Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[plainjane63]

Thanks! As of that photo, all that had been done to the bag was a dawn dunk in the sink and one application of Leather CPR. After more leather CPR, color touchup with black leather dye, and some blackrock Leather 'n Rich, here's my bag looking pretty.

She’s absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for the info! I’ll have to look for some blackrock leather ‘n rich for my black bag and follow your steps. I just got a black station bag and can’t wait to dunk her and dress her up with some nice coach charms 👜

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

She’s absolutely gorgeous! Thanks for the info! I’ll have to look for some blackrock leather ‘n rich for my black bag and follow your steps. I just got a black station bag and can’t wait to dunk her and dress her up with some nice coach charms 👜

These bags are so amazing and quality made, it's generally not hard to bring them back to life.

 

[Lightja]

Looks like kitty got their claws on this one. It's a Zoe Carryall (A2023-88037), found it at the Goodwill bins for $2/lb, couldn't leave it there! Any advice for repair? I was looking into generic leather repair advice when I learned of this thread. Great thread, great site. 1st post, thanks to everyone who helps out.

 

[plainjane63]

These bags are so amazing and quality made, it's generally not hard to bring them back to life.

I’m really new to this and so appreciate everyone’s great tips. Do you think this bag has any hope? I just bought it and am waiting to receive it. These are the pics that were posted on it. I bought her as a “practice” dunk. It looks super shiny. Is that what a bag looks like when it’s had shoe polish applied to it? I can even see the lady’s hand reflection there geez! What should be used to remove shoe polish yuk!?

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

I’m really new to this and so appreciate everyone’s great tips. Do you think this bag has any hope? I just bought it and am waiting to receive it. These are the pics that were posted on it. I bought her as a “practice” dunk. It looks super shiny. Is that what a bag looks like when it’s had shoe polish applied to it? I can even see the lady’s hand reflection there geez! What should be used to remove shoe polish yuk!?

I doubt it's shoe polish. I've seen lots of bags/wallets with a super shiny "patina." It's the oils from handlng over the years. When you clean it, it doesn't stay shiny. That bag is a fantastic project. The piping looks intact (a giant plus!). My first bags for rehab (all cheap) had ripped edges. I think it might need some color "refresh." I like kiwi shoe leather dye in a little bottle with a sponge applicator top, it's NOT polish. Black is the easiest and best outcome with dye.

ETA: check out vintage Coach notebook I found. LOTS of shine. https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...ee-first-post-for-format.889527/post-34768109 Actually, I cleaned one side of it, and lost the shine. I was sorry about that.

 

[plainjane63]

I doubt it's shoe polish. I've seen lots of bags/wallets with a super shiny "patina." It's the oils from handlng over the years. When you clean it, it doesn't stay shiny. That bag is a fantastic project. The piping looks intact (a giant plus!). My first bags for rehab (all cheap) had ripped edges. I think it might need some color "refresh." I like kiwi shoe leather dye in a little bottle with a sponge applicator top, it's NOT polish. Black is the easiest and best outcome with dye.

You’ve given me hope thank you so much. I was beginning to regret buying it. Now I’m excited and can’t wait to receive it. This will no doubt be my first bag ever to rehab and I’m so nervous. What steps would you suggest? And how do you “refresh” the color with the leather dye, do I apply acetone first then go to town on it with the dye and condition afterwards lol?!

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

You’ve given me hope thank you so much. I was beginning to regret buying it. Now I’m excited and can’t wait to receive it. This will no doubt be my first bag ever to rehab and I’m so nervous. What steps would you suggest? And how do you “refresh” the color with the leather dye, do I apply acetone first then go to town on it with the dye and condition afterwards lol?!

Here's my process. A squirt of dawn dish soap into a sink of water. "Dunk" the bag. Sloshing it around, getting the suds everywhere. In every pocket, in every pouch. I also sometimes rub the bag with a bar of ivory soap and my fingers. I slosh it around in there in the water for maybe 5 minutes. Then, do a rinse in a fresh sink of water with some white vinegar in it (kills mold) and helps with smells. Rinse well. Dry the bag off with a towel. I reshape the bag with bubble wrap inside, others use towels. Even wet, go ahead and rub the leather with Leather CPR. I let it sit overnight (or longer). Then, more leather CPR. If the bag will hold its shape, I take out the bubble wrap. Depending on how dry or damaged the leather is, I might use 6 applications of leather CPR with a day or so between each. Smooth it on, let it sit for a few minutes, wipe off the excess. When it's dry, if it needs color refresh, I'll smooth the Kiwi leather dye applicator tip around the piping and areas of color loss. Smooth it in good with the sponge applicator. When that dries, you might need another application. More leather CPR. Some people polish the brass before dunking, I do it pretty much at the end. Last step, Blackrock. Don't use too much or it gets sticky. Smooth it on with your fingers, let dry a bit, and wipe down with a microfiber towel. I've found if I use other towels, it leaves mountains of lint on the bag. Wipe it down good. You don't want that sticky thing going on. Let it dry. Buff with a horsehair brush. Again, let it sit. Rehab is a patience game. Then photograph and show us your beautiful bag.

