Hi all! I wanted to get your opinion on a bag that I was really excited to get and clean up that has an issue that wasn’t disclosed in the listing. This bag has a hole at the side of it (as shown in the first picture) and I’m wondering if it’s something that can possibly be fixed by gluing down that thin strip of leather (as shown in second pic) or if that’s just a band-aid that won’t last in the long run. Thanks in advance for any insight!
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
- Thread starter greenpixie
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Thanks, I'll check for repair kits there. I'm not even sure a split like that can be repaired by a non-professional and still look nice.
I agree, the cost of a repair kit might not be worth it. Have you already purchased this item or are you just considering it? You might ask a professional for an opinion first.
I've never tried to repair a tear like that so I don't know, but I would try to return it as Not As Described; or at least ask the vendor for a price adjustment. You could also ask a professional for an opinion about repairing it.
I had considered purchasing it, but the more I think about it the less I'm inclined to believe the split could be a successful repair by me. And I was hoping to avoid a professional repair. Maybe this one is a pass.
Thanks for your input and thoughts.
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I agree - this kind of fix would be tricky and perhaps not be weight bearing enough. Likely once the leather has ripped at the seam it will continue. There's no additional leather for a professional to pull it into a seam without the seam and stitching being unsightly.
I once had a pen "explode" when I was on an airplane and it ruined the inside of a bag, so I've learned the hard way!
This is something I've used. I buy a small, thin, expandable pen that I can keep secure inside the change compartment of my wallet. That way the damage will be minimal if something bad happens.
The smooth, small, Zebra mini ballpoints shown below are the type that I usually get. They come from China and it takes time for them to arrive. They are not big pens but they are easy to expand (just pull on the barrel) and they turn into a real pen, small and thin, but not "teeny weeny".
Zebra makes a lot of pens, including other small pens, so be sure to get the tiny, expandable pen if you want to try it out.
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Thank you @katev and @DL Harper for the advice - I really appreciate it! I started the return process for the bag and hopefully i can find another one of them that still have both the hangtag and strap holder!
Hi again! Different bag this time, and thankfully with no surprises this time around! This bag wasn’t in the best shape but the seller was upfront about it and priced it fairly, and it was meant to be since I’ve been looking for a slightly bigger rehab challenge and looking to dunk a bag for the first time!
The main issue (at least from what I see) are the stains from the brass that have gotten on the leather. From what I’ve searched in this thread, I won’t be able to get the stains out of the leather but will conditioner that darkens leather help to mask it? Also, the only cleaner and conditioner I currently have on hand are the ones from Coach, are those the best to use when dunking a bag or should I buy saddle soap and leather cpr to get the best possible results?
And last question, do you guys have any preferred horsehair brushes to use when rehabbing bags? I’ve only stuck to using microfiber cloths for the simple clean and conditioning I’ve used on my current bags, but wanted to try out the brushes for my recent vintage coach bags I’ve gotten. I’ve found some horse hair brush sets on Amazon but if there are certain brands that work best with coach bags then I’d probably get those instead.
Thanks in advance for any help!
The main issue (at least from what I see) are the stains from the brass that have gotten on the leather. From what I’ve searched in this thread, I won’t be able to get the stains out of the leather but will conditioner that darkens leather help to mask it? Also, the only cleaner and conditioner I currently have on hand are the ones from Coach, are those the best to use when dunking a bag or should I buy saddle soap and leather cpr to get the best possible results?
And last question, do you guys have any preferred horsehair brushes to use when rehabbing bags? I’ve only stuck to using microfiber cloths for the simple clean and conditioning I’ve used on my current bags, but wanted to try out the brushes for my recent vintage coach bags I’ve gotten. I’ve found some horse hair brush sets on Amazon but if there are certain brands that work best with coach bags then I’d probably get those instead.
Thanks in advance for any help!
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Very nice! I use regular Dawn dish soap to give my bags a bath, then I stuff it with old towels to shape it and let it dry. I take the towels out after a day or two and let it continue drying. When it is almost dry I usually apply Leather CPR to moisturize it. I find that the final application of Black Rocks Leather n Rich adds sheen and darkens the color a little and helps to mask damage and the signs of age. Don't apply Black Rocks too heavily because it gets sticky. I apply it to an area, rub it in, then buff with a soft clothe before moving on to the next area. I use a Kiwi horsehair brush (like a shoe brush) to give it the final buffing. I polish the brass with Wenol metal cleaner. Good luck!
Ditto katev's dunk and conditioner process.
But before you dunk, brush away the green residue on the inside of the bag that was left by the zipper. Brush as much green stuff from the zipper teeth as well before the dunk. I've had good success with this brush:
If the corners don't refresh as you'd like after the dunk and CPR, Meltonian Shoe Cream used sparingly works well.
Good luck and have fun!
I got this great bag but it has a crack, rip and shred area on the non-removable strap. Maybe a dog chewed it? And a wonky zipper pull with chewed ends. I cut off the zipper pull. So my plan: take the zipper pull leather as "donor" and transplant it to repair the area.
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I forgot to mention that I always clean any dust, dirt, gunk, junk out of the inside of the bag before dunking. Sometimes just brushing lightly works well, but other times I have to get out the vacuum to really clean the dirt in the seams and corners and pockets!
Thank you again @katev and @DL Harper this was really helpful info! I’ve never dunked a bag before so I’m scared I’m gonna mess up, but if I’ve learned anything from this forum it’s that these bags are pretty durable! I’ll post a before and after once I find the time to get this done! Well, maybe I’ll only post if it goes well LOL
It looks to me like it was used day in and day out to carry something heavy (laptop, esp the older ones or books) and was never conditioned. Probably someone’s work bag. Carrying something heavy on a regular basis I could cause the separation where the strap attaches and leather, while strong has its limits. I have purchased a few bags with piping wear. That happens with regular use.Hi everyone
Can anyone tell me what happened with this bag? I don’t know what this is. Also if I rub on it it doesn’t crumble or anything. Is this just damage from something?
Here are some pictures.
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Thanks a lot for all your help