Thanks so much for sharing all this info!
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
- Thread starter greenpixie
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Thanks for the "tools" I am still in the process of assembling them. I should get there by fall !!
When I'm sealing up a hole or small tear, here's what I do: I mix Aleen's leather glue and color matching fabric paint (I've got these little squeeze tubes of every color--alone they make things too shiny), about 80% glue and 20% the paint, and mix together with a little spatula and apply several coats of that to the area. The glue dries clear so the spot takes on the color in the paint. It does seal and protect, and so far so good with the color matching, but I'm not able to get it super smooth. With this daypack rehab, I reached a point of diminishing returns and said "that's good enough."
Here's a stewardess bag I'm working on that has a rip in the piping and leather missing. I'm using this technique to fill it, so far one layer. I need to do some more layers to build it up to the level of the smooth.
I find that the leather glue is impossible to get smooth. The puff paint is easier to work with. Then you can put a top coat of paint or dye on top to tone down the gloss.
Thank you! I'll try out your technique.
Does anyone have any good tips on getting stubborn screws off of d-rings?...Ive pretty much already screwed the screws and will have to get replacement rings from the buckle guy...but I need to get the d-rings off so I can repair the top handle of a briefcase. they just wont budge.
A friend of mine has a leather bag that has some water damage. It’s not a vintage coach (so if I should post elsewhere please let me know), but the leather looks similar. The water mark is not visible from the outside of the bag, but there is some warping of the flap. Is there any way to fix it? I think the concern is the warping, not so much the water mark.
If there are any suggestions on fixing the warping I’d really appreciate it. (I think it’s a new bag so I’m hesitant to suggest washing like we do with our vintage coach).
Here is a picture of the water mark:
Here is a picture of the leather:
Another one, showing a bit of warping (see top of picture):
If there are any suggestions on fixing the warping I’d really appreciate it. (I think it’s a new bag so I’m hesitant to suggest washing like we do with our vintage coach).
Here is a picture of the water mark:
Here is a picture of the leather:
Another one, showing a bit of warping (see top of picture):
She could try ironing it. Use a press cloth and iron on the wrong side of the leather.
I can help with this!
Use a pair of pliers to twist the screwdriver instead of using your hand. The pliers create a moment-arm that will help get those screws un-stuck. If I make no sense, I’ll take some pictures later on to show you what I mean
.Eta: my bro taught me this after I tried just about everything (including WD-40) on stubborn screws!
Thanks whateve! I’ll let my friend know.
I’m finished with my very first purse rehab. (The only thing I didn’t do was slightly ‘sand’ down the hardware, as Debi the Restorer does in her video. I felt my bravery hit a high at submerging a leather bag. I’m okay with that, lol.) Unfortunately, the lighting isn’t the best right now for picture taking, so you cannot really see how much this beauty just shines. 
As soon as I bought this bag (for $13 at GW), I knew I would be fixing it for my oldest daughter who, as her gf says, loves everything Coach and vintage, although I know this isn’t old enough to be vintage, lol. Today is my girl’s 32nd birthday and it’s done. There was no hang tag, so I’m still looking for one. I didn’t have a custom one made just for her, though.
The best part of this rehab so far was seeing that Coach had this exact bag on the reLove tab two weeks ago for $500-600. The next best part will be seeing her face.
I would like to thank all of the experienced rehabbers who freely share all their advice, tips and tricks of the trade they’ve learned. My girl is gonna LOVE this.
As soon as I bought this bag (for $13 at GW), I knew I would be fixing it for my oldest daughter who, as her gf says, loves everything Coach and vintage, although I know this isn’t old enough to be vintage, lol. Today is my girl’s 32nd birthday and it’s done. There was no hang tag, so I’m still looking for one. I didn’t have a custom one made just for her, though.
The best part of this rehab so far was seeing that Coach had this exact bag on the reLove tab two weeks ago for $500-600. The next best part will be seeing her face.
I would like to thank all of the experienced rehabbers who freely share all their advice, tips and tricks of the trade they’ve learned. My girl is gonna LOVE this.
@MrsFord04 wow!! It looks so good! And I love the bright custom tag. Your daughter will love this bag for sure!!
I need to watch some restoration videos. I tried my first dunk this weekend. I think the previous owner used shoe polish because it keeps leaking/leeching out into the water.
I need to watch some restoration videos. I tried my first dunk this weekend. I think the previous owner used shoe polish because it keeps leaking/leeching out into the water.
Mine kept leeching as well. I dinked and soaked that bag three times. I was as nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. My mantra the whole time was “she doesn’t even know I’m doing this for her. I can always get her a Planner if this doesn’t work.” Lol
