Coach Rehab and Rescue Club

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#14,326
junoandcinnamon said:
Thanks so much, Lake Effect! And good advice on using the search feature--will be my future reading. For now, I will take a little break from restoration projects to enjoy the bag :smile:

Haha, that was definitely my experience with the Obenauf's...hot mess for sure and my cats kept coming up to lick the bag!! :yucky: I had to finish the application in my tiny apartment bathroom since it's the only place they won't go. Wow, so brave to try on a taupe bag! I've yet to take on any restoration projects with light leather bags, but maybe one day since this one wasn't sooo bad. Am I officially a Coach rehabber now? Woohoo! I get to join the ranks of the mighty and stylish.
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The cats licking the bag made me lol [emoji23] So glad you're making this bag work - it's very pretty.
 
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#14,327
junoandcinnamon said:
Okay, so after a bath, repeated rounds of Apple Conditioner (which didn't work), Leather CPR (lost count of how many times I applied it), and a final layer of Obenauf's LP, this is the condition of the bag!

Looking at the photo, it doesn't seem significantly different than the ones I posted when I first got it. BUT, it's now really soft to the touch and feels more pliable. I was able to buff out the scratches and even softened up one of the two dry areas I photographed. The remaining dry pebble-y patch is still there and likely there to stay, but I'm okay with it at this point.

I think the Obenauf's did make a difference but seemed a bit overkill...the end product was really greasy and I had to wipe some of it off with a cloth. Wonder if anyone has thoughts on Obenauf's and how it should be applied? Also vs. Blackrock? Seems like both are greasy, but one leaves a shine and the other doesn't? (The shine in the photo is mostly the flash)
View attachment 3763889

And now, I can finally use this bag for work...and rest my tired, greasy little hands :biggrin:
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It looks great!
Obenauf's LP and the Obenauf's Oil that Lake Effect mentioned are two different products. I haven't used the oil, only the LP. At one time it was part of my routine after a dunk, - CPR, then Blackrock's, and a single coat of LP to finish. I've stopped using it, because I've had a couple jars go rancid before I could finish them, so it's even more of a sticky mess. I love the glow it gives the bag, but it can be tricky to work with. I just used a tiny bit,rubbed on with my fingers, then wiped back immediately, then a day or so rest before buffing. A little heat, like from a hair dryer does help it to sink in, so maybe experiment with that. So, I'm on the fence with Obenauf's LP, kinda miss it, kinda don't.
 
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#14,329
coach943 said:
I'm confused - did you use Obenauf's LP or Obenauf's Oil on it? Those are two very different products. If it is the oil, you might want to use it before your other conditioners. I've only used it on really dry bags as a first round of conditioner.

Obenauf's LP is a good top coat for weatherproofing. You need to rub a small amount in your hand to let it melt, then put it on the bag sparingly and buff. I like Black Rocks better than Obenauf's LP. I only use Obenauf's LP when it is something I know may get wet and need protection.
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I used Obenauf's LP as the final top coat. It was still really greasy, though. Likely my own fault for using too much of it. I spent some time reading through the threads and am now thinking I might have liked Blackrocks more for the shine. The Obenauf's left the bag soft, but a bit dulled.
 
#14,330
Katherine2020 said:
It looks great!
Obenauf's LP and the Obenauf's Oil that Lake Effect mentioned are two different products. I haven't used the oil, only the LP. At one time it was part of my routine after a dunk, - CPR, then Blackrock's, and a single coat of LP to finish. I've stopped using it, because I've had a couple jars go rancid before I could finish them, so it's even more of a sticky mess. I love the glow it gives the bag, but it can be tricky to work with. I just used a tiny bit,rubbed on with my fingers, then wiped back immediately, then a day or so rest before buffing. A little heat, like from a hair dryer does help it to sink in, so maybe experiment with that. So, I'm on the fence with Obenauf's LP, kinda miss it, kinda don't.
Click to expand...

Thanks so much for the advice, Katherine2020. The hair dryer sounds like a good idea to help the cream sink in! I used LP for this bag, but I think I used way too much and didn't wipe right away after using. It worked well on this envelope bag, but one of my other Coach bags didn't have much of a glow--maybe because I used too much or let it sit too long before wiping off.

I purchased the Obenauf's on Amazon, and many people said that the LP left their bags a few shades darker. I'm also on the fence about it for this reason.
 
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#14,332
Lake Effect said:
@junoandcinnamon Apologies, in my eagerness to comment on your rehab, I think I created some confusion ( mental note to self, slow down and read all the details ) . @coach943 I stand corrected in that I commented on Obenauf's Leather Oil, instead of LP, which I take means leather protector. Insert *embarrassed face*
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Lake Effect, I also didn't read clearly and didn't notice the difference too! Sorry for the additional confusion!!
 
