Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[catthecurious]

Good morning, I have a question about different leather conditioners. Which ones give the leather the closest to original look in terms of shining? I don't like too much shine, I prefer healthy matte glow, so what is the best way to achieve it? I'm going to wash an old convertible black clutch, which has very little scratching, but very dry/faded and flat as a pancake. I was planning to give it several coats of Lexol while it's still damp and then Blackrocks, and I was wondering if I should go easy on buffing, or coat it with something that wouldn't make it too shiny? Any suggestions will be appreciated!


Another question is about vintage red canteen bag. It's pretty clean, but has the smell that I couldn't quite figure out, at first I thought it was smoke, but the seller insisted she didn't smoke and that the bag was in storage for many years... maybe it's something else from storage... So I mostly got rid of the odor with airing it outside and air drying in the dryer with some febreze soaked paper towels, but I think I could completely got rid of if I washed it and then rinsed it with vinegar. But my major concern is the color, I'm really afraid to ruin this otherwise nice bag.


Thank you all in advance!

 

[ccfun]

Thank you Beccabaglady, I will try, tho the seller seems not willing to cooperate

CC, I just did a Carlyle. I am not as experienced as some of the other rehabbers on here, but IMO there are some things that probably can't be fixed on a Madison. It depends on what the problems are. I would definitely pursue it through ebay like whateve suggests if the purse was SNAD.

 

[whateve]

Good morning, I have a question about different leather conditioners. Which ones give the leather the closest to original look in terms of shining? I don't like too much shine, I prefer healthy matte glow, so what is the best way to achieve it? I'm going to wash an old convertible black clutch, which has very little scratching, but very dry/faded and flat as a pancake. I was planning to give it several coats of Lexol while it's still damp and then Blackrocks, and I was wondering if I should go easy on buffing, or coat it with something that wouldn't make it too shiny? Any suggestions will be appreciated!


Another question is about vintage red canteen bag. It's pretty clean, but has the smell that I couldn't quite figure out, at first I thought it was smoke, but the seller insisted she didn't smoke and that the bag was in storage for many years... maybe it's something else from storage... So I mostly got rid of the odor with airing it outside and air drying in the dryer with some febreze soaked paper towels, but I think I could completely got rid of if I washed it and then rinsed it with vinegar. But my major concern is the color, I'm really afraid to ruin this otherwise nice bag.


Thank you all in advance!

I don't find there is too much shine from Blackrocks. There might be some shine initially but after the Blackrocks soaks in, I don't notice any.

I don't use Lexol for very dry leather. I mostly use it when I want something to mix with paint for touch-ups. I think it is too thin to really restore the moisture. I prefer Leather CPR. For super dry bags, I might like Leather Honey even more. I would apply the conditioner before the bag is completely dry after the bath.

I've washed red bags without any problem. I've washed red NYC bags and 90s bags. The 90s bags are more colorfast than the older ones. The water may turn red but it doesn't seem to affect the color of the bag. Often the color ends up more vibrant because of the moisture restored by the bath. I think some others have had problems with red fading from a bath.

 

[whateve]

Thank you Beccabaglady, I will try, tho the seller seems not willing to cooperate

These days when you contact the seller on ebay about a problem, it automatically opens a case, and if the seller doesn't cooperate you can escalate it. I would take pictures of the damage and include that in your correspondence. When it gets escalated, Ebay will be able to see your pictures. Usually they decide in the buyer's favor so I don't think you should have any problem. The most you would lose is the cost to send it back, but if you are lucky ebay will convince the seller to pay for it.

 

[soozlz]

Wow Aggie, that looks fantastic. I am drooling over here!



It's gorgeous soozlz! I am so glad you didn't give up on it! I am in agreement with everyone else on the strap, I think your best option is to find a replacement.



Can't wait to see how these turn out!

Thank you!! It's a happy bag now!! I have written the strap off, but I can't seem to throw it out.

Will post pic of the two new ones when they are finished. Hopefully I will be able to start one tomorrow after work.

 

[whateve]

Thank you!! It's a happy bag now!! I have written the strap off, but I can't seem to throw it out.

Will post pic of the two new ones when they are finished. Hopefully I will be able to start one tomorrow after work.

I would save the hardware from the strap.

 

[catthecurious]

I don't find there is too much shine from Blackrocks. There might be some shine initially but after the Blackrocks soaks in, I don't notice any.

I don't use Lexol for very dry leather. I mostly use it when I want something to mix with paint for touch-ups. I think it is too thin to really restore the moisture. I prefer Leather CPR. For super dry bags, I might like Leather Honey even more. I would apply the conditioner before the bag is completely dry after the bath.

I've washed red bags without any problem. I've washed red NYC bags and 90s bags. The 90s bags are more colorfast than the older ones. The water may turn red but it doesn't seem to affect the color of the bag. Often the color ends up more vibrant because of the moisture restored by the bath. I think some others have had problems with red fading from a bath.

Thank you, Whateve, I was thinking about buying some Leather CPR from Bed Bath and Beyond, anyway, so I'll make sure to get it before starting the project.

