I've only rehabbed 3 bags so far and I'm still figuring it out. I've read a lot of posts on this thread and seen quite a few products mentioned. I can't really afford to try them all out myself so I'd appreciate some opinions on your favorite products, or ones you dislike, and why. Some I've been looking at are Blackrocks, Leather CPR, Obenauf's, and Leather Honey. Also wondering what product is best for dunking. Thanks!
I'm new, too. I have however, managed to build quite a product library in the last 6 months.
I was using Dawn and cleaning strength vinegar in the wash. I think I was rushing things and even though I was using a small amount of Dawn, I wasn't rinsing enough leading me to re-dunk. I just bought a bottle of Castile liquid soap. I've only used once, so I can't really say. It does seem to have rinsed more throughly.
I like CPR for bags that just need maintainance conditioning. I get it at BB&B with a $5 coupon and its 10 bucks. I haven't done the math per ounce vs. other conditioners, but it seems reasonable to me.
I really like Obenaufs oil for distressed leather. It really soaks in. That's my go to on most bags and wallets. (I really only buy glove tanned leather.) (Well, and a stray newer 'China'
Coach here and there.)
Obenaufs LP is a must in my book. It locks in the conditioning, deters mold and waterproofs. All good things in the PNW. However, DO NOT OVER APPLY. Use sparingly.
Blackrock to finish. Again, use sparingly.
A good horsehair brush for buffing at the end. I really dislike buffing, but sometimes I can convince my daughter to help.
Hardware. I use Metal Glo and a Dremel simply that's what we had here at the house already. Before the Dremel idea, I used Never Dull wadding polish. Again, we already had it in the garage. It worked well, but takes patience and time.
I buff the whole bag and hardware afterwards with an old, soft, white baby diaper.
Another item I bought for rehab is a micro vacuum adaptor kit. It just goes on your household vacuum and it does wonders keeping your bags spic and span in those dark corners after wearing, before storing.
I know many love Lexol. I find it too light. It takes many coats. I think I would buy CPR or Lexol, not both for regular conditioning in the future.
Again, I'm new. I'm sure many may disagree or at least have more experience than I do. I'd be interested in trying the Leather Therapy. I think it's a thicker conditioner.
That's all for now.
. I was eyeing the 'regular' zipper pull on the inside pocket, wondering if it was legit when bam! Sold. I'm puzzled at how a regular zipper pull could be a replacement - aren't those assembled as one piece? So it's got to be original, right? I expected the usual circle-chain pull and am not familiar with that style, so it stumped me.