#14,333
Hi! I'm relatively new to this forum although i've been stalking it for quite awhile already. I've been recently bitten by the vintage coach bug and been envious of all the impressive rehabs i've seen in this thread. :) i recently got these 2 coach legacy zips this weekend (both authenticated by hyacinth) and 1 vintage coach basic bag. I would like to ask for your expert opinions and I have a few questions:
1. When do you decide to dunk or give a bath to a vintage coach bag? The black bag is relatively clean both in and out and the leather in my opinion is not really dry but the bag has creases on the leather making it lose its shape. I'm currently stuffing it with a towel to support its shape but i'm having a hard time deciding if the dunk will be good for it or just conditioning it will do. (The picture attached will show that it is standing on its own because i stuffed it with fillers inside)
2. The same with the dark brown small legacy zip. Over all the bag is okay with a few light (color loss) areas on the edges but the leather on the bag body i believe is not dry. Should i dunk this or just put leather conditioner?
3. If i put leather conditioner first and decide to dunk the bags later, will it be okay or will it forfeit the dunk rendering it not as effective as dunking it with out the conditioner?
4. My vintage coach cream colored basic bag is also clean inside and out with a few pen parks inside which doesn't worry me. I'm okay to leave it at that. What worries me are the faint stains on one side of the bag. Im guessing that these are color transfers from another bag but It's not that obvious. I'm hesitant to dunk it because of the light color. Is there something i can do with this like cover this with the acrylic+conditioner solution or would you just leave this alone?

Sorry if the post is long but i'm really hoping somebody can help me before i do anything to damage these beautiful finds. :) i have attached pictures for reference. thank you so much for taking time to read this in advance!
 

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#14,334
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#14,335
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#14,336
Lake Effect said:
I am really tempted to start a thread titled * Rehab This *
This would be my pick for this week :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/COACH-Vintage-TAN-Leather-Bonnie-Cashin-Shopper-Tote-DAMAGED-RARE/272755709739?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649
It speaks for itself. Interestingly enough, this is a Light Tote from the Lightweight collection. I just rehabbed this style bag.
Click to expand...
Nope not at that price, plus its not really my style. I think a "Rehab This" thread is a good idea!
 
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#14,338
Lake Effect said:
With , imo, a rather ambitious BIN.
Click to expand...
Yes I would rehab this with a few exceptions.... #1 no sewing straps back on (although I do sew, leather straps are another story but I may attempt a gorilla glue
2) lower the price by at least $60
3) wear gloves (this bag has been around the block a few times)
I do love rehabbing and vintage brown bags are a favorite of mine.
 
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#14,339
ArengoKC said:
Hi! I'm relatively new to this forum although i've been stalking it for quite awhile already. I've been recently bitten by the vintage coach bug and been envious of all the impressive rehabs i've seen in this thread. :smile: i recently got these 2 coach legacy zips this weekend (both authenticated by hyacinth) and 1 vintage coach basic bag. I would like to ask for your expert opinions and I have a few questions:
1. When do you decide to dunk or give a bath to a vintage coach bag? The black bag is relatively clean both in and out and the leather in my opinion is not really dry but the bag has creases on the leather making it lose its shape. I'm currently stuffing it with a towel to support its shape but i'm having a hard time deciding if the dunk will be good for it or just conditioning it will do. (The picture attached will show that it is standing on its own because i stuffed it with fillers inside)
2. The same with the dark brown small legacy zip. Over all the bag is okay with a few light (color loss) areas on the edges but the leather on the bag body i believe is not dry. Should i dunk this or just put leather conditioner?
3. If i put leather conditioner first and decide to dunk the bags later, will it be okay or will it forfeit the dunk rendering it not as effective as dunking it with out the conditioner?
4. My vintage coach cream colored basic bag is also clean inside and out with a few pen parks inside which doesn't worry me. I'm okay to leave it at that. What worries me are the faint stains on one side of the bag. Im guessing that these are color transfers from another bag but It's not that obvious. I'm hesitant to dunk it because of the light color. Is there something i can do with this like cover this with the acrylic+conditioner solution or would you just leave this alone?

Sorry if the post is long but i'm really hoping somebody can help me before i do anything to damage these beautiful finds. :smile: i have attached pictures for reference. thank you so much for taking time to read this in advance!
Click to expand...
I would try some leather conditioner and towels inside to reshape the bag and restore the color. After a few applications and letting it dry if you are still not happy than dunk it. The light one may bleed the ink to the outside of the bag if you dunk. Some people have had luck with removing ink with alcohol but I would read through this thread before you try. Personally I condition first and if I'm not happy I repeat a couple of times... lastly I dunk. Some people dunk first regardless because they like to know it is very clean inside and out, it plumps up aged leather, and it's fun! You will not harm the bag if you condition first and dunk second. If you have hang tags take them off before you dunk. Some have lost their shape/lettering when dunked.
Yours are in excellent condition. The brown one could use some conditioner on the top edge. Also add conditioner to the black one to help with the reshaping. The light one is a coin toss. Some people have had great results when dunking light bags and fixing ink stains others have not. I'd love to hear others chime in with their experience.
 
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#14,340
Lake Effect said:
I am really tempted to start a thread titled * Rehab This *
This would be my pick for this week :
http://www.ebay.com/itm/COACH-Vintage-TAN-Leather-Bonnie-Cashin-Shopper-Tote-DAMAGED-RARE/272755709739?ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649
It speaks for itself. Interestingly enough, this is a Light Tote from the Lightweight collection. I just rehabbed this style bag.
Click to expand...
It's definitely not a "Bonnie Cashin" and it's a pretty challenging rehab (understatement). Seller has relisted it with Best Offer enabled.
 
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