ETA: and remember to do the strap as you're doing everything else, including polishing any brass there. I use the kiwi leather dye along the sides of the strap, but there's also a product called Edge Kote.

 

[plainjane63]

I doubt it's shoe polish. I've seen lots of bags/wallets with a super shiny "patina." It's the oils from handlng over the years. When you clean it, it doesn't stay shiny. That bag is a fantastic project. The piping looks intact (a giant plus!). My first bags for rehab (all cheap) had ripped edges. I think it might need some color "refresh." I like kiwi shoe leather dye in a little bottle with a sponge applicator top, it's NOT polish. Black is the easiest and best outcome with dye.

ETA: check out vintage Coach notebook I found. LOTS of shine. https://forum.purseblog.com/threads...ee-first-post-for-format.889527/post-34768109 Actually, I cleaned one side of it, and lost the shine. I was sorry about that.

Oh yes I see the shine. The very first vintage coach bag I bought I got through OfferUp and the seller was super nice. She included a free little multi-function purse card wallet and it is super shiny like your notebook. I’m debating whether to clean it or leave it as is.

 

[plainjane63]

Here's my process. A squirt of dawn dish soap into a sink of water. "Dunk" the bag. Sloshing it around, getting the suds everywhere. In every pocket, in every pouch. I also sometimes rub the bag with a bar of ivory soap and my fingers. I slosh it around in there in the water for maybe 5 minutes. Then, do a rinse in a fresh sink of water with some white vinegar in it (kills mold) and helps with smells. Rinse well. Dry the bag off with a towel. I reshape the bag with bubble wrap inside, others use towels. Even wet, go ahead and rub the leather with Leather CPR. I let it sit overnight (or longer). Then, more leather CPR. If the bag will hold its shape, I take out the bubble wrap. Depending on how dry or damaged the leather is, I might use 6 applications of leather CPR with a day or so between each. Smooth it on, let it sit for a few minutes, wipe off the excess. When it's dry, if it needs color refresh, I'll smooth the Kiwi leather dye applicator tip around the piping and areas of color loss. Smooth it in good with the sponge applicator. When that dries, you might need another application. More leather CPR. Some people polish the brass before dunking, I do it pretty much at the end. Last step, Blackrock. Don't use too much or it gets sticky. Smooth it on with your fingers, let dry a bit, and wipe down with a microfiber towel. I've found if I use other towels, it leaves mountains of lint on the bag. Wipe it down good. You don't want that sticky thing going on. Let it dry. Buff with a horsehair brush. Again, let it sit. Rehab is a patience game. Then photograph and show us your beautiful bag.

Thank you very much for this! I’ll use these steps and take pics to share 😜 👍👜. I have the Leather CPR now I just need to get some bubble wrap, blackrock, kiwi black leather dye and some horsehair brushes. I can’t wait to receive my bag and have fun doing the rehab!

 

[DL Harper]

I’m really new to this and so appreciate everyone’s great tips. Do you think this bag has any hope? I just bought it and am waiting to receive it. These are the pics that were posted on it. I bought her as a “practice” dunk. It looks super shiny. Is that what a bag looks like when it’s had shoe polish applied to it? I can even see the lady’s hand reflection there geez! What should be used to remove shoe polish yuk!?

You’ve given me hope thank you so much. I was beginning to regret buying it. Now I’m excited and can’t wait to receive it. This will no doubt be my first bag ever to rehab and I’m so nervous. What steps would you suggest? And how do you “refresh” the color with the leather dye, do I apply acetone first then go to town on it with the dye and condition afterwards lol?!

Here's my process. A squirt of dawn dish soap into a sink of water. "Dunk" the bag. Sloshing it around, getting the suds everywhere. In every pocket, in every pouch. I also sometimes rub the bag with a bar of ivory soap and my fingers. I slosh it around in there in the water for maybe 5 minutes. Then, do a rinse in a fresh sink of water with some white vinegar in it (kills mold) and helps with smells. Rinse well. Dry the bag off with a towel. I reshape the bag with bubble wrap inside, others use towels. Even wet, go ahead and rub the leather with Leather CPR. I let it sit overnight (or longer). Then, more leather CPR. If the bag will hold its shape, I take out the bubble wrap. Depending on how dry or damaged the leather is, I might use 6 applications of leather CPR with a day or so between each. Smooth it on, let it sit for a few minutes, wipe off the excess. When it's dry, if it needs color refresh, I'll smooth the Kiwi leather dye applicator tip around the piping and areas of color loss. Smooth it in good with the sponge applicator. When that dries, you might need another application. More leather CPR. Some people polish the brass before dunking, I do it pretty much at the end. Last step, Blackrock. Don't use too much or it gets sticky. Smooth it on with your fingers, let dry a bit, and wipe down with a microfiber towel. I've found if I use other towels, it leaves mountains of lint on the bag. Wipe it down good. You don't want that sticky thing going on. Let it dry. Buff with a horsehair brush. Again, let it sit. Rehab is a patience game. Then photograph and show us your beautiful bag.

