Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[ledobe]

Does anyone know how (and IF) I can remove blue jean transfer from glossy patent leather? I have a Coach Kristin Patent Leather Hobo in Rose (Pink) and I haven't been able to remove the transfer-stain from jeans that is on it... I'm so frustrated and sad.

A picture would help but I think it soaks into the "plastic" coating of patent and becomes "one" with it. As a last ditch I might try some alcohol on a spot but I honestly wouldn't expect much and it might damage the finish so when I say last ditch, I mean last ditch!! If it's on the back of the bag it's probably not that noticeable and I think no one but us crazy tPF'ers would think much about it.

I haven't personally had this problem (which is amazing because all I wear is jeans) but I've seen it enough that I think I'm just going to stop buying patent. It's supposed to be more durable but once it's stained, it seems to be permanent!

 

[Bee-licious]

I've experimented with changing colors on older bags that I wasn't really emotionally invested in, we're talking $5-15 bags here-nothing that would break my heart if it didn't come out. I can tell you that one of the problems is that due to burnishing, oil absorption, and dry spots, it's virtually impossible to get dye to take evenly.

I used fiebings dye on a basic bag to deepen the color because it was bleh...it came out ok but it wasn't even. I used British Tan and I'm pretty sure the color was originally british tan on that bag, but there was enough difference in shade that it was really a color change. I think it just made it look more burnished and I was OK with the results.

I also tried a color change with http://www.wood-n-stuff.com/leatheraid.html

I had an old navy satchel that was in worse shape than expected and just for the heck of it I went with more of a cobalt blue. I liked the way it came out but it also convinced me not to try to change the color of a bag again, it was a lot of work and I would always worry that it would eventually rub off.

Both of these bags are in the old rehab thread-I just can't hunt them down right now because I should be working...and the gist of my post is to tell you I really wouldn't recommend dying a bag that you love. I would just look for what you really want, it will probably show up eventually. I just had fun playing with these bags.

Oh wow thanks so much @ledobe on this! I was really considering on getting a lighter tan/camel to darken myself but since I'm a noob in the rehabbing department and from everything you've told me, I don't see a good outcome in that. Thanks again @lefobe much MUCH appreciated (especially since you should be working haha).

 

[whateve]

I couldn't decide whether to post this in second hand bargains, which coach are you carrying, or here. Obviously I opted for here.

I found this Ali on eBay for $30. The problems were disclosed but the pictures were blurry so it was hard to tell what I'd get. What I got was a really dirty interior (make up dump, it looks like) really great structurally, actually fairly clean for a white bag of its age on the outside, and yellowed white leather. The bottom, back, side had some brownish color transfer, it actually looked like make up, and I started by trying to wipe it with some mild soap and a washcloth but it didn't budge.

I tried to convince myself for a couple of hours that I could just clean the interior in the sink and let the rest go, the leather was on good shape and the yellowing looked like natural aging. But you know me, she ended up in the washer.

It took her about three days to dry. The color transfer was better, I felt more comfortable because she was really clean, but the yellowing was slightly worse. This doesn't surprise me with the vachetta, since its not drum dyed, as the vachetta darkens I think it starts to show through lighter colors.

I experimented a little with fiebings alcohol based white dye but it didn't go on smoothly and I doubted it would cover well. I finally bought two small sample containers of leather refinisher, one white and one vanilla, mixed them together and put on a light coat.

I don't have before pix and the yellowing probably wouldn't have shown up anyway, but here's an after.

View attachment 2326364

Over all I'm really really happy. She's not perfect. The wash made a minor edging issue worse, and I tried glueing it together with Shoe Goo since other glues I've tried on other Legacy bags weren't effective. I think it might hold together but I may just paint it white instead of trying to cover with edge coat.

Wow, she looks great! I've used Shoe Goo before. I wish I knew if the fix was permanent.

 

[whateve]

I bought a Daphne Satchel #3569. I believe it was at 1 time White. It is currently yellowish. I did the soak with little results. So I was debating on my options :
1. Leave it
2. Dye it (which color)
3. Bleach it

Any thoughts!

I think you should do what Ledobe did with her white bag.

 

[ledobe]

Wow, she looks great! I've used Shoe Goo before. I wish I knew if the fix was permanent.

I'm not too confident, honestly. I have just decided not to let it bother me.

