Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[ledobe]

So this isn't really a rehab, just looking for an opinion. I love my legacy bags, except for the stinkin' strap length! I've tried various extenders with my Alis and shoulder bags , but this suede shoulder bag has a one piece strap attachment. I experimented with attaching the strap from my navy Winnie. Thoughts? This one had an even shorter strap than my leather version so it really is an armpit bag otherwise.

 

[ledobe]

Hi I need help! I have this gorgeous vintage bag I am trying to restore! There was a stain on the bottom left hand corner, that I used many methods of trying to get it out. In the process I don't know if the color around it got dis colored or something.. How to I blend it in? I don't want to totally die the bag and I understand it won't be perfect! But I just want it to look like it is just part of the entire leather! If that makes sense!!... please help!


Also it might look a little darker than usual I have been monkeying around with it trying different things, so it might be a little wet! Thanks

Hi Ladies,
I need your help! I have never owned a Coach bag but my daughter got her first one for her 17th birthday a few months ago. She was so excited that she took it to school the next day and, of course, someone got a pen mark on it. She was so upset :cry: I tried to take it off with alcohol but that also took off the color. It may look darker in the photos but it is a light tan/camel color. Any ideas as to how I can fix this spot? I would appreciate any help you could give me. Thanks a bunch!

Leather refinisher might work on both of those. I've used it just on small areas. It's mixed to match coach leather, as I understand it. You can google woodnstuff leather refinisher. The older bag is British tan? He has a pretty much perfect match for that.

I can't remember who originally recommended the refinisher (it's in the old rehab thread and I'm on my phone) but I know she said she had contacted the owner. He might be able to help you match the newer bag. Is that the legacy sand color?


The way I look at it, if I already have acrylic paint in the color I need I use that, but if I have to buy something anyway a sample bottle of the refinisher is pretty cheap, goes a long way, and so far has better results. It dries flexible like the original leather finish.

 

[Beccabaglady]

So this isn't really a rehab, just looking for an opinion. I love my legacy bags, except for the stinkin' strap length! I've tried various extenders with my Alis and shoulder bags , but this suede shoulder bag has a one piece strap attachment. I experimented with attaching the strap from my navy Winnie. Thoughts? This one had an even shorter strap than my leather version so it really is an armpit bag otherwise. View attachment 2402109

View attachment 2402111

Me likey! There you go with that suede enabling again!

 

[JOODLZ]

Despite the scuffs, I took a chance on this 2000 Legacy Small Hobo #9059 because I have her twin in red and I love this bag...and it was only $6.99! One corner was worn through and the others were pretty scuffed through the surface of the leather, so I made the decision to try Wood-n-Stuff Leather Refinisher. After reading advice from whateve and ledobe, I bought several colors in sample-size bottles and Mahogany was an excellent match. Before photos are here: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-818914-493.html#post25629515

The bag had a usual Dawn bath, scrub, rinse and stuff. (I also use Tarni-Shield on the brass during the bath, so I can clean it off the leather.) When she was nearly dry she got a good application of Leather CPR. I used acrylic gel medium to fill in and patch the hole in one of her bottom corners. The next day, starting with the bottom, I applied the Mahogany full strength with a sponge, working in a circular motion. Should have put on rubber gloves...maybe next time lol. The coverage was excellent, without filling in the grain. I was especially happy with the bottom corners. After a day to dry completely, I gave her another round of CPR, with no color pick up...YAY! The leather is smooshy and has a nice feel to it.

The color difference in the before and after photos is simply sunshine vs. clouds. The warmer brown of the befores is more accurate.

As you can see in the photos, this bag is prone to creasing (can you say hobo?) below the straps. I’ll be watching that area, as well as the bottom edges to see how well the finish stays on...stay tuned.

 

[JOODLZ]

Hey Ledobe...My Pinto Bag rides again !!!

The rescue started in 2007 when I bought this 1995 Watson Bag #9981 at Goodwill for $9.99. I’ve always believed the spots and strap damage were a result of splattered deep fryer grease. The rehab started in April of 2012 and included everything from Orange Clean, Extra Strength Dawn, Oxalic Acid (Bar Keeper’s friend) scrub, hot black tea bath, a suntan with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a coat of Ebony Minwax and Leather CPR.
The first 2 pics show her original condition and after the rehab.

