped. I’m just going to try the patience game now and see if it gets better over time. If not, I’m planning on taking it to a cobbler and seeing if they can fix it as I really love the bag.
Best of luck with your bag and let us know how it goes!
My new matching horse and goat hair brushes arrived today. I got the cheapest ones I could find and they are a bit dusty and shedding a lot already and I haven't used them yet but they are so cute! If I could go back, I'd have bought more and saved on postage.
Until now, I have been using a very old brush that I found in my father's supplies that says 'all hair' on the wooden handle which I had always assumed to be horse hair. However, when the new horse hair brush arrived, it was SO SOFT! It makes me wonder what type of hair was used on my father's stiff and coarse brush...
Until now, I have been using a very old brush that I found in my father's supplies that says 'all hair' on the wooden handle which I had always assumed to be horse hair. However, when the new horse hair brush arrived, it was SO SOFT! It makes me wonder what type of hair was used on my father's stiff and coarse brush...
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I am so sorry you are still having issues.
I know your bag will be stunningly beautiful when you have finished restoring her. Try putting her away where you can't see her and check her in 2 weeks. See what has happened to the spots then. 
It could be boar hair. We used to buy boar bristle hairbrushes.
I just washed the smaller version of this bag. Mine was made in 2001 in the US. Hopefully the leather isn't much worse on the China version. I'm not seeing the black stuff you refer to. Mine had black gunk in the pocket, which came out with a light scrub in the bath. Maybe you need to dunk longer in warmer water. Have you conditioned yet? What conditioners do you have?
The Carnival bag is done...think its just too small for me...but might give it to my niece for Christmas
Had to do a pretty posed picture.
Had to do a pretty posed picture.
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