I should add when I've used leather refinisher I use a very light coat. It feels "normal" not stiff like acrylic. It just must be really pigment dense because it covers well.

 

[ledobe]

I think you should do what Ledobe did with her white bag.

Weird coinky dink huh? I posted that before I read her question. Doesn't the Daphne have a lot more detail though? I might not have bothered, depending on the degree of yellowing. I think that's an issue with vachetta no matter what. I could have probably lived with the yellowing on the bag that was there originally, but it got just enough worse that I thought I'd risk playing with it. Again, this was a $30 bag. I also wouldn't be surprised if the yellowing came through again as it aged.

 

[coach943]

Oh wow thanks so much @ledobe on this! I was really considering on getting a lighter tan/camel to darken myself but since I'm a noob in the rehabbing department and from everything you've told me, I don't see a good outcome in that. Thanks again @lefobe much MUCH appreciated (especially since you should be working haha).

I agree with ledobe. I redyed a bag and was very happy with the results, but only did it because the bag was stained and damaged and not coming out well with a regular rehab. It's not something you'd want to try on a bag you love. (It is also messy - if you try it, make sure you wear gloves.) I had to use a couple coats to get good coverage. There is a post in the old thread on the stewardess I redyed. You can also read about it here: http://imwithleathercoach.blogspot.com/2013/06/stewardess-to-dye-for.html

 

[JOODLZ]

I couldn't decide whether to post this in second hand bargains, which coach are you carrying, or here. Obviously I opted for here.

I found this Ali on eBay for $30. The problems were disclosed but the pictures were blurry so it was hard to tell what I'd get. What I got was a really dirty interior (make up dump, it looks like) really great structurally, actually fairly clean for a white bag of its age on the outside, and yellowed white leather. The bottom, back, side had some brownish color transfer, it actually looked like make up, and I started by trying to wipe it with some mild soap and a washcloth but it didn't budge.

I tried to convince myself for a couple of hours that I could just clean the interior in the sink and let the rest go, the leather was on good shape and the yellowing looked like natural aging. But you know me, she ended up in the washer.

It took her about three days to dry. The color transfer was better, I felt more comfortable because she was really clean, but the yellowing was slightly worse. This doesn't surprise me with the vachetta, since its not drum dyed, as the vachetta darkens I think it starts to show through lighter colors.

I experimented a little with fiebings alcohol based white dye but it didn't go on smoothly and I doubted it would cover well. I finally bought two small sample containers of leather refinisher, one white and one vanilla, mixed them together and put on a light coat.

I don't have before pix and the yellowing probably wouldn't have shown up anyway, but here's an after.

View attachment 2326364

Over all I'm really really happy. She's not perfect. The wash made a minor edging issue worse, and I tried glueing it together with Shoe Goo since other glues I've tried on other Legacy bags weren't effective. I think it might hold together but I may just paint it white instead of trying to cover with edge coat.

I think she's lovely! Light-colored bags are always a challenge, especially with "unknown" stains and discoloration. I think you did good!

 

[JOODLZ]

I really don't think I could do much better buying a white bag this age so I'm happy. And I'm not going to freak carrying her either, which is nice. I'll be careful but I don't have that NWT feeling if something happens.

I love this style, and the white is a little dressier than my Whiskey for work...not that I dress up that much for work-HAH!

hmmm...Whiskey for work!

Amen to freaking about white bags...I bought 2 this summer (one is probably ivory) and I know for sure if I had bought them new they wouldn't leave the house. I just have fun with them knowing I can fix them again, if needed.

Make mine tequila, please

 

[Katherine2020]

I couldn't decide whether to post this in second hand bargains, which coach are you carrying, or here. Obviously I opted for here.

I found this Ali on eBay for $30. The problems were disclosed but the pictures were blurry so it was hard to tell what I'd get. What I got was a really dirty interior (make up dump, it looks like) really great structurally, actually fairly clean for a white bag of its age on the outside, and yellowed white leather. The bottom, back, side had some brownish color transfer, it actually looked like make up, and I started by trying to wipe it with some mild soap and a washcloth but it didn't budge.

I tried to convince myself for a couple of hours that I could just clean the interior in the sink and let the rest go, the leather was on good shape and the yellowing looked like natural aging. But you know me, she ended up in the washer.

