Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
- Thread starter greenpixie
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Asked this in one of the other online coach groups so I don’t have to keep bombarding y’all with my questions, but I haven’t really reached anyone who might know so here we are again!
Is anyone familiar with canvas bags from 2001-ish era (likely Costa Rica specific) and possible glue adhesive issues? I got this bag off Poshmark (Penelope tote #9781) and seller didn’t include inside pics. Initially assumed it to be weird mold first spot I saw it but it’s all over the internal pink parts (but not the regular beige canvas inside or anywhere outside). Truly aside from the markings, the bag itself seems to be in excellent condition.
Quick glance around google showed a few more of the Penelope canvas bags with similar staining (collage is 4 separate bags). One seller mentioned it was a known issue with coach back then.
Would something like this be fixable or “rehab-able”? I’ll be returning but was more curious about the history just in case anyone is familiar. Thanks in advance!
Is anyone familiar with canvas bags from 2001-ish era (likely Costa Rica specific) and possible glue adhesive issues? I got this bag off Poshmark (Penelope tote #9781) and seller didn’t include inside pics. Initially assumed it to be weird mold first spot I saw it but it’s all over the internal pink parts (but not the regular beige canvas inside or anywhere outside). Truly aside from the markings, the bag itself seems to be in excellent condition.
Quick glance around google showed a few more of the Penelope canvas bags with similar staining (collage is 4 separate bags). One seller mentioned it was a known issue with coach back then.
Would something like this be fixable or “rehab-able”? I’ll be returning but was more curious about the history just in case anyone is familiar. Thanks in advance!
Hi I only have one canvas bag made in 2000 and it does not have this issue. Purchased in a thrift shop. Except for a few small spots/ stains, the canvas is in great shape. I did have a canvas wallet where you did see staining from the glue but it would be a line next to the leather trim, not widespread. While I have not been as active here for the last two years, I don’t recall seeing this (what you see in your pics) before.
Personally, I would not tackle this as I have not seen it discussed here before or fixed. I also am skeptical (jaded?) of sellers’s discussion points. After looking at a lot of listings for beat up, badly stained or worn leather bags where the seller states the bag would look great after cleaning or conditioning.
Hopefully others will comment!
Thanks so much for the response and for sharing about your canvas items! It just seemed so odd to see the weird stains in multiple items but for all i know, they could’ve been triggered by how they were stored or something else. But honestly, like you said, wasn’t worth me trying to figure out a way to fix that widespread an issue (prob could’ve ignored the stains and use as is, but trying to only keep things I’m genuinely excited to own). I ended up requesting a refund from Poshmark and they granted it so will be shipping back ❤️
The bags with the glue stains in the bottom look to me like they have had the bottom fabric wrapped cardboard pieces pulled out and the glue is left from that, just based on the pattern of the glue stains and my past experience with bags that have those stiffener pieces in them. Those bags likely had a fabric wrapped cardboard stiffener piece in the bottom, and it was removed for some reason. It’s not fixable in my opinion.
You could cover those stains by making a new cardboard piece and covering it with new fabric and reglueing it in the bag, the ones with stains on the side pockets might be covered with fabric paint- around the creed of course. Good luck on the rehab if you choose to do it, and let us know the result!
Agree- I had a canvas bag that had the glue issue- the stains were limited to the area next to the leather trim. Probably from the trim being glued on prior to sewing, and some reaction between glue and fabric. Never seen the glue stains all over like those photos above.
To be accurate, my wallet was the jacquard fabric, not canvas now that I think on it; pambww has confirmed.
I do agree as I am asking myself, am I in love with this, when I am purchasing anything these days.
Side note, I even have some older leather bags, made in NYC, with glue stain seepage where they folded the end of the leather down to stitch it.
Interesting! Thanks for the input. I ended up sending it back today because fixing is more trouble than it’s worth overall
Wise decision. At this point it’s an upcycling/craft project instead of a rehab.
The squishies have arrived. And all 3 are getting a bath together.
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This little one had some bad surprises for me. In addition to the 4 ripped bottom corners and really cracked strap (former owner tied in knot), it had a giant blue ink stain -- on the bottom and sides. The bag was navy, it's black now. Working the strap with filler material. I tried Petronio's glue, but that did pretty much nothing for it. Cute little bag, though. If I sell it, I think I'll have to offer another strap in addition.
I bought a very fine paintbrush specifically for this purpose. I only have one Bone bag, so when I got the ink marks off of that, I started using it on leather filler and paint for piping repairs.
Black vintage leather can make for a very satisfying rehab. Fewer surprises. Enjoy!