Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[MandCMommy]

Okay, so I rescued this lovely lady Coach Alex Black Signature Sateen Shoulder Bag. Her handles are worn out, I don't know how to explain them. It's as if the coating is gone, they are very sticky, and the sides of them are worn... well the pic's stand for themselves. The interior is dirty, but cleanable. Any ideas about the straps? The area that is closest to the bag is intact. About an inch away from the bag the wear and tear starts. I have black edge coat, and acrylic paint at the ready. I'm just not sure what to start with as far as the handles are concerned. I'll be carefully cleaning her interior in the morning, and thought about going ahead and cleaning the handles as well, then conditioning.

https://plus.google.com/photos/111286509050117690248/albums/6090713181519179089?authkey=CMTKypydprTS2gE

Any ideas??

 

[whateve]

Okay, so I rescued this lovely lady Coach Alex Black Signature Sateen Shoulder Bag. Her handles are worn out, I don't know how to explain them. It's as if the coating is gone, they are very sticky, and the sides of them are worn... well the pic's stand for themselves. The interior is dirty, but cleanable. Any ideas about the straps? The area that is closest to the bag is intact. About an inch away from the bag the wear and tear starts. I have black edge coat, and acrylic paint at the ready. I'm just not sure what to start with as far as the handles are concerned. I'll be carefully cleaning her interior in the morning, and thought about going ahead and cleaning the handles as well, then conditioning.

https://plus.google.com/photos/1112...s/6090713181519179089?authkey=CMTKypydprTS2gE

Any ideas??

Are they patent leather? If they are leather, ideally I would use Leather Refinisher because it is flexible and would make them look new again. If it is patent, I think I would use glossy fabric paint. You might be able to use fabric paint instead of refinisher on leather too if it isn't too glossy. I've tried to fix cracked edging on straps before and no matter how many coats of paint or edgekote I used, they never got smooth. I think Leather Refinisher or fabric paint would have worked better.

 

[Two.time.bags]

Are they patent leather? If they are leather, ideally I would use Leather Refinisher because it is flexible and would make them look new again. If it is patent, I think I would use glossy fabric paint. You might be able to use fabric paint instead of refinisher on leather too if it isn't too glossy. I've tried to fix cracked edging on straps before and no matter how many coats of paint or edgekote I used, they never got smooth. I think Leather Refinisher or fabric paint would have worked better.

The only way to fix cracked edging is to remove it, with a razor blade if necessary, then sand until smooth and apply EdgeKote, building up the layers slowly.

 

[MandCMommy]

Are they patent leather? If they are leather, ideally I would use Leather Refinisher because it is flexible and would make them look new again. If it is patent, I think I would use glossy fabric paint. You might be able to use fabric paint instead of refinisher on leather too if it isn't too glossy. I've tried to fix cracked edging on straps before and no matter how many coats of paint or edgekote I used, they never got smooth. I think Leather Refinisher or fabric paint would have worked better.

Yes, their leather. I'm holding on anything other than cleaning the interior. These bad and nasties make me nervous until I'm 100%. They are so glossy that I'm worried edge coat would be too dull. They best way to describe the undamaged portion is almost "parade gloss" finish, definitely not liquid gloss, and I don't thing it's patent. I don't know the damaged portion covers so much of the handles it's hard for me to tell. I added Pics of the creed (the one piece of leather on the bag that's o-k). What are your opinions?

 

[whateve]

Yes, their leather. I'm holding on anything other than cleaning the interior. These bad and nasties make me nervous until I'm 100%. They are so glossy that I'm worried edge coat would be too dull. They best way to describe the undamaged portion is almost "parade gloss" finish, definitely not liquid gloss, and I don't thing it's patent. I don't know the damaged portion covers so much of the handles it's hard for me to tell. I added Pics of the creed (the one piece of leather on the bag that's o-k). What are your opinions?

I know the bag is authentic. I don't remember seeing this one in person. I had the coated canvas version at one time. Edgekote might be too dull. If it is, you can always put a gloss varnish over the top. In my opinion, edgekote is too thin to fix if it is in really bad shape. I still would be inclined to use dimensional fabric paint. I've used it to fix leather piping. Trim all the hanging edges first.

 

[MandCMommy]

I know the bag is authentic. I don't remember seeing this one in person. I had the coated canvas version at one time. Edgekote might be too dull. If it is, you can always put a gloss varnish over the top. In my opinion, edgekote is too thin to fix if it is in really bad shape. I still would be inclined to use dimensional fabric paint. I've used it to fix leather piping. Trim all the hanging edges first.

LOL, I was saying the creed is the only leather still intact with no major damage. And showing it for leather reference.

 

[frenchieRU]

Gave the red dinky a bath today, and I was shocked: The water didn't look as bad as I thought it would! Only a slight pink tinge to it. It's drying now with some weight on the flap. I don't think I've taken a picture of the whole bag, but a corner flap was bent upwards.

 

[ledobe]

I haven't tried this but:

http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2010/09/nontoxic-homemade-brass-polish/

Looks interesting!