With my recent success with Wood-n-Stuff, I decided to give this old gal one more chance with a complete resurrection!

First I knew I had to get everything cleaned off the surface of the leather...(Minwax, EVOO, CPR) so she went into a really warm bath and got entirely scrubbed with Bar Keeper’s Friend again. Really scrubbed with a toothbrush all over. Then I went to a Magic Eraser...all over. Really got agressive with it. After being rinsed, stuffed and dried for a day or so, I used a mixture of Leather CPR and black Wood-n-Stuff Leather Refinisher applied generously with a sponge. (I would recommend rubber gloves, as this can get messy!) I let it rest for a day, then applied black again, straight from the bottle. I used a sponge-tip make up applicator for hard to reach places. Lesson learned here: I should have been more generous at piping edges and stitching. I had to go back with a tiny artist brush and do some detailing. I applied Leather CPR all over and the leather has a really nice feel to it. Another lesson learned: I would recommend removing both parts of the turnlock before refinishing. I didn’t and had quite a bit of cleaning up not just there but on the strap rings and buckle. A little nail polish remover on a q-tip worked well, as did a polishing cloth. I’ll bet I could have masked them maybe with press and seal (a jessi319 idea?). Aaahh hindsight!

The last 4 pics show how she looks now...I’ve always loved this Watson and I’m thrilled to have her in usable condition. She’s all dressed up with replacement hangtags from an outlet. The feel of the leather is amazingly soft and supple and though she looks small, she holds all my stuff comfortably and has a nice long strap.

At this time, I think Wood-n-Stuff is a better solution for scuffs and spots (and definitely strap edges) than acrylic paint...time will tell. Check out http://www.wood-n-stuff.com/leatheraid.html for details and color chart. I bought 6 sample-sized bottles @ $4.50 each and USPS shipping was $11.94. Paid with PayPal and they arrive in 4 days. I'm happy to have discovered this product.

 

[latetotheparty]

Wow! When I saw your 1st pic I thought it was going to be impossible, but dang it looks great.

 

[Fashionstar101]

Hi again!
Trying another project! Has random stains (don't know what they are from! And how long they have been there) and there is a lot of green on the hardware!! How do I start?? I has thinking a bath... While in the bath how do I get stains out and some green stuff? I don't want to screw it up again! Also pen stains and maybe water stain (does not show on the outside) thoughts??

 

[coach943]

Hey Ledobe...My Pinto Bag rides again !!!

The rescue started in 2007 when I bought this 1995 Watson Bag #9981 at Goodwill for $9.99. I’ve always believed the spots and strap damage were a result of splattered deep fryer grease. The rehab started in April of 2012 and included everything from Orange Clean, Extra Strength Dawn, Oxalic Acid (Bar Keeper’s friend) scrub, hot black tea bath, a suntan with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a coat of Ebony Minwax and Leather CPR.
The first 2 pics show her original condition and after the rehab.

With my recent success with Wood-n-Stuff, I decided to give this old gal one more chance with a complete resurrection!

First I knew I had to get everything cleaned off the surface of the leather...(Minwax, EVOO, CPR) so she went into a really warm bath and got entirely scrubbed with Bar Keeper’s Friend again. Really scrubbed with a toothbrush all over. Then I went to a Magic Eraser...all over. Really got agressive with it. After being rinsed, stuffed and dried for a day or so, I used a mixture of Leather CPR and black Wood-n-Stuff Leather Refinisher applied generously with a sponge. (I would recommend rubber gloves, as this can get messy!) I let it rest for a day, then applied black again, straight from the bottle. I used a sponge-tip make up applicator for hard to reach places. Lesson learned here: I should have been more generous at piping edges and stitching. I had to go back with a tiny artist brush and do some detailing. I applied Leather CPR all over and the leather has a really nice feel to it. Another lesson learned: I would recommend removing both parts of the turnlock before refinishing. I didn’t and had quite a bit of cleaning up not just there but on the strap rings and buckle. A little nail polish remover on a q-tip worked well, as did a polishing cloth. I’ll bet I could have masked them maybe with press and seal (a jessi319 idea?). Aaahh hindsight!

