Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[whateve]

Hi! Just thought I'd share my mini rehab on a 12775 editorial Zoe. The problem is, there's nothing to show! I got a good deal on a badly listed bag, and crossed my fingers that it would be in good shape. Turned out that only real flaw was that kinda grunginess around the zipper and on the handle that happens with light colored bags. I contemplated for a couple days whether or not to wash it-it's nappa leather and with a light color I was afraid it would come out worse, but I finally closed it up in a pillow case, padded the washer with towels, crossed my fingers and put it on the extra gentle cycle. It came out great, nice and clean, no scratches or discoloration and I can't see that it faded, though I think it was a little faded to begin with.

Here's a picture, there is nothing to see. It might be a little wrinkley but its the kind of wrinkles that will come out with use. To be honest, I don't love the color, I think this leather would be so awesome in a deeper color, in fact, one of the reasons I justified attempting to wash it was that if I messed it up I could experiment with dying it guilt free.

Anyway, just posting this for the record, in case someone finds themselves in this situation.


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I'm glad to see you here! I love the handle of this bag! Glad it was another success!

In a rash moment, I dunked my tourmaline duffle in a bucket of fabric dye. I think it created more problems than it solved. The hot water melted the edge sealant and it made little brown marks all over. I was surprised to find that it didn't do anything to the lining. I guess I should be happy for small miracles. Right now it is drying and I have turquoise leather refinisher in my shopping cart. I should have listened to you!

Even if the refinisher works, I'll still need to replace the edge sealant, which is brown. I haven't decide what I'm going to use for that. It appears to have some clear finish under the brown, which didn't melt, so I may just need to apply some color. Maybe paint will work. Then I'll need to repaint the "Coach New York" on the front!

 

[Farmer Cyndy]

This has been in my rehab pile, waiting for the mood to strike. How would you attempt to fix this? Acrylic paint? View attachment 3097924View attachment 3097926

Well, it is a pretty purse. If only the Boo boo was closer the belty thing. You could drap a big metal fob or something. But, then it wouldn't be yours. Think how the original owner felt when the boo boo happened?

 

[mellopan]

Ivory should work fine. Yes, I believe soap is too alkaline. There was a discussion about this awhile back when someone liked using Murphy's oil soap. I think that as long as you rinse very well, there shouldn't be a problem. If the leather is vachetta, I'll use vinegar, which has a low PH.

I sent an email to Leather CPR and the response was that they wouldn't even confirm or deny if any of the ingredients came from plants. They were worried about competitors. I wonder if it is something really simple that we could buy cheaper elsewhere if we knew. Like some of those leather odor removal products are mostly alcohol, but they add other ingredients so you think there is some other magical ingredient.

I've never seen a deterioration from using Leather CPR. I think it would be hard to detect. I haven't been rehabbing long enough to have any problems show up. They don't get in bad enough shape to need much conditioning again. The only thing I'll use on them for maintenance is Blackrocks because, as a scratch cover, it wears off in a month or two.

I suspect you are right about why they don't disclose anything about their ingredients. Thanks for all the info and telling us about your experiences

 

[mellopan]

So I received my first vintage Coach bag and it actually is in better condition than I thought! The leather still feels soft and supple, no significant stains or defects, just a couple of small scratches. However, the inside of bag looks really weird to me, I've never seen suede that almost look like fleece, but also looks like they might crumble off. Are they supposed to look like this? Any suggestions on how to deal with it? I was planning to do the usual method of bath, leather cpr, blackrock. But seeing the inside, I'm not sure how it'll hold up to the bath.

 

[StarBrown]

Great articles! Thanks for those. It makes sense not to use high pH on leathers which are naturally acidic. However, aren't soaps high pH as well? In fact, castile soaps are made with sodium hydroxide which is highly alkaline. I think the difference is probably due to soaps actually being washed/rinsed so none are left on the leather, but with saddle soaps we are instructed to leave it on (just wipe dry).

I do have Ivory dish wahsing liquid, do you think this would work well?


I'm not sure but maybe sulfated neatsfoot oil is different than regular neatsfoot oil? I haven't been able to find the difference though.