 

[MandCMommy]

I know the bag is authentic. I don't remember seeing this one in person. I had the coated canvas version at one time. Edgekote might be too dull. If it is, you can always put a gloss varnish over the top. In my opinion, edgekote is too thin to fix if it is in really bad shape. I still would be inclined to use dimensional fabric paint. I've used it to fix leather piping. Trim all the hanging edges first.

Thank you for all the input. I ordered the Leather Refinisher and Color Restorer for the handles. I'm going tomorrow to Jo Ann's to pickup some fabric paint for the edges of the handles. I'll update once everything's in and I've started. I really liked that the LRCR can just be wiped off of metal!!

 

[Junebug79]

Hi! I've been lurking on TPF for YEARS. I buy most of my Coach bags online so I always come here first to check out photos of the different styles/colors/modeled shots of whatever I'm interested in. SO helpful!

Anyway, I finally have an excuse to post a question of my own. I recently scored a 65th Anniversary Legacy Ali Shoulder Flap in Whiskey on eBay for $70. I've wanted this bag since the minute it was released (what, like 8 years ago?!) but never bought it because I usually carry a GIANT bag and I thought it would be too small. Due to some back and shoulder pain I've been having, I decided I was going to FORCE myself to start carrying a smaller bag and this is the first one that came to mind.

As I browsed, this one caught my eye because of the low price due to the "heavily used" condition. The seller wanted $100 but I submitted a best offer of $70 and she accepted!! I was nervous it was going to look worse in person but it's in great condition!!! The interior stripe lining is a little dingy but mostly clean, no ink or makeup spots! The outer front and back look excellent. The only "damage" is to the outer bottom leather which is slightly soiled and looks to have some water stains. Do you guys think I can clean this up and make the bottom look better? I'm not super concerned since you don't see the bottom that often but if I can make it look better I'd love to try! I'm afraid of giving it a bath due to the stripe lining so do you think just some leather cleaner & conditioner would help?? And maybe something to spot clean/freshen up the dinginess of the lining if that's possible? Any advice would be much appreciated!! Love you ladies!

(also it's missing the hangtang. I couldn't find any whiskey ones for sale on eBay right now so I emailed Coach and they're sending me a brass one. I know it'll be the new shiny brass but I bought a little bottle of "brass ager" so I think I can darken it up to match the hardware on the bag! Excited!

 

[shannonmarie]

Hi! I've been lurking on TPF for YEARS. I buy most of my Coach bags online so I always come here first to check out photos of the different styles/colors/modeled shots of whatever I'm interested in. SO helpful!

Anyway, I finally have an excuse to post a question of my own. I recently scored a 65th Anniversary Legacy Ali Shoulder Flap in Whiskey on eBay for $70. I've wanted this bag since the minute it was released (what, like 8 years ago?!) but never bought it because I usually carry a GIANT bag and I thought it would be too small. Due to some back and shoulder pain I've been having, I decided I was going to FORCE myself to start carrying a smaller bag and this is the first one that came to mind.

As I browsed, this one caught my eye because of the low price due to the "heavily used" condition. The seller wanted $100 but I submitted a best offer of $70 and she accepted!! I was nervous it was going to look worse in person but it's in great condition!!! The interior stripe lining is a little dingy but mostly clean, no ink or makeup spots! The outer front and back look excellent. The only "damage" is to the outer bottom leather which is slightly soiled and looks to have some water stains. Do you guys think I can clean this up and make the bottom look better? I'm not super concerned since you don't see the bottom that often but if I can make it look better I'd love to try! I'm afraid of giving it a bath due to the stripe lining so do you think just some leather cleaner & conditioner would help?? And maybe something to spot clean/freshen up the dinginess of the lining if that's possible? Any advice would be much appreciated!! Love you ladies!

(also it's missing the hangtang. I couldn't find any whiskey ones for sale on eBay right now so I emailed Coach and they're sending me a brass one. I know it'll be the new shiny brass but I bought a little bottle of "brass ager" so I think I can darken it up to match the hardware on the bag! Excited!

I love those bags it is next on my list. So far I have 3 legacy stripe bags. I just dunked a teal Legacy Ergo 10743, scrubbed the lining with a nail brush, sprayed the lining with LA Awesome, no problems at all....but I am crazy like that

I would wait for more opinions, not so much because of the lining but I am not sure if washing will change the look of the outside.

 

[whateve]

I haven't tried this but:

http://pancakesandfrenchfries.com/2010/09/nontoxic-homemade-brass-polish/

Looks interesting!

I've seen some variations on that. Sometimes I'll soak my brass in vinegar. I think the flour is just to thicken it so it stays on the brass but if you are doing small pieces I think immersing them in vinegar works just as well. The salt may add some abrasion. The problem I've had when I use vinegar is that the tarnishing seems to come back really quickly. I think that products like Wenol have something that helps keep it from coming back.

 

[ledobe]

Hi! I've been lurking on TPF for YEARS. I buy most of my Coach bags online so I always come here first to check out photos of the different styles/colors/modeled shots of whatever I'm interested in. SO helpful!

