Wow! I'm impressed! I'll definitely be looking into the leather refinisher!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. Ive 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 Keepers 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 Keepers 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 didnt 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. Ill 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...Ive always loved this Watson and Im thrilled to have her in usable condition. Shes 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.
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
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I found this bag at a thrift store for $6. Had it authenticated on the authentication thread. There really isn't anything wrong with it! It was a little smashed from being stored, but there wasn't even wear or cracking on the bottom corners! It's just over 20 years old.
So far I have given it a sink bath and let it dry with some towels stuffed inside to reshape it. When it was almost dry I did a coat of Lexol. So far I've done more lexol which just soaked right in. I still need to polish the metal, but I don't have any brass cleaner yet.
One question. The bag originally had a nice leather shine. After the bath and Lexol some parts are still shiny but some have a bit of a dull look (mostly places that have seen the most wear). Would black rock give it back that shine? I saw it mentioned here a few times and I'm willing to order some if that will work.
So far I have given it a sink bath and let it dry with some towels stuffed inside to reshape it. When it was almost dry I did a coat of Lexol. So far I've done more lexol which just soaked right in. I still need to polish the metal, but I don't have any brass cleaner yet.
One question. The bag originally had a nice leather shine. After the bath and Lexol some parts are still shiny but some have a bit of a dull look (mostly places that have seen the most wear). Would black rock give it back that shine? I saw it mentioned here a few times and I'm willing to order some if that will work.
Can anyone help me please? Im so new to coach bags. I would never spend that much money on a purse. Fortunantly I was given a b6e-4922 I have found that it is a sonoma sling. It is nasty. Inside has chocolate( or at least thats what I hope it is) there candy residue stuck to it. Theres pen markings in a dew spots and overall it needs to be cleaned. Around the top it appears the leather ia coming off or has been rubbed bad. Being free I want to try and save it. I took it to a dry cleaner ans they panicked about the type of bag. It is a creme color how is the best way to clean the inside and outside? Thanks so much for any help you can give.
THanks for taking the time to walk through the steps... i am looking forward to the process... now to pick a good color!
Hey Ledobe...My Pinto Bag rides again
Fantastic job on this and the Legacy. I checked out the wood'n'stuff website what a great product. Bet I can't get it here though and because it contains oil they won't be able to ship it. Can't wait to see your next project Joodlz.
Does it have navy or black striped lining? You can wash it in the washing machine or in the sink. I would try alcohol on the ink first. While it is drying, don't let the lining touch any of the outer leather because it might bleed on it. After it dries, the leather would probably benefit from the use of leather conditioner. You'll have to use paint or leather dye on the rubbed spots.
This is probably not the place to say that you would never spend that much money on a purse!
Blackrocks would help with the sheen but it is temporary. You would have to reapply it every few months or more often to maintain it.I found this bag at a thrift store for $6. Had it authenticated on the authentication thread. There really isn't anything wrong with it! It was a little smashed from being stored, but there wasn't even wear or cracking on the bottom corners! It's just over 20 years old.
So far I have given it a sink bath and let it dry with some towels stuffed inside to reshape it. When it was almost dry I did a coat of Lexol. So far I've done more lexol which just soaked right in. I still need to polish the metal, but I don't have any brass cleaner yet.
One question. The bag originally had a nice leather shine. After the bath and Lexol some parts are still shiny but some have a bit of a dull look (mostly places that have seen the most wear). Would black rock give it back that shine? I saw it mentioned here a few times and I'm willing to order some if that will work.
I found this bag at a thrift store for $6. Had it authenticated on the authentication thread. There really isn't anything wrong with it! It was a little smashed from being stored, but there wasn't even wear or cracking on the bottom corners! It's just over 20 years old.
So far I have given it a sink bath and let it dry with some towels stuffed inside to reshape it. When it was almost dry I did a coat of Lexol. So far I've done more lexol which just soaked right in. I still need to polish the metal, but I don't have any brass cleaner yet.
One question. The bag originally had a nice leather shine. After the bath and Lexol some parts are still shiny but some have a bit of a dull look (mostly places that have seen the most wear). Would black rock give it back that shine? I saw it mentioned here a few times and I'm willing to order some if that will work.
Absolutely, positively YES to Blackrocks (IMO)! It just makes leather glow. Follow the label directions...apply lightly. I usually buff with a horsehair blend brush or microfiber cloth. Amazing results, especially on black leather...Good Luck!
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. Ive 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 Keepers 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 Keepers 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 didnt 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. Ill 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...Ive always loved this Watson and Im thrilled to have her in usable condition. Shes 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.
Fantastic job Joodlz!!
Thanks!
You're very welcome...keep in mind that the on-line color chart at wood-n-stuff can vary a little from the actual product...all monitors are not created equal
Hey Ledobe...My Pinto Bag rides again
Fantastic job on this and the Legacy. I checked out the wood'n'stuff website what a great product. Bet I can't get it here though and because it contains oil they won't be able to ship it. Can't wait to see your next project Joodlz.
Thank you...gosh I hope you can get wood-n-stuff...I think it's a pretty good solution to lots of issues.
Thanks Fashionstar101, whateve and Ledobe for the advice. I am definitely going to get some Coach conditioner today and will probably the the acrylic paint first to see what happens. Thanks for the info about the refinisher. Even if I don't end up needing it, I sent the link to my husband because he really needs to refinish the leather seats in the used car he just bought. Thanks again!
Hi experts! This isn't really a rehab and rescue question, but more of a cleaning and pre-treatment question. Excuse me if I've posted in the wrong area, but I was hoping you could give me a little advice. I just found this Whisky wallet for $25, and in general it is in really good shape. I also just acquired a Camel Lily and matching wallet that look like they have never been used (still had the price tag inside!). I believe these are what everyone refers to as Vachetta leather (correct me if I'm wrong), and I'm a little unsure of how to clean and condition them. The Camel pieces don't really need to be cleaned, but they are so clean and so light-colored that I'm afraid to even use them without treating them in some fashion first. As far as the Whisky wallet goes, it is well used, and I tend to clean most of my used items just to get some of the surface grime off. I would also like to protect it in some way before I start using it. I have Apple Care (cleaner, conditioner and spray guard) and Leather CPR. Would any of those be appropriate to use? Would you clean and condition...just condition...just spray? Help! I'm not sure exactly what to do, and I don't want to ruin any of them! Thanks in advance for any advice you may have!
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I use Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP on my vachetta leather. I have a vachetta Bridgit and the vachetta new Willis, and I used Obenauf's to protect of them. I also have a belted Ergo that is darker vachetta (I think it may be the same leather that your Whiskey wallet is) that I use Obenauf's to protect and condition.
The Obenauf's may slightly darken the leather. Vachetta naturally darkens over time anyway. (I think you run the risk of darkening the leather with anything you may apply.) My Ergo had some marks and blemishes when I used the Obenauf's on it. I applied with my fingers and rubbed it in small areas then brushed it with a horsehair brush. It looked brand new afterwards. You may want to try using Obenauf's on it and either buffing with a soft cloth or with a brush. (That is a great find for $25, by the way.)