Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

[vintageb1]

I've done the Leather CPR both ways, but I've discovered that sometimes when I put it on thick and let sit, I will get swirly marks. So now I spread it on sort of thick, but start blending it in within about 5 to 15 minutes. The paper towel method works best with Blackrocks. Also do one part at a time; put it on a small part, rub with the paper towel, then do another part. When I'm all done, I'll give a final buffing with a brush or cloth.

Fantastic, thanks for the quick reply!

 

[vintageb1]

Bummer there isn't a serial number. I'd like to see it unwashed and washed... any idea on how to get my handles clean? I soaked and subbed then with a toothbrush....they still feel waxy.

Have you tried vinegar in the wash/rinse? That might cut the waxy feel.

 

[bigal]

Have you tried vinegar in the wash/rinse? That might cut the waxy feel.

Hmm, I'll have to give that a try. Have you done that before?

I'm up for just about anything. They feel pretty gross now. Worst case I'll cover them up with scarves or other fabric. But I'd rather not.

 

[ledobe]

Ooo yay! I'll read the post about the edge kote! Thank you! Surprisingly, the interior of the Fossil bag is clean. I'll probably soak and scrub the handles at least as they became greasy and a bit sticky last night after the second coat of Leather CPR. They were the dirtiest part. The rest of the bag cleaned up well. The pen marks are subtle.

I have dunked a Fossil bag that looks like very similar leather to that with no problems.

 

[Two.time.bags]

Hi all,
I got this Metropolitan bag the other day from my local thrift; had it authenticated over on the other thread.
It actually looks to be in good shape; not dirty, inside clean, no marks. I'm thinking a dunk would be excessive and that I should just condition it with Leather CPR. What do you all think?
Also, I'm wondering about the frayed edges on the front pocket. Has anyone ever trimmed those to give a cleaner look to the bag? If so, how should I do it?
Thanks for your advice, as always!

I would dunk too but that's up to you. Like Whateve I think it hydrates the leather and helps the conditioner to soak in. I would just trim the frays with a sharp pair of nail scissors or small craft scissors.

 

[Two.time.bags]

Bummer there isn't a serial number. I'd like to see it unwashed and washed... any idea on how to get my handles clean? I soaked and subbed then with a toothbrush....they still feel waxy.

I've found that patinaed handles can feel waxy for while until they totally dry out.

There is a product called Leather Degreaser by Leather Master, but no-one here has posted anything about it so I don't know if it works. I looked into it and it was going to cost $38 plus postage for 200ml. I'll live with the patina or use scarves as you suggested! I could buy another bag for that!

 

[Two.time.bags]

I am still on my first attempts and I feel as if two of the bags I washed look worse, not better. I wonder if it is sometimes a better choice just to go with CPR and not dunk at all?

I'm sure it is all in the conditioning, but one seems to have lost the nice patina it had when I bought it (I'll post pics in a separate post).
QUOTE]

I'd be interested to see before and after pics. Patina doesn't usually come off so it may have been dirt! You can get the patina to darken by leaving it in the sun after conditioning.

Also sometimes it take a few days for everything to soak in and then dry and just generally settle down.

 

[bigal]

I've found that patinaed handles can feel waxy for while until they totally dry out.

There is a product called Leather Degreaser by Leather Master, but no-one here has posted anything about it so I don't know if it works. I looked into it and it was going to cost $38 plus postage for 200ml. I'll live with the patina or use scarves as you suggested! I could buy another bag for that!

I got the bag for $5 so I'm not adverse to trying a few things, but yes, I agree $38 for a product that may or may not work is more than I want to spend. But a couple twilly type scarves would look cute! They should also save me buying edge kote too! At this point I might try vinegar in my soak. Then cut my losses and just enjoy it. I love the color.

I'll keep you all updated.

 

[JOODLZ]

Joodlz, it looks pretty perfect to me! I am always so impressed with your rehabs!

I am still on my first attempts and I feel as if two of the bags I washed look worse, not better. I wonder if it is sometimes a better choice just to go with CPR and not dunk at all?

I'm sure it is all in the conditioning, but one seems to have lost the nice patina it had when I bought it (I'll post pics in a separate post).

Anyway, I know you've posted your methods before, but I have another question. Do you put the Leather CPR on thick and let it soak in (for minutes/days?) or do you keep rubbing (sometimes I use my fingers) until it is absorbed into the leather?

And regarding Blackrocks, the instructions say to apply a small amount with your finger, then rub it all over with a paper towel. Is this what you do?

Thanks in advance for your expertise!

Thank you for your kind words...I'm always in favor of dunking a bag and giving it a good scrub with a toothbrush...I've had seemingly clean-looking bags release a lot of "dirt and grime" into the bath water. So it doesn't make sense to me to put Leather CPR (or other conditioner) and Blackrocks on a bag that hasn't been washed.

I use lots of Leather CPR when the bag is nearly dry. Seems to absorb better when the leather is a little damp. I give it a pretty good rubbing in, then let the bag sit for a day, then reapply. If the leather still seems stiff, I'll keep going until it feels "right."

With Blackrocks, it seems to work best working small areas, applying with your finger, then wiping with a paper towel...just like you said. I usually do it twice, resting a day in between. Then I use a horsehair blend brush or microfiber cloth to buff.

