Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[moreau_md]

This style was my first rehab and first disaster. I think you should condition normally with something like CPR now that you have dunked again. You can't afford to let the leather dry out. If you hadn't dunked again, I would have said just let it sit for a couple of weeks. I think the oil would eventually soak in enough that the color would even out. Even now, I think there is a good chance that with enough time, it will improve just by sitting there.

Thanks so much for your reply! And sorry to hear this style was a disaster for you. Can I ask what happened? Or did you post about it here?

I actually let the bag sit for about a week and a half before I re-dunked it, hoping that the bag would lighten. Maybe I didn’t give it long enough? At any rate, I’m happy to condition it as normal and see what happens, I was not looking forward to trying a degreaser. I’ll try to post how it turns out!

And, silly question, but what would happen if the leather really dried out?

Thanks again for your time!

 

[whateve]

Thanks so much for your reply! And sorry to hear this style was a disaster for you. Can I ask what happened? Or did you post about it here?

I actually let the bag sit for about a week and a half before I re-dunked it, hoping that the bag would lighten. Maybe I didn’t give it long enough? At any rate, I’m happy to condition it as normal and see what happens, I was not looking forward to trying a degreaser. I’ll try to post how it turns out!

And, silly question, but what would happen if the leather really dried out?

Thanks again for your time!

If the leather gets too dry it can crack.

What I did wrong with this bag was try to sand off a hard spot. It ruined the leather surface so it wouldn't accept conditioner normally. Actually that could also be a problem with your bag. If the surface isn't intact, any conditioner will darken.

 

[Lake Effect]

Okay, I am in need of more advice after another (!) rehabbing mistake.

After dunking my brown skinny tote, I applied Obenauf's Oil. My thinking was that the leather seemed SO dry, and the oil had been helpful on my navy Stewardess (still in progress). But, the oil really darkened the leather and left the bag looking uneven.

Photos included:
1) how the bag arrived
2) after the first dunk
3) after Obenauf's Oil (showing the interior pocket with no oil for comparison)
4) after the second dunk, which I hoped would remove the oil (it did not)

I thought the bag was some shade of tan (BT? Tabac?), but is it possible the bag was just very dry dark brown? I'm thinking not
and that the bag now needs a degreaser like @squeakyrose used.

Any thoughts and tips appreciated! @Lake Effect now you can see pictures of my mistake

Others, in addition to whateve, have shared over the years they had problems with this style bag and in particular how dry hard the leather got.
I will have to pull out my Marketing Tote this weekend. That was the bag that got 2 apps of Obenauf’s Oil.

 

[moreau_md]

If the leather gets too dry it can crack.

What I did wrong with this bag was try to sand off a hard spot. It ruined the leather surface so it wouldn't accept conditioner normally. Actually that could also be a problem with your bag. If the surface isn't intact, any conditioner will darken.

Good to know! I always try to keep bags from getting too dry. In terms of the surface, this bag seemed to have just regular wear, nothing too bad. I was actually surprised that all of the piping was intact. Although the handles were dry.

Others, in addition to whateve, have shared over the years they had problems with this style bag and in particular how dry hard the leather got.
I will have to pull out my Marketing Tote this weekend. That was the bag that got 2 apps of Obenauf’s Oil.

Also good to know! I'll dig back through this forum to read about others' experiences with the Skinny Tote. I wonder what it is about this bag!
And can't wait to see how the Marketing Tote turns out! I didn't realize you used Obenauf's Oil on it. Do you think it darkened? I've put 2 coats of Obenauf's Oil on my navy Stewardess that was very faded, and it seems to be helping a bit.

Thanks, all! I appreciate your advice and encouragement!

 

[Lake Effect]

Good to know! I always try to keep bags from getting too dry. In terms of the surface, this bag seemed to have just regular wear, nothing too bad. I was actually surprised that all of the piping was intact. Although the handles were dry.