I couldn't find the ingredient list for leather CPR either. I only found lanolin being mentioned in their product description on amazon. That also irked me a little because why would you not disclose ingredients if your product works? Obviously they wouldn't disclose ingredients that are trade secrets but at least a general mention of what type of things are in there...

Have you noticed any bags with deterioration in leather quality after being treated with leather CPR (not right after but after a long time being used/stored or after repeated application)?

Ivory should work fine. Yes, I believe soap is too alkaline. There was a discussion about this awhile back when someone liked using Murphy's oil soap. I think that as long as you rinse very well, there shouldn't be a problem. If the leather is vachetta, I'll use vinegar, which has a low PH.

I sent an email to Leather CPR and the response was that they wouldn't even confirm or deny if any of the ingredients came from plants. They were worried about competitors. I wonder if it is something really simple that we could buy cheaper elsewhere if we knew. Like some of those leather odor removal products are mostly alcohol, but they add other ingredients so you think there is some other magical ingredient.

I've never seen a deterioration from using Leather CPR. I think it would be hard to detect. I haven't been rehabbing long enough to have any problems show up. They don't get in bad enough shape to need much conditioning again. The only thing I'll use on them for maintenance is Blackrocks because, as a scratch cover, it wears off in a month or two.

Just wanted to chime in, since I'm a soaper. Anything sold as "soap" in the US is alkaline and made from Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) or Potassium Hydroxide (Potash) mixed with fats and oils. Dish detergents are also alkaline and made up of chemical agents and surfactants, like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. Soap can be "superfatted" like castille (full olive oil soap) or homemade soaps; and contain free oils and glycerine produced from the soapmaking process. Detergents can be alkaline (Dawn, Ivory, Tide) and use surfactants to "pull" away dirt and oil; or they can be acidic (usually reserved for industrial purposes), and clean by eating away proteins and vegetable matter--which would cause leather to breakdown.

The pH of leather is around 5, white vinegar is around 2.5, water is around 7 (neutral), Ivory is around 7.6, Castille is around 8.0 (depending upon who made it) and Simple Green is about 9.6. A low alkaline soap diluted in water shouldn't be a problem. IMHO, dilute castille or homemade soap is probably your best bet for gently cleaning leather, because of their free oils.

As for Leather CPR, their claim to only contain "cosmetic grade" materials irked me--because they never disclosed these "skin-safe" ingredients. So, I did some digging and got an MSDS--which did not disclose any ingredients, but did list the parent company--Ambiance Cosmetics. Ambiance makes a "Transforming Cleanser" for the face that looks a lot like Leather CPR. I would venture a guess that the products contain the same things, maybe with a formula adjustment and lanolin added to Leather CPR. However, exactly what those ingredients are still remains a mystery. They would only admit to "a super blend of hydrating avocado, macadamia, olive and jojoba oils, with Omega Plus - the ultimate antioxidant protection, along with natural emulsifiers". And because the product is "cosmetic grade" they are not regulated by the FDA and aren't required to disclose the ingredients when used in industrial applications--unless it is reactive or flammable. We may never know the truth.

(I really think they stole the formula for Cetaphil; hence, the secrecy.)

 

[Farmer Cyndy]

Again, thank you StarBrown.

I bought this tote for $5, perfect for toting my iPad and more. But, it has this strange oil like stain around the leather trim. I bought it from a Lady who is the only owner and she said it just started showing up by itself. I tried everything, even a Qtip with ammonia. I could dye it, but heck, $5, the coach hangtag is worth that. Any ideas? PS lining turned out to see inside.

 

[whateve]

Again, thank you StarBrown.

I bought this tote for $5, perfect for toting my iPad and more. But, it has this strange oil like stain around the leather trim. I bought it from a Lady who is the only owner and she said it just started showing up by itself. I tried everything, even a Qtip with ammonia. I could dye it, but heck, $5, the coach hangtag is worth that. Any ideas?View attachment 3098996 PS lining turned out to see inside.

I've seen this on a lot of similar Coach bags. I think it is some kind of glue they used that has melted and spread. Unfortunately, I don't know of any way to fix it.