 

[ccfun]

Thanks whateve! I just uploaded the pictures which show the strap already 4/5 broken among other signs...And today is the last day for the seller to respond and so far she still has not...I hate to pay the return shipping in this case, because, it really belongs to the garbage can...I would never sell it to anyone for a penny!

Happy V-day!

These days when you contact the seller on ebay about a problem, it automatically opens a case, and if the seller doesn't cooperate you can escalate it. I would take pictures of the damage and include that in your correspondence. When it gets escalated, Ebay will be able to see your pictures. Usually they decide in the buyer's favor so I don't think you should have any problem. The most you would lose is the cost to send it back, but if you are lucky ebay will convince the seller to pay for it.

 

[soozlz]

I would save the hardware from the strap.

Oh yes! Good point!!

 

[Two.time.bags]

Thank you!! It's a happy bag now!! I have written the strap off, but I can't seem to throw it out.

Will post pic of the two new ones when they are finished. Hopefully I will be able to start one tomorrow after work.

I wouldn't be able to throw out the strap either, especially one with anchors! You might be able to make a strap either for your basic bag or another in the future using those clips if you can get some thin leather from a saddlery store. Or you might find a strap with a missing clip. It's definitely worth keeping.

 

[soozlz]

I wouldn't be able to throw out the strap either, especially one with anchors! You might be able to make a strap either for your basic bag or another in the future using those clips if you can get some thin leather from a saddlery store. Or you might find a strap with a missing clip. It's definitely worth keeping.

Yea, I can't part with it. It belongs with the bag, even if it's not used. Or used for parts.

Love the pic of your dog. Is he/she labradoodle?

 

[JOODLZ]

I don't find there is too much shine from Blackrocks. There might be some shine initially but after the Blackrocks soaks in, I don't notice any.

I don't use Lexol for very dry leather. I mostly use it when I want something to mix with paint for touch-ups. I think it is too thin to really restore the moisture. I prefer Leather CPR. For super dry bags, I might like Leather Honey even more. I would apply the conditioner before the bag is completely dry after the bath.

I've washed red bags without any problem. I've washed red NYC bags and 90s bags. The 90s bags are more colorfast than the older ones. The water may turn red but it doesn't seem to affect the color of the bag. Often the color ends up more vibrant because of the moisture restored by the bath. I think some others have had problems with red fading from a bath.

Though I haven't tried Leather Honey (yet!) this is exactly the advice I would have given...thanks for saving my typing time, whateve!

Thank you!! It's a happy bag now!! I have written the strap off, but I can't seem to throw it out.

Will post pic of the two new ones when they are finished. Hopefully I will be able to start one tomorrow after work.

I would save the hardware from the strap.

I wouldn't be able to throw out the strap either, especially one with anchors! You might be able to make a strap either for your basic bag or another in the future using those clips if you can get some thin leather from a saddlery store. Or you might find a strap with a missing clip. It's definitely worth keeping.

Yea, I can't part with it. It belongs with the bag, even if it's not used. Or used for parts.

Love the pic of your dog. Is he/she labradoodle?

Yeah, definitely keep the hardware! If you're energetic and crafty you can turn those dogleash clips into tassels...Here are some links: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-clubhouse/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club-624452-493.html#post23541851
AND http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-clubhouse/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club-624452-493.html#post23544231
The first link above has 2 links to tutorials on tassels.
I also made a British Tan one from a Coach "Bean Bag" City Bag. The leather was too nice to throw away...not Coach, but still nice.

 

[Two.time.bags]

Yea, I can't part with it. It belongs with the bag, even if it's not used. Or used for parts.

Love the pic of your dog. Is he/she labradoodle?

Thanks. That's Henri. He's a red toy poodle. I have him clipped 'teddy bear' cos I don't really like the classic poodle cut. We discovered recently there's lots of dog lovers here.

 

[Two.time.bags]

I finished my Sheridan Savannah. I did dunk her and it cleaned up the lining and I think it helped with hydration and a couple of dark marks seem less noticeable now. I conditioned her with two coats of Leather Therapy and then I used red acrylic paint on the corners and rubbed areas. I just brushed it on and wiped it off immediately and then buffed her with a brush. It seemed to cover up the scuffs. I only used Black Rock on the smooth leather. The brass came up well with some polishing. It was much easier to clean the strap rings than on other bags because they can be completely removed. Here's an after shot. I'll put some before and after shots in drop box if anyone is interested.


https://www.dropbox.com/sh/usn1w3ahmzgwxn7/fzsXmwMcRF

 

[coach943]

I finished my Sheridan Savannah. I did dunk her and it cleaned up the lining and I think it helped with hydration and a couple of dark marks seem less noticeable now. I conditioned her with two coats of Leather Therapy and then I used red acrylic paint on the corners and rubbed areas. I just brushed it on and wiped it off immediately and then buffed her with a brush. It seemed to cover up the scuffs. I only used Black Rock on the smooth leather. The brass came up well with some polishing. It was much easier to clean the strap rings than on other bags because they can be completely removed. Here's an after shot. I'll put some before and after shots in drop box if anyone is interested.


https://www.dropbox.com/sh/usn1w3ahmzgwxn7/fzsXmwMcRF

Just lovely! She turned out great - the color is fantastic.