Also good to know! I'll dig back through this forum to read about others' experiences with the Skinny Tote. I wonder what it is about this bag!
And can't wait to see how the Marketing Tote turns out! I didn't realize you used Obenauf's Oil on it. Do you think it darkened? I've put 2 coats of Obenauf's Oil on my navy Stewardess that was very faded, and it seems to be helping a bit.

Thanks, all! I appreciate your advice and encouragement!

I did not use O Oil on the burg tote I am working on now and do not plan to! I am going to use Renapur on it to finish it. I have another Marketing Tote in mocha, that I overdid O Oil on.

 

[Lake Effect]

I've used LT Therapy wash and it's important to know that a little of that stuff really goes a long way as it's very easy to use too much. It has moisturizers in it and if I do use it, I won't even consider applying an additional conditioner for several days. I did use the LT Therapy wash on my white Courier *after* I very lightly wiped the bag with a magic eraser. I have not used the LT Laundry wash - I've seen it but haven't tried it.

One thing I've learned is that there isn't one end-all-be-all conditioner, cleaner or even process that will work for every bag. I have an arsenal of stuff.. Hard core cleaners for really bad stains like mold I use RenoMat or M. Mowbrays. I know many people love saddle soap and I jumped on that bandwagon at first only to find that it can leave a weird film and I do not use it anymore.

I really like Bick 1 Leather cleaner - I put that in a small spray bottle with water (4 to 1 ratio) and spray directly on leather and wipe with a microfiber for tougher stains or cleaning. If a bag needs dunking (another controversy that has become looked down upon as well as shaming of ones that have or do), I use Woolite or Palmolive. I am a huge fan of Furniture Clinic Leather Cleaner. Doesn't leave any film whatsoever - the same as Bick 1 Leather Cleaner.

I would advise against a heavy conditioner like Blackrock or Renapur on a white bag. Stick to Bick 4 or Leather CPR.

Probably a much longer answer than what you asked. Sometimes I like to explain how the watch works as opposed to just giving the time.

Thank you for telling me how the watch works Been on the sidelines of my vintage, refurbishing game for a while now and I am ready to get back in the game. Need to take stock of my products and make a list of products to order. Been reading a lot about Bick 4 and found this post.
Also thanks for your opinion on saddle soap. People are posting on it like it’s the savior of our vintage leather. I am considering trying it out with your caveat in mind. It’s cool to find likeminded people here and that I can trust what they say!

 

[squeakyrose]

Okay, I am in need of more advice after another (!) rehabbing mistake.

After dunking my brown skinny tote, I applied Obenauf's Oil. My thinking was that the leather seemed SO dry, and the oil had been helpful on my navy Stewardess (still in progress). But, the oil really darkened the leather and left the bag looking uneven.

Photos included:
1) how the bag arrived
2) after the first dunk
3) after Obenauf's Oil (showing the interior pocket with no oil for comparison)
4) after the second dunk, which I hoped would remove the oil (it did not)

I thought the bag was some shade of tan (BT? Tabac?), but is it possible the bag was just very dry dark brown? I'm thinking not
and that the bag now needs a degreaser like @squeakyrose used.

Any thoughts and tips appreciated! @Lake Effect now you can see pictures of my mistake

Thanks so much for your reply! And sorry to hear this style was a disaster for you. Can I ask what happened? Or did you post about it here?

I actually let the bag sit for about a week and a half before I re-dunked it, hoping that the bag would lighten. Maybe I didn’t give it long enough? At any rate, I’m happy to condition it as normal and see what happens, I was not looking forward to trying a degreaser. I’ll try to post how it turns out!

And, silly question, but what would happen if the leather really dried out?

Thanks again for your time!

