Michael Kors Defects on Michael Kors Hamilton bags...

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I just got my new dark dune Hamilton tote and applied pieces from an iPad screen protector to the hardware. Just wanted to share some pictures.

First, I attached a piece to the hardware on the front of the belt underneath where the lock hangs. You'll notice that I cut around the raised corner sections of the plate because the screen protector sits best on flat surfaces.

Second, I added pieces to the metal rod where the lock hangs. You'll notice the front and two side pieces. Sometimes the lock hangs from either the left or the right side of the rod, so I covered both sides. I tried to cover the curved corner, but couldn't get the screen protector piece sized correctly.

Third, I covered the top hook of the lock. You can see the edge of the screen protector pretty clearly in this picture. I also covered the back side of the lock to prevent scraping there, as well. It's hard to see the screen protector on the back of the lock, but it's there.

Finally, I put the lock completely back on the bag. I didn't protect the front of the lock because the raised MK lettering prevents the screen protector from sticking properly. Again, you need to attach it to flat surfaces only. You can't even tell from a distance that there is anything on the lock and plate. The added benefit is that the screen protector provides a rubbery barrier between the lock and plate that prevents the lock from swinging wildly when you're carrying the bag. Now she's ready to take out on the town!!! :smile1:
 

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I just got my new dark dune Hamilton tote and applied pieces from an iPad screen protector to the hardware. Just wanted to share some pictures.

First, I attached a piece to the hardware on the front of the belt underneath where the lock hangs. You'll notice that I cut around the raised corner sections of the plate because the screen protector sits best on flat surfaces.

Second, I added pieces to the metal rod where the lock hangs. You'll notice the front and two side pieces. Sometimes the lock hangs from either the left or the right side of the rod, so I covered both sides. I tried to cover the curved corner, but couldn't get the screen protector piece sized correctly.

Third, I covered the top hook of the lock. You can see the edge of the screen protector pretty clearly in this picture. I also covered the back side of the lock to prevent scraping there, as well. It's hard to see the screen protector on the back of the lock, but it's there.

Finally, I put the lock completely back on the bag. I didn't protect the front of the lock because the raised MK lettering prevents the screen protector from sticking properly. Again, you need to attach it to flat surfaces only. You can't even tell from a distance that there is anything on the lock and plate. The added benefit is that the screen protector provides a rubbery barrier between the lock and plate that prevents the lock from swinging wildly when you're carrying the bag. Now she's ready to take out on the town!!! :smile1:

Great job! Thanks for the tips, explanation and the photos. This is really helpful!
I am surprised that the screen protector fits so well even on the top hook of the lock (curved).
I am definitely applying this method if I ever purchase a Hamilton.
I have seen how bad the scratches can look with my friend's Navy Hamilton after about three months of daily use :(
 
Great job! Thanks for the tips, explanation and the photos. This is really helpful!
I am surprised that the screen protector fits so well even on the top hook of the lock (curved).
I am definitely applying this method if I ever purchase a Hamilton.
I have seen how bad the scratches can look with my friend's Navy Hamilton after about three months of daily use :(
You're welcome. I may go back and try to figure out how to apply the screen protector to the curved edge of the metal rod. I was in such a hurry to get my bag ready to carry that I couldn't be bothered with intricate details. LOL. :smile1: It does take quite a bit of work to get it all protected, but it's worth it in the long run to prevent scratches on the hardware.
 
Wonderful idea! Can't wait to try it. I like to keep my bags in tip top shape so this will be perfect :D
Thanks! I eventually decided to take the screen protector off of the lock hook because it was a bit too much. The screen protector on the metal rod is enough to prevent any scratching there. And I never was able to get the curved edge of the metal rod covered, but it doesn't seem to matter much.
 
Thanks, ubo22!! What a great idea & the detailed instructions with pictures are awesome! I'm going to do this on my Aqua Hamilton I got yesterday & with my Dark Dune Hamilton when it arrives today. It's a really good way to protect our investments!
 
I just got my new dark dune Hamilton tote and applied pieces from an iPad screen protector to the hardware. Just wanted to share some pictures.

First, I attached a piece to the hardware on the front of the belt underneath where the lock hangs. You'll notice that I cut around the raised corner sections of the plate because the screen protector sits best on flat surfaces.

Second, I added pieces to the metal rod where the lock hangs. You'll notice the front and two side pieces. Sometimes the lock hangs from either the left or the right side of the rod, so I covered both sides. I tried to cover the curved corner, but couldn't get the screen protector piece sized correctly.

Third, I covered the top hook of the lock. You can see the edge of the screen protector pretty clearly in this picture. I also covered the back side of the lock to prevent scraping there, as well. It's hard to see the screen protector on the back of the lock, but it's there.

Finally, I put the lock completely back on the bag. I didn't protect the front of the lock because the raised MK lettering prevents the screen protector from sticking properly. Again, you need to attach it to flat surfaces only. You can't even tell from a distance that there is anything on the lock and plate. The added benefit is that the screen protector provides a rubbery barrier between the lock and plate that prevents the lock from swinging wildly when you're carrying the bag. Now she's ready to take out on the town!!! :smile1:
As soon as I get back home from denver, I will do this to all my hammies, I just take the locks off when not in use, I have 2 packs of ipad screen just sitting on a shelf!!
 
