Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[Two.time.bags]

Well, this is a first! Check out this item on ebay! I'm sure someone thought they were being artistic but really? To do this to such a gorgeous bag?
How do you (or do you?) get dried paint off of leather?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301098311859?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

Not my idea of an improvement or art! I think it would be impossible to remove the paint without damaging the leather so a re-paint would be the only option, but not at that price!

 

[Two.time.bags]

I found out something very sad the other day: My local shoe repair has stopped carrying Blackrocks! They said they didn't like it! They have something called Urad instead. Anyone familiar with it? It contains carnuba and lanolin. BTW, the jar is smaller and of course costs more!

I don't think products with lanolin are a good idea. I bought my Black Rock on line - not Amazon - they wouldn't ship it. It took ages to get here but I can't find a supplier in Oz.

 

[whateve]

Good point, Whateve... thanks again!

you're welcome!

Well, this is a first! Check out this item on ebay! I'm sure someone thought they were being artistic but really? To do this to such a gorgeous bag?
How do you (or do you?) get dried paint off of leather?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/301098311859?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

It's pretty much impossible to remove paint. What a shame!

 

[vintageb1]

How did your rehab go? I am curious about that damaged d-ring, because I've just received a court bag with the same problem. Maybe a little less, but I can see the clip on the strap is also a little worn, and the leather right by the clip is totally stretched out. I might try to return it to the seller, but the rest of the bag is in good shape. So, do you think that ring will eventually break, or is it strong enough the way it is? Can it easily be replaced? Any thoughts about this, everyone?
Thanks.

I have another question….the part of the turn lock inside the front flap has green powder on the surface….what causes this? Can I just clean it off or do I need to remove the turn lock pieces and do a cleaning and ???
Thanks!

Here are some pictures. I wasn't expecting to have to do much to this bag, so I'm wondering how much work and $ fixing the problems would be? I'm mostly concerned about the green (verdigris?) which is mostly on the turn lock, but a little on the clip and zipper inside, and the damaged d-ring.

The green stuff is verdigris. You need to clean it completely off or it will come back. I don't normally remove turnlocks when I rehab but in this case I would, because I'm sure there is some verdigris underneath.

If the ring on the strap has an opening hidden under the sewn part, you might be able to work it off. Then just find a new one and slip it on. I just looked at my court and it looks like it's solid all the way through. If it were mine, I would just leave it. One thing you could do is remove the entire leather tab holding the ring in place, slip in a new ring, and then sew it back. That seems like a lot of work. Or maybe you could find a ring that has an opening for sliding it on and just cut the old one off.

Hello again,
That is so weird; the melted d-ring on your bag looks just like mine! I wasn't worried about it breaking until just now :cry:. If it does at some point, I like the idea of cutting it off and replacing with one of those d-rings that has two pieces that you can slip in without having to open up the strap. In that case, I guess it would be best to replace both d-rings so they would match. The straps are in good shape on mine-no stretching.

As for the verdigris, you can try mixing a little vinegar and baking soda and gently scrubbing the metal with a small soft toothbrush. I don't know if you can use that for the leather itself, but it works well on metal.

Good luck! Let us know if you replace the d-rings. FYI I got stalled halfway through the rehab so haven't finished the conditioning yet.

 

[vintageb1]

Speaking of d rings and such, I found pretty good prices at buckleguy.com. I've only placed one order, but service was good and the brass fittings and such that I ordered were identical to the coach brass hardware.

Great resource, thanks! This is what I was talking about (for EGDBF) regarding d-rings that are in 2 parts: http://www.buckleguy.com/2014-3-4-natural-brass-d-ring-solid-brass-ll/

 

[Two.time.bags]

Hello again,
That is so weird; the melted d-ring on your bag looks just like mine! I wasn't worried about it breaking until just now :cry:. If it does at some point, I like the idea of cutting it off and replacing with one of those d-rings that has two pieces that you can slip in without having to open up the strap. In that case, I guess it would be best to replace both d-rings so they would match. The straps are in good shape on mine-no stretching.

As for the verdigris, you can try mixing a little vinegar and baking soda and gently scrubbing the metal with a small soft toothbrush. I don't know if you can use that for the leather itself, but it works well on metal.

Good luck! Let us know if you replace the d-rings. FYI I got stalled halfway through the rehab so haven't finished the conditioning yet.

I wouldn't recommend using this mixture any where near the leather. We think it caused the leather to go white on this bag:

http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-clubhouse/coach-rehab-and-rescue-club-833400-68.html

I would just scrub it gently with a toothbrush and dishwashing detergent. Someone else may have another suggestion.