Anyway, I finally have an excuse to post a question of my own. I recently scored a 65th Anniversary Legacy Ali Shoulder Flap in Whiskey on eBay for $70. I've wanted this bag since the minute it was released (what, like 8 years ago?!) but never bought it because I usually carry a GIANT bag and I thought it would be too small. Due to some back and shoulder pain I've been having, I decided I was going to FORCE myself to start carrying a smaller bag and this is the first one that came to mind.

As I browsed, this one caught my eye because of the low price due to the "heavily used" condition. The seller wanted $100 but I submitted a best offer of $70 and she accepted!! I was nervous it was going to look worse in person but it's in great condition!!! The interior stripe lining is a little dingy but mostly clean, no ink or makeup spots! The outer front and back look excellent. The only "damage" is to the outer bottom leather which is slightly soiled and looks to have some water stains. Do you guys think I can clean this up and make the bottom look better? I'm not super concerned since you don't see the bottom that often but if I can make it look better I'd love to try! I'm afraid of giving it a bath due to the stripe lining so do you think just some leather cleaner & conditioner would help?? And maybe something to spot clean/freshen up the dinginess of the lining if that's possible? Any advice would be much appreciated!! Love you ladies!

(also it's missing the hangtang. I couldn't find any whiskey ones for sale on eBay right now so I emailed Coach and they're sending me a brass one. I know it'll be the new shiny brass but I bought a little bottle of "brass ager" so I think I can darken it up to match the hardware on the bag! Excited!

Congrats! I love love love my Whiskey Ali!

I have actually dunked a natural Mandy, among other Legacy bags, and it came out fine. I don't think yours needs that though. I have experimented with saddle soap recently and it actually works great (I've used Meltonian) and that is probably what I would do with this. It takes off a of lot dirt, and dampening the bag a bit would help even out what looks like it might be a water spot (?) on the bag. I would just use it on the bottom section of the bag and use it from seam to seam instead of concentrating on just the dirty spots so you don't end up with a lighter or darker area where you have cleaned.

Conditioning also takes of a lot of soil and maybe will help even it out too. I just took some light color transfer off a Vachetta Poppy Whipstitch Hobo with some apple conditioner. This was a recent eBay purchase and I don't know how long it had been on the bag, so I didn't really expect it to work but it did. I have also removed some denim transfer from a couple of bags when it was MY FAULT (you'd think I'd know better-and I'm embarrassed to tell you one of the bags I did that to!) with either Black Rocks or Apple conditioners. The color transfer is just an example to show you that conditioning definitely takes off dirt, and when I'm specifically cleaning a bag with conditioner I put a little more than usual and rub semi-lightly and shift which portion of the cloth I'm using so I don't reapply the dirt somewhere else.

I pulled the inner lining out of my Legacy satchel and spot cleaned it with spray cleaner and a damp cloth. I then pulled the lining out of the bag and rinsed it in the sink, but that bag is black and has a different finish, I probably wouldn't risk it with a Whiskey bag because you might end up with more spots. I also have dunked both a white Ali and a Pond shoulder bag and I have never had the lining colors run-coach fabric is very colorfast-at least in the newer bags.

Even if conditioning the leather doesn't clean off the spots something like BlackRocks will darken the leather enough to make them less noticeable.

The leather is so nice on these bags and to be honest I enjoy my Mandy with beat up leather as much or more as my lovely nearly perfect Ali-and I worry about it less. I posted about the Mandy in this thread somewhere if yo do a search.

 

[ledobe]

I've seen some variations on that. Sometimes I'll soak my brass in vinegar. I think the flour is just to thicken it so it stays on the brass but if you are doing small pieces I think immersing them in vinegar works just as well. The salt may add some abrasion. The problem I've had when I use vinegar is that the tarnishing seems to come back really quickly. I think that products like Wenol have something that helps keep it from coming back.

I just like the idea of putting it on and leaving it instead of scrubbing a lot! I hate polishing brass. The other thing I don't like about Wenol & other products is getting it OFF the leather if I get it on there, because I'm so messy! I bet you're right about some sort of treatment to help prevent future tarnishing though.

I wonder how this would work on tarnished zippers? That's always a pain to clean so I just sort of ignore it but if it rinsed off easily I might try it on the teeth pre-dunking.

 

[whateve]

I just like the idea of putting it on and leaving it instead of scrubbing a lot! I hate polishing brass. The other thing I don't like about Wenol & other products is getting it OFF the leather if I get it on there, because I'm so messy! I bet you're right about some sort of treatment to help prevent future tarnishing though.

I wonder how this would work on tarnished zippers? That's always a pain to clean so I just sort of ignore it but if it rinsed off easily I might try it on the teeth pre-dunking.

I imagine it would work well. I hardly ever use Wenol on zippers because I don't want to get it on the fabric. I use a cheap electric toothbrush dipped in vinegar. If for some reason, it needs more scrubbing, I'll use steel wool.