Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[ConnieinSeattle]

My research seems to indicate that my new rehab project (on order) is made out of water buffalo leather. If so, are there any rehab differences with regular leather? Pros? Apparently, water buffalo leather is thicker, stronger, more durable. It may affect how I handle this item in the rehab to understand more. Style 7205 from 1982 or it's style 4635 from 1983.

 

[mr_pibb_fan]

Hello! Does anyone know how to remove this discoloration on brass hardware? It's not sticky. I've tried Brasso and jewelry polishing cloths to no avail. Thank you!

 

[pammbw]

Hello! Does anyone know how to remove this discoloration on brass hardware? It's not sticky. I've tried Brasso and jewelry polishing cloths to no avail. Thank you!
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That looks like the lacquer layer wearing off. I use a little brasso with 0000 steel wool to polish it off, then a polishing cloth to shine it up.

 

[Crystalcoach]

It’s hard to tell how dirty it is in the photo but if the suede just needs spot cleaning a gum eraser and suede brush might do the trick.

It's pretty dirty, but I'll try that! I have those on hand. It's not my favorite task, but you're right, it's worth a shot.

In the meantime, I've decided to see what happens with this bag, although I'm pretty sure it's beyond hope. Look at that strap. There's a bit of the same crustiness on the top of the bag too. And that's an explosion of ink, not just a spot.

Why do I do this to myself???!?!?

 

[Tilis]

Project Abbie in process. I think I goofed somewhat. I dyed the bag without removing the under layer of "paint." You can still see some outlines and a weird shine from it. I could strip it all the way down and start over, but I don't think it's probably worth doing. It also looks peculiar (I think) with the brown fabric near the zipper. Should I dye that black, too? Opinions/advice gratefully accepted. It was painted on the back, too, but I didn't take a photo of that.

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Make that another vote for the dyed zipper .

 

[VintageEnthusiast]

Hello! Does anyone know how to remove this discoloration on brass hardware? It's not sticky. I've tried Brasso and jewelry polishing cloths to no avail. Thank you!
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Soaking in Jasco paint and varnish stripper takes it off. I soak for about an hour.

 

[hostagarden]

Hi All, I need your expertise. I posted this item on a different place on Purseforum and someone suggested I ask my question on the Coach forum. I picked up this tote for $20. (Not being as industrious, skilled or brave as the folks here), I mailed it to Rago Brothers for an estimate. The handles are badly worn. In addition to fixing those, they want to clean and dye the exterior. My question is, if I have them dye the bag, will the corners become subject to wear more easily? Right now, in spite of the hard use, neither the corners along the bottom edge or the area where the zipper is attached looks worn. I would be fine with just the handles fixed. ...however, on the other hand, you people do such a wonderful job bringing bags back to life, and i would enjoy using this tote looking awesome. BTW this bag has a huge clump of "something" on the bottom of the bag, which almost seems like Elmer's glue. I am assuming Rago Brothers can get that off.
Thanks in advance for sharing your opinions about the durability of leather after it has been re-dyed.

 

[kkeiii]

Continued from here: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-clubhouse/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club-624452-674.html

Clubhouse thread for all things related to rehabbing your Coach finds!

Wow

 

[Sugargrl41]

Thanks so much!!! I'm sure I did at least 10 VERY THIN coats per side. I applied them as I would straight CPR, massaging with a sponge in a circular motion. (As previously mentioned immediately after application I carefully used a hairdryer to dry to the touch and then let it sit for 24 - 48 hours before doing the flip side. I didn't apply the Blackrocks until it was allowed to cure for a couple of months).

Lots of work and a lot of time, but I LOVE this bag! Also,it's a "keeper" because of the extent of the colour refreshing.

Did you seal the bag with acrylic finisher? Or just black rocks after curing?

 

[Narnanz]

Looking forward to getting started on this one.
Do you think it's the large one @Lake Effect ?

 

[pammbw]

Hi All, I need your expertise. I posted this item on a different place on Purseforum and someone suggested I ask my question on the Coach forum. I picked up this tote for $20. (Not being as industrious, skilled or brave as the folks here), I mailed it to Rago Brothers for an estimate. The handles are badly worn. In addition to fixing those, they want to clean and dye the exterior. My question is, if I have them dye the bag, will the corners become subject to wear more easily? Right now, in spite of the hard use, neither the corners along the bottom edge or the area where the zipper is attached looks worn. I would be fine with just the handles fixed. ...however, on the other hand, you people do such a wonderful job bringing bags back to life, and i would enjoy using this tote looking awesome. BTW this bag has a huge clump of "something" on the bottom of the bag, which almost seems like Elmer's glue. I am assuming Rago Brothers can get that off.
Thanks in advance for sharing your opinions about the durability of leather after it has been re-dyed.

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It’s a beautiful tote! I have had a few Cole Haan bags and they are beautiful leather. I think the redyed leather will wear just fine. I have dyed shoes, belts and bags and had no problem with wear under normal use conditions.

 

[Lake Effect]

Looking forward to getting started on this one.
Do you think it's the large one @Lake Effect ?

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What are the measurements? I’ll do the conversion…

 

[Narnanz]

What are the measurements? I’ll do the conversion…

34/35cm high..30cm wide and the base is 8cm

 

[LadaZuri]

Did you seal the bag with acrylic finisher? Or just black rocks after curing?

Just Blackrocks.

 

[SJAllison]

It's pretty dirty, but I'll try that! I have those on hand. It's not my favorite task, but you're right, it's worth a shot.

In the meantime, I've decided to see what happens with this bag, although I'm pretty sure it's beyond hope. Look at that strap. There's a bit of the same crustiness on the top of the bag too. And that's an explosion of ink, not just a spot.

Why do I do this to myself???!?!?

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That looks like a good challenge but I bet it will rehab beautifully. I’ll be interested to see it when it’s done! I just found one that looks to be the same style but in camel (I think) and I am just getting ready to dig in. I am very new at this whole bag rehab thing I’ve learned a lot from everyone here but I know I can will only learn by doing. I’ve tried some things that I’m too ashamed to share here . Someone more experienced would have gotten a better result but I’ve found these bags to be pretty forgiving.