 

[whateve]

So I received my first vintage Coach bag and it actually is in better condition than I thought! The leather still feels soft and supple, no significant stains or defects, just a couple of small scratches. However, the inside of bag looks really weird to me, I've never seen suede that almost look like fleece, but also looks like they might crumble off. Are they supposed to look like this? Any suggestions on how to deal with it? I was planning to do the usual method of bath, leather cpr, blackrock. But seeing the inside, I'm not sure how it'll hold up to the bath.

It is probably normal and should bathe fine. What era and style is your bag?

 

[dgphoto]

She's had a bath and some touch up work via acrylic paint mixed with a bit of Leather CPR. Took about three tries to get the color to match as well as it does; it looked ok at first but when it dried, it was too dark after the first try. Looks pretty good now, IMO-not as noticeable as I first thought it would be. The lack of texture doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would. Thoughts, anyone?




"Before" pix posted above, post #9627.

 

[whateve]

She's had a bath and some touch up work via acrylic paint mixed with a bit of Leather CPR. Took about three tries to get the color to match as well as it does; it looked ok at first but when it dried, it was too dark after the first try. Looks pretty good now, IMO-not as noticeable as I first thought it would be. The lack of texture doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would. Thoughts, anyone?

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"Before" pix posted above, post #9627.

It looks a lot better! Good job! I don't think it is noticeable.

 

[ZSP]

I'm just still getting over the fact that vintage coach bags are regularly getting bathed haha.

I just had to LOL at this comment.

When I first started reading the rehab thread I was taken aback too...like no way am I going to put a leather bag in the sink or washer! lol Now I've done both and am a believer.

 

[JaNan16]

She's had a bath and some touch up work via acrylic paint mixed with a bit of Leather CPR. Took about three tries to get the color to match as well as it does; it looked ok at first but when it dried, it was too dark after the first try. Looks pretty good now, IMO-not as noticeable as I first thought it would be. The lack of texture doesn't bother me as much as I thought it would. Thoughts, anyone?

View attachment 3099169
View attachment 3099170
View attachment 3099171
"Before" pix posted above, post #9627.

I think you did a GREAT job!!!

If you want to add some texture to that tiny spot just use a wooden toothpick. (I do a lot with a toothpick) Just tap it into the leather to make a few little trail lines. You can use a small hammer and tap tap tap. Put something on the inside of the purse like a coaster or small magazine. You can test your pressure. That small of a spot won't take very long. and Viola! It may take a few toothpicks because of course they don't like hammering, but they will splay out on both ends. Anyway, you can get the picture. You don't want to poke a hole, so just be gentle if you want to try.

I used to watch my Grandpa when he tooled leather. It was fascinating for me to watch him.

P.S. I LOVE the color of that purse AND I love that turquoise antique chair you have it hanging from!

 

[dgphoto]

I think you did a GREAT job!!!

If you want to add some texture to that tiny spot just use a wooden toothpick. (I do a lot with a toothpick) Just tap it into the leather to make a few little trail lines. You can use a small hammer and tap tap tap. Put something on the inside of the purse like a coaster or small magazine. You can test your pressure. That small of a spot won't take very long. and Viola! It may take a few toothpicks because of course they don't like hammering, but they will splay out on both ends. Anyway, you can get the picture. You don't want to poke a hole, so just be gentle if you want to try.

I used to watch my Grandpa when he tooled leather. It was fascinating for me to watch him.

P.S. I LOVE the color of that purse AND I love that turquoise antique chair you have it hanging from!

Cool idea! I'll give that a try. Wonder if a tiny pointy screwdriver would work as well? I have a kit with a bunch of very small implements. I'll dig it out and see if something might work. Thanks, JaNan!

 

[JaNan16]

Cool idea! I'll give that a try. Wonder if a tiny pointy screwdriver would work as well? I have a kit with a bunch of very small implements. I'll dig it out and see if something might work. Thanks, JaNan!

Your very welcome. Just not anything too sharp which might cut the skin of the leather. If you have any scrap leather to work with you might try that first just to test.

 

[Taxitina1530]

Just got this beautiful Medium Candace.... LOOOOOVE her but she needs some tlc... Scratches in a few places and places where the blue is like scratched and peeled back just a little and handles have places where blue has worn off.... Any help ladies? Even with these issues she's so pretty! Got her in a trade on the Facebook page