I agree 100% with what others have replied, wrt letting the oil conditioner sit or cure. I don’t use Obenauf’s Oil but I do keep Leather Therapy R&C (and Leather Honey) in my toolbox, another oil-based conditioner. I use it only occasionally and carefully, for very dry bags like yours, because I find it does darken tan and brown bags — but it also restores really dry aged leather like nobody’s business. I definitely agree the color then will lighten back up a bit over time while retaining the richness — but sometimes that has been measured in weeks or even months resting in its flannel bag.

Re the degreaser, it worked spectacularly on a very dry and stained camel bag whose journey I’ve documented in the thread from time to time (I’m sure it’s the one you saw). I just recently posted some pics of her May debut. But that truly was a last resort on a light colored bag — and it was a 7-month timeline to the day I wore her! It doesn’t sound like you’re headed down that path for this bag (with which I also agree), but I’m happy to answer any questions re my experience with it.

Good luck with next steps, keep us posted!

 

[moreau_md]

I agree 100% with what others have replied, wrt letting the oil conditioner sit or cure. I don’t use Obenauf’s Oil but I do keep Leather Therapy R&C (and Leather Honey) in my toolbox, another oil-based conditioner. I use it only occasionally and carefully, for very dry bags like yours, because I finds it does darken tan and brown bags — but it also restores really dry aged leather like nobody’s business. I definitely agree the color then will lighten back up a bit over time while retaining the richness — but sometimes that has been measured in weeks or even months resting in its flannel bag.

Re the degreaser, it worked spectacularly on a very dry and stained camel bag whose journey I’ve documented in the thread from time to time (I’m sure it’s the one you saw). I just recently posted some pics of her May debut. But that truly was a last resort on a light colored bag — and it was a 7-month timeline to the day I wore her! It doesn’t sound like you’re headed down that path for this bag (with which I also agree), but I’m happy to answer any questions re my experience with it.

Good luck with next steps, keep us posted!

Thanks so much! Yes, I think I am going to start with Leather CPR and see how it goes from there. I will try to post updates! Thanks again!

 

[squeakyrose]

Thanks so much! Yes, I think I am going to start with Leather CPR and see how it goes from there. I will try to post updates! Thanks again!

P.S. I just caught your question about whether it’s possible your bag is just a very dark brown. While the oil may have darkened it some too — in my experience, yes!! I’ve thrifted several old vintage bags that I’d have sworn to you were dried out tabac or putty, and then after dunking and restoring the moisture they were deep brown! I know you’ll hear the same from others here. I think it’s fascinating you can never truly tell what color vintage bag you’ve picked up until you’re finished reconditioning and drying. It’s part of the fun! 😍

 

[Lake Effect]

This says it all! I want to look at custom fitting some of my bags, boots with styrofoam in the form of pool noodles to help shape them while being stored @Joanna E @Aurora-B . Found some Bick 4 locally and want to see how it compares to Cadillac Select, which I am almost out of @Hoku44. Getting some Renapur on the burg Marketing Tote and dug out my first red Basic bag, take a good look at it!

 

[squeakyrose]

This says it all! I want to look at custom fitting some of my bags, boots with styrofoam in the form of pool noodles to help shape them while being stored @Joanna E @Aurora-B . Found some Bick 4 locally and want to see how it compares to Cadillac Select, which I am almost out of @Hoku44. Getting some Renapur on the burg Marketing Tote and dug out my first red Basic bag, take a good look at it! View attachment 6180845

That’s a good day right there! Either my eyes or my knowledge aren’t sharp enough to see the secret in your pretty red Basic….

 

[squeakyrose]

Latest 65th Anniversary tote, in progress. With the chat about oil based conditioners and darkening, I thought it might be of interest to post a couple mid-stream pics — the dark stripes and blotches are actually where I’m painting on extra Leather Therapy R&C while damp to slightly darken areas I previously over-lightened while removing ballpoint pen and deep-set stains (this was a pretty sad bag but structurally perfect). Bag is drying, the back is more damp than the front right now, one coat of Leather R&C all over.