 

[whateve]

Hello again,
That is so weird; the melted d-ring on your bag looks just like mine! I wasn't worried about it breaking until just now :cry:. If it does at some point, I like the idea of cutting it off and replacing with one of those d-rings that has two pieces that you can slip in without having to open up the strap. In that case, I guess it would be best to replace both d-rings so they would match. The straps are in good shape on mine-no stretching.

As for the verdigris, you can try mixing a little vinegar and baking soda and gently scrubbing the metal with a small soft toothbrush. I don't know if you can use that for the leather itself, but it works well on metal.

Good luck! Let us know if you replace the d-rings. FYI I got stalled halfway through the rehab so haven't finished the conditioning yet.

I think it is safe to use just vinegar on the leather. I usually soak my brass in vinegar. I've never added baking soda.

Great resource, thanks! This is what I was talking about (for EGDBF) regarding d-rings that are in 2 parts: http://www.buckleguy.com/2014-3-4-natural-brass-d-ring-solid-brass-ll/

I was thinking of a split D ring, that just has a small opening to allow you to work it on. My skinny tote has that kind of ring and I've taken off the straps. But this kind of ring would be easier.

 

[JOODLZ]

Love this idea, thanks joodlz

You're welcome!

Now for my City Bag rescue...a putty-colored Coach Leatherware City bag from 88-93 that had been splattered with who-knows-what... and had visible remains of maybe a sticker on the bottom. Also had broken stitches on the back pocket piping and was flat as a pancake! Before pics are here: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-818914-616.html#post25957789

First I fixed the stitching. Finding and lining up the holes was tricky as I had to line up multiple layers of leather. I used straight pins to get them lined up then re-stitched. A skinny needle and thimble were helpful.

Then into an extra warm sudsy bath with Dawn and an all-over toothbrush scrub. Rinsed, stuffed and started to dry. Spots and ink remained on the front flap and back pocket. A member of the Secondhand Bargains thread had great success with removing spots from the vachetta on an LV with saddle soap, so I gave that a try on the sticker residue on the bottom...no luck

So I decided to get a little aggressive...I consider what I did next to be a method of last resort, not to be tried unless there’s no other solution. I put her back in the bath and scrubbed the front flap and back pocket with a Magic Eraser. For me the trick was working evenly and not scrubbing too hard...just enough to break through the surface. Rinsed, stuffed and dried to damp. Darn, if there weren’t still spots on the back! So I used the Magic Eraser again, dry this time, and went back over the flap and back pocket. Continued to let it dry. Most of the spots were diminshed significantly, but re-appeared when I applied Leather CPR. But as it dried, they faded. Second coat of Leather CPR, a few tiny spots remain, but most are gone. I finished with 2 rounds of Blackrocks. Cleaned up the brass and buffed with a horsehair blend brush.

Not perfect, but greatly improved...and usable!

 

[JOODLZ]

Did someone try dunking a small scarf bag in not too bright colors (white, beige, brown and light blue, with white leather)? Not that it's too dirty, but it's got a few small stains all over it and I thought maybe it would be easier just to dunk her completely. Thanks!

I've dunked several fabric bags...not specifically "scarf" material though...with great success. Coach fabric IMHO is very resiliant.

These 2 were very dirty when I found them. 2004 Soho Mini Sig Small Hobo #6351 (before pics: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-855067-9.html#post26221968) and Legacy Strip cell wristlet (before pics: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-855067-22.html#post26254736)

The hobo was really dirty along the center seams on both sides and the cell phone case was really grimy, yet both were amazingly clean inside. Both got an extra-warm bath with Dawn and a good toothbrush scrub with Soilove. This stuff is amazing on fabric! Repeated applications take just about anything out, including most ink marks. I’ve used it on leather (does not take out ink), but I would urge caution...and definitely don’t scrub too hard. Soilove is super-sudsy, so make sure you rinse well! Even my hubby is amazed at the difference

Yesterday I started on a Bleeker with a really dirty tattersall lining...Soilove got it clean too! I believe it’s available at dollar stores (only on the west coast), but quite often there’s a 2-fer deal on Amazon...don’t remember the particular store (senior moment)!

 

[Two.time.bags]

You're welcome!

Now for my City Bag rescue...a putty-colored Coach Leatherware City bag from 88-93 that had been splattered with who-knows-what... and had visible remains of maybe a sticker on the bottom. Also had broken stitches on the back pocket piping and was flat as a pancake! Before pics are here: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-818914-616.html#post25957789

First I fixed the stitching. Finding and lining up the holes was tricky as I had to line up multiple layers of leather. I used straight pins to get them lined up then re-stitched. A skinny needle and thimble were helpful.