The last 4 pics show how she looks now...I’ve always loved this Watson and I’m thrilled to have her in usable condition. She’s all dressed up with replacement hangtags from an outlet. The feel of the leather is amazingly soft and supple and though she looks small, she holds all my stuff comfortably and has a nice long strap.

At this time, I think Wood-n-Stuff is a better solution for scuffs and spots (and definitely strap edges) than acrylic paint...time will tell. Check out http://www.wood-n-stuff.com/leatheraid.html for details and color chart. I bought 6 sample-sized bottles @ $4.50 each and USPS shipping was $11.94. Paid with PayPal and they arrive in 4 days. I'm happy to have discovered this product.

Both of your bags turned out great. I'll be interested to see how they hold up over time. I have a couple bags that I need to try something else with. I think I am going to try Wood-n-Stuff next.

 

[coach943]

Hi again!
Trying another project! Has random stains (don't know what they are from! And how long they have been there) and there is a lot of green on the hardware!! How do I start?? I has thinking a bath... While in the bath how do I get stains out and some green stuff? I don't want to screw it up again! Also pen stains and maybe water stain (does not show on the outside) thoughts??

The green on the hardware is verdigris. If you search the old thread (located here: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-clubhouse/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club-624452-225.html ) you can find lots of info on what to do with it. I'd recommend starting with a bath. Lots of stains will come out with a bath. I use denatured alcohol to remove ink stains. (Blot, don't rub.) If it is a gel ink, it won't come out, but ballpoint ink will.

 

[ledobe]

Kewl! I'm glad it worked for you! That is essentially what was going on with my Musette, one big spot on the bottom and a bunch of little spots. British Tan Leather Refinisher saved her.

That's such a cute bag too, you might still have to call her Pinto!

Hey Ledobe...My Pinto Bag rides again !!!

The rescue started in 2007 when I bought this 1995 Watson Bag #9981 at Goodwill for $9.99. I’ve always believed the spots and strap damage were a result of splattered deep fryer grease. The rehab started in April of 2012 and included everything from Orange Clean, Extra Strength Dawn, Oxalic Acid (Bar Keeper’s friend) scrub, hot black tea bath, a suntan with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a coat of Ebony Minwax and Leather CPR.
The first 2 pics show her original condition and after the rehab.

With my recent success with Wood-n-Stuff, I decided to give this old gal one more chance with a complete resurrection!

First I knew I had to get everything cleaned off the surface of the leather...(Minwax, EVOO, CPR) so she went into a really warm bath and got entirely scrubbed with Bar Keeper’s Friend again. Really scrubbed with a toothbrush all over. Then I went to a Magic Eraser...all over. Really got agressive with it. After being rinsed, stuffed and dried for a day or so, I used a mixture of Leather CPR and black Wood-n-Stuff Leather Refinisher applied generously with a sponge. (I would recommend rubber gloves, as this can get messy!) I let it rest for a day, then applied black again, straight from the bottle. I used a sponge-tip make up applicator for hard to reach places. Lesson learned here: I should have been more generous at piping edges and stitching. I had to go back with a tiny artist brush and do some detailing. I applied Leather CPR all over and the leather has a really nice feel to it. Another lesson learned: I would recommend removing both parts of the turnlock before refinishing. I didn’t and had quite a bit of cleaning up not just there but on the strap rings and buckle. A little nail polish remover on a q-tip worked well, as did a polishing cloth. I’ll bet I could have masked them maybe with press and seal (a jessi319 idea?). Aaahh hindsight!

The last 4 pics show how she looks now...I’ve always loved this Watson and I’m thrilled to have her in usable condition. She’s all dressed up with replacement hangtags from an outlet. The feel of the leather is amazingly soft and supple and though she looks small, she holds all my stuff comfortably and has a nice long strap.

At this time, I think Wood-n-Stuff is a better solution for scuffs and spots (and definitely strap edges) than acrylic paint...time will tell. Check out http://www.wood-n-stuff.com/leatheraid.html for details and color chart. I bought 6 sample-sized bottles @ $4.50 each and USPS shipping was $11.94. Paid with PayPal and they arrive in 4 days. I'm happy to have discovered this product.

