I have such admiration for you! I have some bags that need dyeing but I've never had anything work! I have one I sanded after the dye went on uneven. I have a pile of bags that need help! Do you think the Obenauf's Oil helped even out the color?
Coach Rehab and Rescue Club
- Thread starter greenpixie
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Speaking of dyeing leather, I believe I've read on here about using Rit dye, but I don't remember the outcome. Was anyone successful? I've used Rit dye in the washing machine on off white lambskin leather full western chaps with fringe that were stained, and they turned out beautifully. I had to condition the snot out of them afterwards, of course. If it doesn't work as well on bags, I wonder why not?
I've done it several times. Never in the machine. Generally you are supposed to use very hot water but I just used very warm water and I didn't keep it on the stove. I did it to a lime Sonoma to refresh the color, which was a little faded. Then I did it to a navy Lightweights which was very faded. The color didn't go on completely evenly but it was an improvement. Even with conditioning, the bag was never as soft as it had been.
I've mixed RIT with water and painted it on several fabric bags. That way, you have more control and you don't have to dye the lining if you don't want to. I just bought some purple that I'm planning on using to darken some purple suede.
I would say that generally for leather, you might not get as saturated of a color as you want. I think it is perfect for refreshing a faded color. There is still a problem with getting it to go on completely even. I love the painting method so you can use it to fix the trim on a bag without dyeing the entire thing.
Ah, I see. The lambskin chaps are also not quite as soft as before dyeing (but still softer than cowhide), but the color is surprisingly rich and even. I think I used double the number of bottles than were recommended.
I'll have to try your spot dyeing technique should I aquire the scientific sample I am currently bidding on...
Wow! Great job!
I have yet to attempt a total re-dye. I have a Cole Haan that I've been meaning to re-dye for years. Your post may have given me the confidence to give it a go.
You are too nice. This thread gave me the courage to try it. I feel a bit like a stalker having read this thread going back years.
It wasn't until I used the Obenauf's Oil that I felt optimistic. She was dull, dark and still blotchy. I think it really helped to even it out and give some much needed moisture. This leather is thick and wonderful. I'm so happy I didn't ruin the bag. I wish I could get a better picture of how shiny and deep the color is now. Here's one more try.
Wow! Great job!
I have yet to attempt a total re-dye. I have a Cole Haan that I've been meaning to re-dye for years. Your post may have given me the confidence to give it a go.
One thing I may have forgotten is I used the Feibrings denature (I'm forgetting the actual name and my husband packed it away who knows where) right before I started the dye. It's supposed to remove any gunk and get the bag ready to dye. I have no idea if it helped but I think I forgot to mention it.
This really shows the color change.I know the product you're referring to and I have some. I think it strips any finish from the leather to enable the dye to penetrate.
Do you think the resolene is essential? Does it seal the leather and prevent any conditioner from being absorbed?
It'sI'm going to be really honest and say that the thought of actually dunking the bag scares me, not only because of it's red color, but I have never given any handbag a bath before...I've only first heard of bathing a handbag in TPF! However, hearing that you've rehabbed several red bags and bags from the same pant and year is reassuring.
For bathing the bag, would I follow the steps that Momtok took here: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach/two-70s-80s-made-in-nyc-bags-going-658823.html
A quick rundown of the process: warm water and dawn dish washing liquid soap for the soak, rinse and leave in water to remove soap residue, pat dry, stuff with white towels, (substitute Apple Care with) apply CPR Leather conditioner and cleaner when almost dry (~24 hr), repeat leather conditioner two more times 12-18hrs apart?
Is there anything different that you did while rehabbing a red leather bag?
Thanks!
Her process is fine. I use whatever dishwashing liquid soap I happen to have around. I use my kitchen sink. I always remove the hangtag. I usually don't wash them. You may decide not to wash the strap if it doesn't need it.
I've never used paper towels - I'd be afraid of having wet soggy paper crumbs stuck to my bag. I use old towels, knowing that they are going to get stained. Soak long enough that the leather has become completely soaked through and then a little longer. Rinse very well. I wrap the bag up in a towel and pat it dry. Then I lay it on its back on the towel. I'll put a small towel in the bottom of the bag, just enough to prop it open to the correct shape. A court bag is a little tricky because of the handle. In order to help it dry on the inside, you will probably want to leave the flap open for awhile, but once it gets drier, you'll want to close the bag into the shape you want to end up in, with whatever stuffing is necessary for that. I've learned that you don't need to overstuff to get the correct shape. At this stage, I'll usually stand the bag upright, with the back of bag against a wall to aid in it drying flat. At some point, I might hang the bag from the handle if I think it helps. It's something you'll have to work with. I like the handle bumped up some; you can also just stuff a small towel under it for this.
You can change out the towels as they get soaked. Once the bag holds its shape, you won't need much stuffing.
Start using the CPR when it is nearly dry. The red will get lighter as it dries. I don't usually wait as long as Momtok between treatments. I might do it once before I go to bed and then again when I wake up. Let it soak in for a few minutes, then massage it in and wipe off the rest. You can do it as many times as the leather needs. 2 or 3 times is probably enough if the bag is in good condition.
I have a black crossbody messenger bag. The front is faded where it looks brown. It has what looks like red nail polish stain on the piping around the bottom. I was able to flake it off the jacquard but it doesn't want to flake off the piping. Any suggestions? I'm scared to use nail polish remover....
Can this bath process be used on jacquard cloth bags? What about bags with suede trim?
You can wash those kind of bags but you would use a different process. You can't use leather conditioner on fabric or suede. I've washed jacquard bags. I just washed a nylon patent leather trimmed backpack twice in my machine. If you read the thread, you can find examples of suede and fabric rehabs.
It's hard to say about the resolene. I think it is made to be applied right after the dye to seal it. I didn't put it on until after the Obenauf's Oil and at least one application of blackrocks. I didn't like the sticky, shiny finish and I still got color loss when I rubbed the bag with a towel. So I put more blackrocks on after and it really helped to even out the color and make it shine. I suspect that putting on product after resolene may lessen any sealing. So I'm not sure if it accomplshed anything. I still get a bit of color loss if I rub the bag, but I'm hoping that will lessen with time.