Then into an extra warm sudsy bath with Dawn and an all-over toothbrush scrub. Rinsed, stuffed and started to dry. Spots and ink remained on the front flap and back pocket. A member of the Secondhand Bargains thread had great success with removing spots from the vachetta on an LV with saddle soap, so I gave that a try on the sticker residue on the bottom...no luck

So I decided to get a little aggressive...I consider what I did next to be a method of last resort, not to be tried unless there’s no other solution. I put her back in the bath and scrubbed the front flap and back pocket with a Magic Eraser. For me the trick was working evenly and not scrubbing too hard...just enough to break through the surface. Rinsed, stuffed and dried to damp. Darn, if there weren’t still spots on the back! So I used the Magic Eraser again, dry this time, and went back over the flap and back pocket. Continued to let it dry. Most of the spots were diminshed significantly, but re-appeared when I applied Leather CPR. But as it dried, they faded. Second coat of Leather CPR, a few tiny spots remain, but most are gone. I finished with 2 rounds of Blackrocks. Cleaned up the brass and buffed with a horsehair blend brush.

Not perfect, but greatly improved...and usable!

Wow! I would never have thought you would get those spots out. Great job Joodlz!

 

[Two.time.bags]

I've dunked several fabric bags...not specifically "scarf" material though...with great success. Coach fabric IMHO is very resiliant.

These 2 were very dirty when I found them. 2004 Soho Mini Sig Small Hobo #6351 (before pics: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-855067-9.html#post26221968) and Legacy Strip cell wristlet (before pics: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-855067-22.html#post26254736)

The hobo was really dirty along the center seams on both sides and the cell phone case was really grimy, yet both were amazingly clean inside. Both got an extra-warm bath with Dawn and a good toothbrush scrub with Soilove. This stuff is amazing on fabric! Repeated applications take just about anything out, including most ink marks. I’ve used it on leather (does not take out ink), but I would urge caution...and definitely don’t scrub too hard. Soilove is super-sudsy, so make sure you rinse well! Even my hubby is amazed at the difference

Yesterday I started on a Bleeker with a really dirty tattersall lining...Soilove got it clean too! I believe it’s available at dollar stores (only on the west coast), but quite often there’s a 2-fer deal on Amazon...don’t remember the particular store (senior moment)!

Wow again! The wristlet in particular has come up so well. I'll have to hunt around for that Soilove stuff.

 

[catthecurious]

I've dunked several fabric bags...not specifically "scarf" material though...with great success. Coach fabric IMHO is very resiliant.

These 2 were very dirty when I found them. 2004 Soho Mini Sig Small Hobo #6351 (before pics: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-855067-9.html#post26221968) and Legacy Strip cell wristlet (before pics: http://forum.purseblog.com/coach-shopping/authenticate-this-coach-855067-22.html#post26254736)

The hobo was really dirty along the center seams on both sides and the cell phone case was really grimy, yet both were amazingly clean inside. Both got an extra-warm bath with Dawn and a good toothbrush scrub with Soilove. This stuff is amazing on fabric! Repeated applications take just about anything out, including most ink marks. I’ve used it on leather (does not take out ink), but I would urge caution...and definitely don’t scrub too hard. Soilove is super-sudsy, so make sure you rinse well! Even my hubby is amazed at the difference

Yesterday I started on a Bleeker with a really dirty tattersall lining...Soilove got it clean too! I believe it’s available at dollar stores (only on the west coast), but quite often there’s a 2-fer deal on Amazon...don’t remember the particular store (senior moment)!

Wow, these two... very impressive! From what I heard from you and Whateve, Soilove is a great stuff, and yes, I did see it somewhere on Amazon 2 for 1... no, they don't sell it at the dollar stores here in NH... but I found some Mean Green at Dollar Tree the other day (I probably sound like those annoying TV ads now - "but I saved tons of money by switching to Geiko"). I really hope I will never have to use that stuff on any of my bags though... Thanks for sharing your experience, Joodlz!

 

[EGBDF]

Great resource, thanks! This is what I was talking about (for EGDBF) regarding d-rings that are in 2 parts: http://www.buckleguy.com/2014-3-4-natural-brass-d-ring-solid-brass-ll/

I really am thankful for that website link--I was looking on ebay and found some similar d-rings for more money. I think I'll also get a turn lock from the website and just replace it rather than trying to clean it. I'm not sure if that will harder than it sounds though.

I am so curious as to how those d-rings were damaged!

 

[bigal]

you're welcome!


It's pretty much impossible to remove paint. What a shame!

How about a little bit of paint? I have a black duffle that the previous owner touched it to some green paint. It's not a lot and it doesn't bother me too much, but I would like to remove it so I can properly rehab it at some point. Thanks for your help!

 

[whateve]

How about a little bit of paint? I have a black duffle that the previous owner touched it to some green paint. It's not a lot and it doesn't bother me too much, but I would like to remove it so I can properly rehab it at some point. Thanks for your help!

It is pretty hard without damaging the leather. You could try acetone.