Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[Christinern]

Hi Ladies,
Lately I have found some cute vintage bags (I did get them authenticated here-thank you for that service)
I have cleaned them up & conditioned the leather with Obenauf's. I have tried buffing them but I can't seem to get a nice shine. I love the look of shiny leather. Should I use a different conditioner?
Thank you for the help, Christine

 

[Farmer Cyndy]

I have been traveling and busy, but I have still been checking in and reading about your adventures in rehabbing. I also have a 3 Coach waiting for me to rehab.
Anyhow,- my take on stitching (previous experience in horse tach repairs) there are leather needles. There are craft needles too that may help with restitching. I would use "button" thread as it is stronger and waxed, available everywhere, including WalMart and sewing stores.
For final finishing of a redyed ( or even those well worn piping you tend to touch Up) I always use Tandy Eco-Flo (sold on Amazon) it is not too shiny, but you can get it in super shiny (that isn't that shiny either) It isn't like shoe polish or other stuff, it just wears away evenly without looking awful later or needing stripped.

 

[Farmer Cyndy]

2 old timer Coach purses waiting for rehab. Didn't need them, already have too many, but who could resist half priced @ $10 and15?

 

[oldbaglover]

Hi Ladies,
Lately I have found some cute vintage bags (I did get them authenticated here-thank you for that service)
I have cleaned them up & conditioned the leather with Obenauf's. I have tried buffing them but I can't seem to get a nice shine. I love the look of shiny leather. Should I use a different conditioner?
Thank you for the help, Christine

have you tried buffing several times with a horsehair brush? that has worked for me on some vintage Coaches.

 

[bigal]

I would try ice. It hardens the gum and hopefully will remove in one piece.

OK, I'll give that a try. It's a mess, but I'm hoping I can get it all off and make the beautiful again.

 

[Almmac]

I have been traveling and busy, but I have still been checking in and reading about your adventures in rehabbing. I also have a 3 Coach waiting for me to rehab.
Anyhow,- my take on stitching (previous experience in horse tach repairs) there are leather needles. There are craft needles too that may help with restitching. I would use "button" thread as it is stronger and waxed, available everywhere, including WalMart and sewing stores.
For final finishing of a redyed ( or even those well worn piping you tend to touch Up) I always use Tandy Eco-Flo (sold on Amazon) it is not too shiny, but you can get it in super shiny (that isn't that shiny either) It isn't like shoe polish or other stuff, it just wears away evenly without looking awful later or needing stripped.

Hi, which Eco-Flo product are you referring to? I just received a product called Eco-Flo EdgeFlex. I think there are several products in the Eco-Flo line.

 

[whateve]

Hi Ladies,
Lately I have found some cute vintage bags (I did get them authenticated here-thank you for that service)
I have cleaned them up & conditioned the leather with Obenauf's. I have tried buffing them but I can't seem to get a nice shine. I love the look of shiny leather. Should I use a different conditioner?
Thank you for the help, Christine

Obenauf's oil or Obenauf's LP? The LP won't give you much of a shine. You need to use Blackrocks.

 

[Farmer Cyndy]

Almmac, this:

 

[Christinern]

Thank you oldbagger & whateve.

I will get a horsehair brush & some blackrock.

I used the obenaufs in the tub, not the oil.
When I get the blackrock can I just put it over the obenaufs?

 

[whateve]

Thank you oldbagger & whateve.

I will get a horsehair brush & some blackrock.

I used the obenaufs in the tub, not the oil.
When I get the blackrock can I just put it over the obenaufs?

You can use multiple conditioners on a bag. Just make sure the first coat has absorbed completely before applying another. Use the blackrocks sparingly and wipe off with a paper towel. Buff after it is dry. If it is sticky, you used too much.

 

[Farmer Cyndy]

I use all three, Obenauf, Blackroots, and sometimes Meltonian Boot Cream. I came across Red Wing All Natural Leather Dressing (Red Wing Boots) that is awesome for the thick, well worn, old Coach. pictured below.
Whatever is by far my go to expert. Some of the things I learned (Red Wing, Meltonian, Tandy products) I learned conditioning horse tach over the years... Saddles, bridles, and the leather upholstery etc.

 

[Farmer Cyndy]

PS the horsehair brush Whatever suggested will save you lots of buffing. It's fine and you can can brush safely.

 

[Almmac]

Almmac, this:View attachment 3309629

Thanks. It looks like Feibing's Resolene. I bet they are very similar. The super shine is probably a stronger, more pure product while the one with less shine is probably diluted with water. That's the way resolene works.

 

[SEWDimples]

You can use multiple conditioners on a bag. Just make sure the first coat has absorbed completely before applying another. Use the blackrocks sparingly and wipe off with a paper towel. Buff after it is dry. If it is sticky, you used too much.

Hi whateve. Can you recommend a horsehair brush?

TIA

 

[whateve]

Hi whateve. Can you recommend a horsehair brush?

TIA

The one I have is Kiwi brand, sold at tons of places that carry shoe polish. It's one of the few rehab tools I didn't have to order. There is an advantage to being able to see and feel it before purchasing.