ETA: 1 before view. Color not camel like that IRL, very pale and washed out, that was the lighting.

 

[maevari]

I went ahead and started working on the Megan in Jade. I think what held me back for a long time was my fear of acrylic paint. For whatever reason I thought that this would be a copout instead of a reasonable way of restoring a bag properly. I have now realized that this is the way, for many bags in particular colors. This rehab included at least two separate dunks, to help give the bag back its original shape. The downside is that the crease inside the flap extended because of it, but on the other hand, it wouldn't have gotten back its shape without the second dunk.
As for the rest, there was extensive color damage to the exterior. I went in with acetone on some areas, to remove some of the grease on the front flap and back of the bag, as there was considerable yellowing and staining from wear. Not to mention loss of color on those worn and scratched areas.
I ended up repainting the exterior of the bag. The interior of the flap is original to the bag. It has been conditioned but not repainted, but the front of the bag is fully repainted. I haven't painted any bag this extensively before, but I am thinking now that it may require a coat of matte finish to top it off. Just to have a more natural look, although it appears more glossy on photos than it does in person.
Quite pleased with how it turned out. Currently working on the Waverly in Ocean, hopefully can share the before and after soon as well.

 

[whateve]

I went ahead and started working on the Megan in Jade. I think what held me back for a long time was my fear of acrylic paint. For whatever reason I thought that this would be a copout instead of a reasonable way of restoring a bag properly. I have now realized that this is the way, for many bags in particular colors. This rehab included at least two separate dunks, to help give the bag back its original shape. The downside is that the crease inside the flap extended because of it, but on the other hand, it wouldn't have gotten back its shape without the second dunk.
As for the rest, there was extensive color damage to the exterior. I went in with acetone on some areas, to remove some of the grease on the front flap and back of the bag, as there was considerable yellowing and staining from wear. Not to mention loss of color on those worn and scratched areas.
I ended up repainting the exterior of the bag. The interior of the flap is original to the bag. It has been conditioned but not repainted, but the front of the bag is fully repainted. The first three photos are the last ones. I haven't painted any bag this extensively before, but I am thinking now that it may require a coat of matte finish to top it off. Just to have a more natural look, although it appears more glossy on photos than it does in person.
Quite pleased with how it turned out. Currently working on the Waverly in Ocean, hopefully can share the before and after soon as well.

It looks beautiful! I hate painting bags too but sometimes that is the only way you can get the bag back to a condition where you would be willing to carry it. I don't mind patina on browns but I like most other colors to be uniform. I painted a Janice. It still isn't perfect. I had a problem that when I tried to touch it up to even it out, it removed the first layer of paint.

 

[squeakyrose]

I went ahead and started working on the Megan in Jade. I think what held me back for a long time was my fear of acrylic paint. For whatever reason I thought that this would be a copout instead of a reasonable way of restoring a bag properly. I have now realized that this is the way, for many bags in particular colors. This rehab included at least two separate dunks, to help give the bag back its original shape. The downside is that the crease inside the flap extended because of it, but on the other hand, it wouldn't have gotten back its shape without the second dunk.
As for the rest, there was extensive color damage to the exterior. I went in with acetone on some areas, to remove some of the grease on the front flap and back of the bag, as there was considerable yellowing and staining from wear. Not to mention loss of color on those worn and scratched areas.
I ended up repainting the exterior of the bag. The interior of the flap is original to the bag. It has been conditioned but not repainted, but the front of the bag is fully repainted. I haven't painted any bag this extensively before, but I am thinking now that it may require a coat of matte finish to top it off. Just to have a more natural look, although it appears more glossy on photos than it does in person.
Quite pleased with how it turned out. Currently working on the Waverly in Ocean, hopefully can share the before and after soon as well.

Wow, great job matching and applying! Beautiful! I’m still hesitant to paint even though I know sometimes it’s the only way, so I’m always impressed by all of you who do it so well. 👏