Hi all,
I got this Metropolitan bag the other day from my local thrift; had it authenticated over on the other thread.
It actually looks to be in good shape; not dirty, inside clean, no marks. I'm thinking a dunk would be excessive and that I should just condition it with Leather CPR. What do you all think?
Also, I'm wondering about the frayed edges on the front pocket. Has anyone ever trimmed those to give a cleaner look to the bag? If so, how should I do it?
Thanks for your advice, as always!

As I said above, even a clean-looking bag may not really be so clean...especially dark-colored ones can be deceiving. I'm always in favor of a bath before conditioning. As far as frayed edges, I would use a tiny pair of manicure scissors to carefully clean up the edges. I've even used a little sweater de-fuzzer on frayed strap edges...worked like a charm!

 

[bigal]

I would liked to thank you all here for all the info you have shared. I will be getting up the courage to dunk a bag. I have several that I really think will benefit. Might have to out into the wild today first and see if I can scare up any other pre-loved coach bags....just in case you know, might find another in need of my care!

 

[vintageb1]

Hmm, I'll have to give that a try. Have you done that before?
I'm up for just about anything. They feel pretty gross now. Worst case I'll cover them up with scarves or other fabric. But I'd rather not.

I have not done the vinegar rinse myself, but a couple of other rehabbers have mentioned it on this thread. Good luck!

 

[vintageb1]

I would dunk too but that's up to you. Like Whateve I think it hydrates the leather and helps the conditioner to soak in. I would just trim the frays with a sharp pair of nail scissors or small craft scissors.

As I said above, even a clean-looking bag may not really be so clean...especially dark-colored ones can be deceiving. I'm always in favor of a bath before conditioning. As far as frayed edges, I would use a tiny pair of manicure scissors to carefully clean up the edges. I've even used a little sweater de-fuzzer on frayed strap edges...worked like a charm!

Thank you both for your advice! I'll decide about the dunk after I get through the couple of other bags in my rehab queue. Meanwhile, I can clean up the frayed edge. What a great idea to use the sweater de-fuzzer on handles! I do have one of those already.
I am so appreciative of everyone's help on this thread.

 

[vintageb1]

I'd be interested to see before and after pics. Patina doesn't usually come off so it may have been dirt! You can get the patina to darken by leaving it in the sun after conditioning.[/B]

Also sometimes it take a few days for everything to soak in and then dry and just generally settle down.

Actually 'patina' is probably the wrong term to describe the 'before' bag--it wasn't that it was darker before, it was somehow glossier. Instead of that soft, glove leather feel like my 90's bags it was firmer and glossier. This is the oldest of my bags, from around 1982 according to our experts on the Authenticate thread, so I didn't know if the leather was originally different on that particular bag, or if it was just from age.

With one or two more CPR treatments and a finish of Blackrock's I am hoping the luster it had before will be restored.

The first pic below is right after purchase; the second one is post-bath. Can you tell any difference? Perhaps I am just overthinking this one!

Thanks as always for your advice!

 

[AggieK]

Thank you for your kind words...I'm always in favor of dunking a bag and giving it a good scrub with a toothbrush...I've had seemingly clean-looking bags release a lot of "dirt and grime" into the bath water. So it doesn't make sense to me to put Leather CPR (or other conditioner) and Blackrocks on a bag that hasn't been washed.

I use lots of Leather CPR when the bag is nearly dry. Seems to absorb better when the leather is a little damp. I give it a pretty good rubbing in, then let the bag sit for a day, then reapply. If the leather still seems stiff, I'll keep going until it feels "right."

With Blackrocks, it seems to work best working small areas, applying with your finger, then wiping with a paper towel...just like you said. I usually do it twice, resting a day in between. Then I use a horsehair blend brush or microfiber cloth to buff.



As I said above, even a clean-looking bag may not really be so clean...especially dark-colored ones can be deceiving. I'm always in favor of a bath before conditioning. As far as frayed edges, I would use a tiny pair of manicure scissors to carefully clean up the edges. I've even used a little sweater de-fuzzer on frayed strap edges...worked like a charm!

I've also used a match to burn the fuzzies off. You do have to be careful not to singe the leather.

 

[AggieK]

Actually 'patina' is probably the wrong term to describe the 'before' bag--it wasn't that it was darker before, it was somehow glossier. Instead of that soft, glove leather feel like my 90's bags it was firmer and glossier. This is the oldest of my bags, from around 1982 according to our experts on the Authenticate thread, so I didn't know if the leather was originally different on that particular bag, or if it was just from age.

With one or two more CPR treatments and a finish of Blackrock's I am hoping the luster it had before will be restored.

The first pic below is right after purchase; the second one is post-bath. Can you tell any difference? Perhaps I am just overthinking this one!

Thanks as always for your advice!

I have this exact same bag that I bought new, sometime between 1984 and 1988. I think the before looks pretty good. I don't see a huge difference between the two pics. I hadn't noticed anything different about the leather in mine. At that point I had two basic bags and a briefcase that I had bought new. I don't think the leather was any different. Maybe the previous owner put something weird on it to make it stiffer, like polish.