 

[jailnurse93]

Hey Ledobe...My Pinto Bag rides again !!!

The rescue started in 2007 when I bought this 1995 Watson Bag #9981 at Goodwill for $9.99. I’ve always believed the spots and strap damage were a result of splattered deep fryer grease. The rehab started in April of 2012 and included everything from Orange Clean, Extra Strength Dawn, Oxalic Acid (Bar Keeper’s friend) scrub, hot black tea bath, a suntan with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a coat of Ebony Minwax and Leather CPR.
The first 2 pics show her original condition and after the rehab.

With my recent success with Wood-n-Stuff, I decided to give this old gal one more chance with a complete resurrection!

First I knew I had to get everything cleaned off the surface of the leather...(Minwax, EVOO, CPR) so she went into a really warm bath and got entirely scrubbed with Bar Keeper’s Friend again. Really scrubbed with a toothbrush all over. Then I went to a Magic Eraser...all over. Really got agressive with it. After being rinsed, stuffed and dried for a day or so, I used a mixture of Leather CPR and black Wood-n-Stuff Leather Refinisher applied generously with a sponge. (I would recommend rubber gloves, as this can get messy!) I let it rest for a day, then applied black again, straight from the bottle. I used a sponge-tip make up applicator for hard to reach places. Lesson learned here: I should have been more generous at piping edges and stitching. I had to go back with a tiny artist brush and do some detailing. I applied Leather CPR all over and the leather has a really nice feel to it. Another lesson learned: I would recommend removing both parts of the turnlock before refinishing. I didn’t and had quite a bit of cleaning up not just there but on the strap rings and buckle. A little nail polish remover on a q-tip worked well, as did a polishing cloth. I’ll bet I could have masked them maybe with press and seal (a jessi319 idea?). Aaahh hindsight!

The last 4 pics show how she looks now...I’ve always loved this Watson and I’m thrilled to have her in usable condition. She’s all dressed up with replacement hangtags from an outlet. The feel of the leather is amazingly soft and supple and though she looks small, she holds all my stuff comfortably and has a nice long strap.

At this time, I think Wood-n-Stuff is a better solution for scuffs and spots (and definitely strap edges) than acrylic paint...time will tell. Check out http://www.wood-n-stuff.com/leatheraid.html for details and color chart. I bought 6 sample-sized bottles @ $4.50 each and USPS shipping was $11.94. Paid with PayPal and they arrive in 4 days. I'm happy to have discovered this product.

Wow, oh wow. You worked magic on this bag!

 

[jailnurse93]

I haven't dunked nubuck at all. My Sonoma was in pretty good shape when I got it. I rehabbed a Dooney nubuck but I was afraid to dunk it. I'm pretty sure jailnurse93 rehabbed some nubuck items.

I just ran across this, lol. I haven't done any nubuck but I remember a member doing an extensive rehab to a nubuck Coach, I just cannot remember who it was! So far my rehabs have only been a super duper easy peasy early 90's Willis, an early 90's crossbody, I think called a compact?? and a 96 Beekman Brief that was in horrible condition.

 

[UnderTheStars]

Hey Ledobe...My Pinto Bag rides again !!!

The rescue started in 2007 when I bought this 1995 Watson Bag #9981 at Goodwill for $9.99. I’ve always believed the spots and strap damage were a result of splattered deep fryer grease. The rehab started in April of 2012 and included everything from Orange Clean, Extra Strength Dawn, Oxalic Acid (Bar Keeper’s friend) scrub, hot black tea bath, a suntan with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, a coat of Ebony Minwax and Leather CPR.
The first 2 pics show her original condition and after the rehab.

With my recent success with Wood-n-Stuff, I decided to give this old gal one more chance with a complete resurrection!