ETA: and remember to do the strap as you're doing everything else, including polishing any brass there. I use the kiwi leather dye along the sides of the strap, but there's also a product called Edge Kote.

Oh yes I see the shine. The very first vintage coach bag I bought I got through OfferUp and the seller was super nice. She included a free little multi-function purse card wallet and it is super shiny like your notebook. I’m debating whether to clean it or leave it as is.

Thank you very much for this! I’ll use these steps and take pics to share 😜 👍👜. I have the Leather CPR now I just need to get some bubble wrap, blackrock, kiwi black leather dye and some horsehair brushes. I can’t wait to receive my bag and have fun doing the rehab!

@ConnieinSeattle, @katev and many, many others here are much more intense rehabbers than I would even attempt, so I'm always happy to see their before and after adventures.
That said, I can share how I straighten straps. If the strap can be removed from the bag, I do that but still dunk it with the bag. I use the same process as @ConnieinSeattle (except I use towels vs bubble wrap) explained but while still damp, place a towel, cotton tee or similar on each side of the kink in the strap. Weigh it down with a gallon jug of vinegar, cast iron kettleball (because I don't use it for exercise ), or anything else heavy that will flatten the strap. No books as they will absorb the moisture from the strap and towels. Let it completely dry and you should have flat straps. If you have a strap with a very stubborn kink, dampen it and repeat the weight process.
I've not used leather dye to refresh any of my black bags, but many times I apply a very light coat of black Meltonian Shoe Cream to the corners if necessary.
Black, in my opinion, is the very easiest color to rehab. Have fun and Good luck!

​

 

[CaseyBoston]

Hey thanks so much for suggesting Tractor Supply Company! I was going to purchase some Leather CPR from Amazon or Walmart online, but I’m glad I waited. I saw your post and went yesterday to TSC and bought the last bottle they had in stock, $12.99! Amazon and Walmart has it for about double the price. Now I wonder where to get some brushes for rehabbing my vintage coach bags? I’m very new to this addictive Coach rehabbing thing and don’t know what (or how many or what kind) of brushes I need? Thanks a bunch!

If there's a Dollar General near you, that's another source for well-priced Leather CPR. If you can't find it with the cleaning supplies, look for an "As Seen On TV" display.

 

[plainjane63]

If there's a Dollar General near you, that's another source for well-priced Leather CPR. If you can't find it with the cleaning supplies, look for an "As Seen On TV" display.

Thank you I’ll check that out! 👍

 

[plainjane63]

@ConnieinSeattle, @katev and many, many others here are much more intense rehabbers than I would even attempt, so I'm always happy to see their before and after adventures.
That said, I can share how I straighten straps. If the strap can be removed from the bag, I do that but still dunk it with the bag. I use the same process as @ConnieinSeattle (except I use towels vs bubble wrap) explained but while still damp, place a towel, cotton tee or similar on each side of the kink in the strap. Weigh it down with a gallon jug of vinegar, cast iron kettleball (because I don't use it for exercise ), or anything else heavy that will flatten the strap. No books as they will absorb the moisture from the strap and towels. Let it completely dry and you should have flat straps. If you have a strap with a very stubborn kink, dampen it and repeat the weight process.
I've not used leather dye to refresh any of my black bags, but many times I apply a very light coat of black Meltonian Shoe Cream to the corners if necessary.
Black, in my opinion, is the very easiest color to rehab. Have fun and Good luck!

​

Thank you. I’ll keep these tips in mind if I ever need to work on the straps. I’ve never heard of Meltonian Shoe Cream but I’ll google it. You’re so funny about the kettlebell, lol, I have a treadmill sitting in my office that I sometimes use to hang stuff on 😝.

 

[DL Harper]

Thank you. I’ll keep these tips in mind if I ever need to work on the straps. I’ve never heard of Meltonian Shoe Cream but I’ll google it. You’re so funny about the kettlebell, lol, I have a treadmill sitting in my office that I sometimes use to hang stuff on 😝.

The bag you're getting looks to have a detachable strap. If you find you need to use a different set of strap holes than the previous owner, when you dunk is a good time to straighten the strap. Then you can get a fresh start with the right hole "kink" for yourself.
I wasn't able to find Meltonian at my local cobbler/shoe repair, but have gotten it on Amazon. Or check the Meltonian website. Some eBay sellers have it too.
When I began reading about your treadmill, I thought sure you were going to finish with "I hang my Coach bags on it".

 

[ConnieinSeattle]

The bag you're getting looks to have a detachable strap. If you find you need to use a different set of strap holes than the previous owner, when you dunk is a good time to straighten the strap. Then you can get a fresh start with the right hole "kink" for yourself.
I wasn't able to find Meltonian at my local cobbler/shoe repair, but have gotten it on Amazon. Or check the Meltonian website. Some eBay sellers have it too.
When I began reading about your treadmill, I thought sure you were going to finish with "I hang my Coach bags on it".

I should share a picture. I have a mini jogging trampoline up against the wall with about a dozen Coach purses on it, hanging on the various legs.