Thanks, ubo22!! What a great idea & the detailed instructions with pictures are awesome! I'm going to do this on my Aqua Hamilton I got yesterday & with my Dark Dune Hamilton when it arrives today. It's a really good way to protect our investments!

You're welcome. I did this 5 years ago on the metal plate of my LV Galliera (when first purchased), and it doesn't have a single scratch. Just like new.

As soon as I get back home from denver, I will do this to all my hammies, I just take the locks off when not in use, I have 2 packs of ipad screen just sitting on a shelf!!

Good to hear. Best to use the iPad screen protector over the iPhone one because it's a much bigger sized material from which to cut out pieces. It does take quite a bit of time to get it done right, but once you're finished you'll be glad you did. I've seen scratches on the metal plate of older Hamiltons and they really look bad. Especially the ones with gold hardware because when the gold scratches off the silver metal shows up underneath!
 
You're welcome. I did this 5 years ago on the metal plate of my LV Galliera (when first purchased), and it doesn't have a single scratch. Just like new.



Good to hear. Best to use the iPad screen protector over the iPhone one because it's a much bigger sized material from which to cut out pieces. It does take quite a bit of time to get it done right, but once you're finished you'll be glad you did. I've seen scratches on the metal plate of older Hamiltons and they really look bad. Especially the ones with gold hardware because when the gold scratches off the silver metal shows up underneath!

I saw a mk traveler in mk on Saturday that had a plate SO scratched up I'm not sure how they will EVER get rid of it. I should have taken a pic. I personally thought it should have been damaged out. It was not a display either, fresh out of the back, still in paper. Weird....I pointed it out but the SA just shrugged her shoulders. WOW.
 
I saw a mk traveler in mk on Saturday that had a plate SO scratched up I'm not sure how they will EVER get rid of it. I should have taken a pic. I personally thought it should have been damaged out. It was not a display either, fresh out of the back, still in paper. Weird....I pointed it out but the SA just shrugged her shoulders. WOW.
Apparently, when the bags have been on display a while this happens. I can't believe it happened with a non-display bag, though. Not good. :(
 
Has anyone considered/tried putting a thin layer of clear nail polish over the plate and lock to prevent scratches? I was thinking about it... Just don't want to do any damage to them.
 
Has anyone considered/tried putting a thin layer of clear nail polish over the plate and lock to prevent scratches? I was thinking about it... Just don't want to do any damage to them.
I haven't, but I don't think a thin layer of polish will hold up on the hardware. Just one thing scratching against it will take the polish right off.
 
This is a problem with many designer bags with shiny hardware, not only Michael Kors bags. I own many bags for example from Louis Vuitton and this is a known problem with these bags as well.. The metal plates for example in front of the bags (Eva, Galliera etc.) are going to be scratched no matter what you do or don't do. I feel you because I do hate it when the scratches happen but I think they are inevitable. Because the scratches do bother me as well I try to avoid bags with big shiny plates and such. That's a pity but because the scratches make me feel bad about my bags I don't think it wise (at least for me) to buy bags that can have problems like this. The bags I already have with shiny plates and hardware I try to keep in as good condition as I can but I notice that I tend to use the bags with scratching issues less because I don't want to worry about my bag all the time when wearing it. I do baby my bags and still the scratches occur. If I were you I'd enjoy the bag and wouldn't mind about the scratches and next time you'll be buying a bag keep in mind the problems the shiny hardware can cause. It's a lovely bag even with a few scratches :smile1: If the scratches bother you too much maybe you should consider selling the bag and buying something more worry free instead? I'm sure you'll find a solution that's best for you :smile1:
 
This is a problem with many designer bags with shiny hardware, not only Michael Kors bags. I own many bags for example from Louis Vuitton and this is a known problem with these bags as well.. The metal plates for example in front of the bags (Eva, Galliera etc.) are going to be scratched no matter what you do or don't do. I feel you because I do hate it when the scratches happen but I think they are inevitable. Because the scratches do bother me as well I try to avoid bags with big shiny plates and such. That's a pity but because the scratches make me feel bad about my bags I don't think it wise (at least for me) to buy bags that can have problems like this. The bags I already have with shiny plates and hardware I try to keep in as good condition as I can but I notice that I tend to use the bags with scratching issues less because I don't want to worry about my bag all the time when wearing it. I do baby my bags and still the scratches occur. If I were you I'd enjoy the bag and wouldn't mind about the scratches and next time you'll be buying a bag keep in mind the problems the shiny hardware can cause. It's a lovely bag even with a few scratches :smile1: If the scratches bother you too much maybe you should consider selling the bag and buying something more worry free instead? I'm sure you'll find a solution that's best for you :smile1:
I have an LV Galliera GM that I purchased over 5 years ago. I covered the metal plate with a phone screen protector when I purchased it. The metal plate today has absolutely no scratches. It looks like new! :smile1:
 
I have an LV Galliera GM that I purchased over 5 years ago. I covered the metal plate with a phone screen protector when I purchased it. The metal plate today has absolutely no scratches. It looks like new! :smile1:

I actually did this with my Gals as well but ended up taking the plastic off because I felt the bags didn't look right with the plastic on them. I'm just disappointed that designer bags have this kind of issues.
 
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