First I knew I had to get everything cleaned off the surface of the leather...(Minwax, EVOO, CPR) so she went into a really warm bath and got entirely scrubbed with Bar Keeper’s Friend again. Really scrubbed with a toothbrush all over. Then I went to a Magic Eraser...all over. Really got agressive with it. After being rinsed, stuffed and dried for a day or so, I used a mixture of Leather CPR and black Wood-n-Stuff Leather Refinisher applied generously with a sponge. (I would recommend rubber gloves, as this can get messy!) I let it rest for a day, then applied black again, straight from the bottle. I used a sponge-tip make up applicator for hard to reach places. Lesson learned here: I should have been more generous at piping edges and stitching. I had to go back with a tiny artist brush and do some detailing. I applied Leather CPR all over and the leather has a really nice feel to it. Another lesson learned: I would recommend removing both parts of the turnlock before refinishing. I didn’t and had quite a bit of cleaning up not just there but on the strap rings and buckle. A little nail polish remover on a q-tip worked well, as did a polishing cloth. I’ll bet I could have masked them maybe with press and seal (a jessi319 idea?). Aaahh hindsight!

The last 4 pics show how she looks now...I’ve always loved this Watson and I’m thrilled to have her in usable condition. She’s all dressed up with replacement hangtags from an outlet. The feel of the leather is amazingly soft and supple and though she looks small, she holds all my stuff comfortably and has a nice long strap.

At this time, I think Wood-n-Stuff is a better solution for scuffs and spots (and definitely strap edges) than acrylic paint...time will tell. Check out http://www.wood-n-stuff.com/leatheraid.html for details and color chart. I bought 6 sample-sized bottles @ $4.50 each and USPS shipping was $11.94. Paid with PayPal and they arrive in 4 days. I'm happy to have discovered this product.

Both of your bags turned out great! You've now made me want to get a rehab project

Teach me your ways, wise master

 

[emilu]

I'm wandering over from the second hand bargains thread with my latest Salvation Army find. A rather dirty white coach bag with lots of life left in it. The leather is nice and thick and it's made in the USA. But given its wear and my disinclination to wear white, I wanted to try dying it a more wearable color. I was thinking a golden mustardy yellow or a medium gray. I see a lot of you have had good results with leather refinisher. Aside from the dye are there any musts for prep and finishing. And recommendations for best covering hardware? Thanks in advance

 

[JOODLZ]

Wow! When I saw your 1st pic I thought it was going to be impossible, but dang it looks great.

Both of your bags turned out great. I'll be interested to see how they hold up over time. I have a couple bags that I need to try something else with. I think I am going to try Wood-n-Stuff next.

Kewl! I'm glad it worked for you! That is essentially what was going on with my Musette, one big spot on the bottom and a bunch of little spots. British Tan Leather Refinisher saved her.

That's such a cute bag too, you might still have to call her Pinto!

Wow, oh wow. You worked magic on this bag!

Both of your bags turned out great! You've now made me want to get a rehab project

Teach me your ways, wise master

Thanks everyone! Only time will tell how the refinisher "wears". I've worn both bags a few times already with no color transfer (yay) and no appreciable change in the leather.
I'll keep everyone posted. And yes, I think she'll always be "Pinto"!

I'm wandering over from the second hand bargains thread with my latest Salvation Army find. A rather dirty white coach bag with lots of life left in it. The leather is nice and thick and it's made in the USA. But given its wear and my disinclination to wear white, I wanted to try dying it a more wearable color. I was thinking a golden mustardy yellow or a medium gray. I see a lot of you have had good results with leather refinisher. Aside from the dye are there any musts for prep and finishing. And recommendations for best covering hardware? Thanks in advance
View attachment 2403422View attachment 2403423

I think a nice warm sudsy bath (I use Dawn), scrub with toothbrush inside and out, rinse and stuff with towels is a good start. (Recently I started using Tarni-shield on brass hardware during the bath, so I can make sure it's cleaned off the leather.) When a bag is nearly dry I give it a good coat of Leather CPR and let it sit overnight at least. Wood-n-stuff sells a "cleaner & conditioner"...I skipped it, preferring my own spa treatment. If you choose to use their Leather Refinisher, now would be the time, after conditioning and while leather is still a little damp. If I do this again...and I likely will...I would remove any hardware that can be removed and probably use Press & Seal or even Saran Wrap to cover rings, buckles etc.

NOTE: This can be (should say IS if you're a klutz like me) a messy process. Give yourself lots of room and a fair amount of time to complete the mission. Don't forget the rubber gloves. Q-tips can be handy for getting color into stitches and under piping edges. And always know that every bag is different...your results may vary. Good Luck...will watch for your results!