Did I just ruin my Coach by refurbishing?

[Amar12]

Help. My Coach Court Bag was looking a little scuffed and scratched, and instead of learning to love the patina, I took it to a handbag refurbishing shop.

When it was returned, it was the same color almost but very “flat” looking. The glossy leather was matte and all one hue instead of that richness it used to have.

I don’t think this can be undone, and I doubt I can work it back to its delicious “worn in” state. Really regretting this move!! Has anyone ever done this before?

 

[Amar12]

Here are photos.

 

[Alexa5]

I can’t answer about the bag, but I had a leather jacket that I took to the cleaners one time to simply clean it. The leather had a nice, unique look and finish. They seemed to think I wanted to do something with that aspect even though all I wanted was to have it cleaned. It came back kind of flat and different than it was, similar to what you describe. It never was the same again.

I am guessing with your bag it would be easier than a jacket to restore it with a nice conditioner. Check with the Coach Rescue and Rehab in the clubhouse section. They can definitely help.

 

[pasdedeux1]

If it's been redyed (which it would have to be, to correct scuffs and scratches) that uniformity is from the new dye. Conditioner willgive it a bit of a gloss (some more than others) but that is the color it now is.

There's no way to reverse scratching and scuffing without adding color back somehow.

 

[indiaink]

@Amar12 Unfortunately they did a great job! You now have a new Coach bag. As @pasdedeux1 has said, this is what it is now, a new chapter in its life. Give it the love it deserves and eventually it will gain new little scuffs and scratches.

 

[Amar12]

@Amar12 Unfortunately they did a great job! You now have a new Coach bag. As @pasdedeux1 has said, this is what it is now, a new chapter in its life. Give it the love it deserves and eventually it will gain new little scuffs and scratches.

thank you so much! i feel a lot better now

 

[Suzanne B.]

Here are photos.

I think it looks great. The rehab group can steer you in the right direction as to what conditioner to use. If you want a bit of shine back on it there are leather sheen products out there too.

 

[shminbabe]

I also think it looks great. How has it been recently? Come back and tell us what you did or did not do to the bag. I really think it looks great though!

 

[Farkvam]

I agree that it looks beautiful!

 

[Amar12]

thanks everyone! i’ve been using the bag and even took it on an overseas work trip for a month in spain, hoping to get some wear and tear on her. it’s kind of the perfect everyday bag for me, no zippers and that top handle is more useful than i could’ve ever anticipated. i tried some other luxury crossbodies on while in madrid and none of them came close to the sturdy yet supple coach leather.