Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

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#10,201
Catbird9 said:
I would venture to guess that there is some kind of glue between the layers of the strap that dissolved in the bath.

As for what to do about it, I really don't know. Some kind of sticky substance remover like acetone or Goo Gone might help...or it might make things still worse.

So sorry this happened!
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Thank you, Catbird9!

This is such a mystery to me as it's just the top 14" of the strap that's worn and sticky and a bit thinner than the rest of the strap.
I have several Coach Sonomas and the straps are so thick & sturdy.

The bag itself is in EUC - can't figure out how that poor strap got that way!

Don't think I'm ready to do the acetone/Goo Gone route just yet....
I think I'll wash the strap one more time, and ponder what to do after that.

If I come up with a solution I'll be sure to post it.
 
#10,202
Well, one bath, several applications of Leather CPR, a whole lot of buffing, 2 coats of Fiebing's acrylic resolene (applied with wool daubers and cut 50/50 with water), one coat of Blackrocks, some brass polishing, and some more buffing later, a happy ending for my sad little roughed up Coach NYC-era doctor's bag! She's a whole new lady!

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#10,203
languedocienne said:
Well, one bath, several applications of Leather CPR, a whole lot of buffing, 2 coats of Fiebing's acrylic resolene (applied with wool daubers and cut 50/50 with water), one coat of Blackrocks, some brass polishing, and some more buffing later, a happy ending for my sad little roughed up Coach NYC-era doctor's bag! She's a whole new lady!
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Wow! Your bag looks amazing! Great work!

Was it the Fiebing's that helped smooth your bag's texture &/or color? I've never used it but am very curious about it seeing your beautiful rehab.
 
#10,204
Thanks!! Actually, believe it or not, the bath gave it the most dramatic results with evening the color. It did come out a lot darker after the bath. Buffing definitely helped smooth the rough parts of leather down and even the texture, but afterwards, the leather was very matte - no shine at all. The previous owner really scrubbed that leather raw and the leather desperately needed to be "sealed". Not only did it look matte and feel rough to the touch, but the color had a tendency to bleed.

The Fiebings acrylic resolene helped seal the leather and give the leather some shine and luster back. I would only use it to seal raw leather, because it reduces some of the suppleness of the leather and seals the pores. In this case, however, this bag desperately needed it! It is difficult to apply - I suggest cutting with at least 50% water unless you want a patent leather type shine.

Zealous said:
Wow! Your bag looks amazing! Great work!

Was it the Fiebing's that helped smooth your bag's texture &/or color? I've never used it but am very curious about it seeing your beautiful rehab.
Click to expand...
 
#10,205
languedocienne said:
Thanks!! Actually, believe it or not, the bath gave it the most dramatic results with evening the color. It did come out a lot darker after the bath. Buffing definitely helped smooth the rough parts of leather down and even the texture, but afterwards, the leather was very matte - no shine at all. The previous owner really scrubbed that leather raw and the leather desperately needed to be "sealed". Not only did it look matte and feel rough to the touch, but the color had a tendency to bleed.



The Fiebings acrylic resolene helped seal the leather and give the leather some shine and luster back. I would only use it to seal raw leather, because it reduces some of the suppleness of the leather and seals the pores. In this case, however, this bag desperately needed it! It is difficult to apply - I suggest cutting with at least 50% water unless you want a patent leather type shine.
Click to expand...


Thanks for sharing your process! I was imagining it's tedious work to seal the leather. I don't currently have any bags that need re-sealing but I like learning. It's exciting to see a bag brought back to life. Again, great job! :)
 
#10,206
Sonoma said:
Thank you, Catbird9!

This is such a mystery to me as it's just the top 14" of the strap that's worn and sticky and a bit thinner than the rest of the strap.

I have several Coach Sonomas and the straps are so thick & sturdy.

The bag itself is in EUC - can't figure out how that poor strap got that way!

Don't think I'm ready to do the acetone/Goo Gone route just yet....
I think I'll wash the strap one more time, and ponder what to do after that.

If I come up with a solution I'll be sure to post it.
Click to expand...

Yes, please do, now I'm curious!
 
#10,207
languedocienne said:
Well, one bath, several applications of Leather CPR, a whole lot of buffing, 2 coats of Fiebing's acrylic resolene (applied with wool daubers and cut 50/50 with water), one coat of Blackrocks, some brass polishing, and some more buffing later, a happy ending for my sad little roughed up Coach NYC-era doctor's bag! She's a whole new lady!
Click to expand...

Gorgeous! You would never know it's the same bag. Thanks for sharing this very useful information about the Fiebing's resolene, for future reference.
 
#10,209
Zealous said:
Thanks for sharing your process! I was imagining it's tedious work to seal the leather. I don't currently have any bags that need re-sealing but I like learning. It's exciting to see a bag brought back to life. Again, great job! :)
Click to expand...
The hardest thing about using it is that it has a tendency to streak. I did some research on a leather worker's board and they suggest using long, straight strokes during application. Most people use an airbrush, but I didn't have one on hand. Some advised against using the wool dauber because it puts too much on. One person advised applying using a makeup sponge, I will try that next time. It was a little streaky in a few places but evened out after the Blackrocks application.
 
#10,210
languedocienne said:
Well, one bath, several applications of Leather CPR, a whole lot of buffing, 2 coats of Fiebing's acrylic resolene (applied with wool daubers and cut 50/50 with water), one coat of Blackrocks, some brass polishing, and some more buffing later, a happy ending for my sad little roughed up Coach NYC-era doctor's bag! She's a whole new lady!

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I'm completely in awe of your transformation.......well done!!!!!!
 
#10,211
languedocienne said:
Well, one bath, several applications of Leather CPR, a whole lot of buffing, 2 coats of Fiebing's acrylic resolene (applied with wool daubers and cut 50/50 with water), one coat of Blackrocks, some brass polishing, and some more buffing later, a happy ending for my sad little roughed up Coach NYC-era doctor's bag! She's a whole new lady!

s-l1600.jpg

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Wow! Fibbing's Acrylic Resolene is now on my list. Great job!
 
#10,215
Having difficulty posting a question or two. Just started buying some second hand coach bags and was wondering how you give the bag a bath with dawn? Is it OK to put the dawn right on the bag and use a soft toothbrush to work up a lather? How ling do i keep it in there how hot the water and so on. Ty in advance
 
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