It took her about three days to dry. The color transfer was better, I felt more comfortable because she was really clean, but the yellowing was slightly worse. This doesn't surprise me with the vachetta, since its not drum dyed, as the vachetta darkens I think it starts to show through lighter colors.

I experimented a little with fiebings alcohol based white dye but it didn't go on smoothly and I doubted it would cover well. I finally bought two small sample containers of leather refinisher, one white and one vanilla, mixed them together and put on a light coat.

The bag looks great! White bags scare me, but I always love them when I see them out and about. Thanks for sharing!

 

[ledobe]

Amen to freaking about white bags...I bought 2 this summer (one is probably ivory) and I know for sure if I had bought them new they wouldn't leave the house. I just have fun with them knowing I can fix them again, if needed.

Make mine tequila, please

Tequila is my preferred drink also. Though at work sometimes I would down whatever they handed me.

I have to force myself to carry my white Delphine-it's so simple and elegant and whoever owned her first must have been afraid to use her also as she was pristine. I've done OK, but considering it's one of my favorite styles I should carry it more.

 

[Bee-licious]

I agree with ledobe. I redyed a bag and was very happy with the results, but only did it because the bag was stained and damaged and not coming out well with a regular rehab. It's not something you'd want to try on a bag you love. (It is also messy - if you try it, make sure you wear gloves.) I had to use a couple coats to get good coverage. There is a post in the old thread on the stewardess I redyed. You can also read about it here: http://imwithleathercoach.blogspot.com/2013/06/stewardess-to-dye-for.html

Oh wow this is great stuff, thanks @coach943. There's a few court bags I have my eye on and knowing how messy/tricky the dye process has really helped me gauge how much I should be spending. I looked at your post on the stewardess - wow what a beauty! So originally it was tan/camel and then you changed it to a mahogany? How has the dye held up? It is beautiful!! Great job. I doubt I could do such a good job though but what a difference from its beginning state!

 

[LolaCalifornia]

A picture would help but I think it soaks into the "plastic" coating of patent and becomes "one" with it. As a last ditch I might try some alcohol on a spot but I honestly wouldn't expect much and it might damage the finish so when I say last ditch, I mean last ditch!! If it's on the back of the bag it's probably not that noticeable and I think no one but us crazy tPF'ers would think much about it.

I haven't personally had this problem (which is amazing because all I wear is jeans) but I've seen it enough that I think I'm just going to stop buying patent. It's supposed to be more durable but once it's stained, it seems to be permanent!

Thank you for replying. I've tried the alcohol to no avail... However, it is on the back and only I know it's there (and now all tPF'ers, lol) but that's ok. I just thought I'd ask in case someone had a secret cure. I mostly wear jeans, too, and this has never happened before. I guess I need to be more careful in the future...

 

[coach943]

Oh wow this is great stuff, thanks @coach943. There's a few court bags I have my eye on and knowing how messy/tricky the dye process has really helped me gauge how much I should be spending. I looked at your post on the stewardess - wow what a beauty! So originally it was tan/camel and then you changed it to a mahogany? How has the dye held up? It is beautiful!! Great job. I doubt I could do such a good job though but what a difference from its beginning state!

I'm honestly not sure what color it was originally. I think it probably had some brown undertones to it - maybe even chocolate, but it had really faded out. I gave it a bath and a couple coats of Leather Therapy before I decided to dye it, and some of the brown was starting to return. If you decide to redye, definitely use a deglazer on it first. (I used Fiebings.) It will get rid of all the oils on the bag and prep it for the dye. I used Fiebing's dye and used the Chocolate color. It went on very well. I had to use a q-tip to get in some of the more difficult places, then used a second light coat the next day to make sure coverage was good. So far it has held up wonderfully. I'm thinking I may need to seal it again at some point with acrylic resolene, but so far it seems fine. (Although I don't carry it all that often.) No fading or bleeding of the dye at all. I used a 50/50 mix of acrylic resolene to water, but would probably use more water next time. The bag is a little shiner than I might like it to be.

 

[missy_g]

I have 2 bags. The one I think just needs conditioned. The other is kind of a mess. It has a lot of color loss and the stitching came out where the strap meets the bag.
My question is, should I just do the acrylic mixed with conditioner trick?
Also for the straps the have come loose, I'm just wondering if I should glue them in place. I asked an experienced seamstress and she said its hard to sew leather.
Here is a pic of the bags

Daypack with lots of wear