I haven't worked on anything like this. I have nothing to add, sorry.
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Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
- Thread starter greenpixie
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Well, this is more a "rescue" than a rehab, I think.
I bought this product called "liquid leather" for repairing rips/tears in leather couches...maybe for this? I also have leather glue, which I could use to stabilize the area and smooth it out. (Dries clear, or I could mix dye in with the glue.) I figure, worst case scenario, I dye it black to cover up mess and imperfections and keep it for me. However, I LOVE the color. The very first post https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/vintage-coach-photos-chat.857690/#post-26317508 shows what this same style/color bag should look like. And it's gorgeous.
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Thank you for the suggestion. I figure I can't make it WORSE. I used some regular white bar soap & water on a tooth brush on some spots on the back, and it looks better there.
Well, this is more a "rescue" than a rehab, I think.
Now I recall I was looking at Debi the Restorer's Instagram a ways back, she took something called a shiv knife or tool to work on a bag for a client. It had been scratched badly by the client's cat! Anyhow, she was using it to wear/shave down the leather where it was scratched to smooth it out. Just throwing it out there.
That bag in the link you posted is gorgeous!!! Serious tish went down with your bag. For real.
And you're a trooper!!!
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My own way of describing this bag: "It looks like it's been through the wars." Lots of scars. I was reading up on leather fillers/repair online and a fine grain sandpaper was recommended to smooth the surface. When brasso had no effect on the metal holding the handles, today I used an emory board for fingernails on the metal to chip away some rust. That worked. Maybe something like that on the cracks, also. Or, I can go buy some sandpaper.Now I recall I was looking at Debi the Restorer's Instagram a ways back, she took something called a shiv knife or tool to work on a bag for a client. It had been scratched badly by the client's cat! Anyhow, she was using it to wear/shave down the leather where it was scratched to smooth it out. Just throwing it out there.
That bag in the link you posted is gorgeous!!! Serious tish went down with your bag. For real.
And you're a trooper!!!
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Isn't a shiv an illegal knife they use in prison?Now I recall I was looking at Debi the Restorer's Instagram a ways back, she took something called a shiv knife or tool to work on a bag for a client. It had been scratched badly by the client's cat! Anyhow, she was using it to wear/shave down the leather where it was scratched to smooth it out. Just throwing it out there.
That bag in the link you posted is gorgeous!!! Serious tish went down with your bag. For real.
And you're a trooper!!!
Be careful with the sandpaper. I was overzealous and ended up with something close to suede. Once you remove the surface of the leather, the conditioner doesn't soak in the same. It will be much darker in the areas that were damaged unless you can seal it.
Here's what I'm doing as a first experiment...we'll see how it works. I'm using clear-drying flexible leather glue. I bent open the bag so the cracks were at the widest, and then I smeared some glue into the cracks with my finger. Then, I pushed the bag sides open and flat so that the surface came together smoothly and the cracks were closed, and held it like that while the glue dried. It's smoother, for sure, but the glue made it darker. My hope for now, when using the bag in it's normal shape, the flexible glue will keep it from more cracking and support what's there. As far as improving appearance, I've got to think about that some more.
(I'm having fun.) I got this bag on ebay and it wasn't too expensive. If I can fix it up somewhat, it'll be a beautiful thing.
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@Hoku44 Gorgeous bag and great job! I wanna definitely give this method a try on one of my Coach bags.
Question... how hot does water and jacquard acid dye solution have to be when dunking/dying the bag? When I see videos of using this type of dye on other materials, the water looks like it's boiling, so I'm worried I'd ruin my bag.
I don't think I have ever tackled anything that distressed - you're a brave rehabber!
But I agree with your attitude; as long I didn't spend much on an item then I figure that I "might as well take a chance and try to improve it because I can't make it worse!"
Good luck, that is a beautiful bag and worth saving!
Finished with the Willis...the stewardess is still drying a bit before I Renapur her.
I don't know if you guys like progress photos or just the finished product. Here's my project in process. Also included here are the 2 before any work pictures. I think the bag is shaping up and starting to look nice.
Attachments
thats looking really good...the progress is amazing
Thank you! It's really a beautiful, quality bag. Just been through the wars.
I’m in awe of some of the rehabs you ladies have achieved or are in the process of achieving here…my early 90s Whitney #4115 just needed a dunk, CPR and BR. Strange leather though…thick and thin in places. Strap is cracked ‘inside’ but still functional. Could I re-edge it?
Thoughts welcomed
Zoe x
Thoughts welcomed
Zoe x
