Docride's Hermes Lazarus Thread (can this Hermes be Saved? )

[zta47]

Hello,
I would like to know if this damage to the leather on the handles and glazing could be protected with twillies for use for more years until the rest of the bag needs to go to the spa? I assume the spa could address this? Is there anything I can do at home to help slow the damage.
Thank you!!

 

[BagLady7411]

Hi @docride, happy new year! I gifted myself a beautiful, preloved, smooth Barenia Birkin 35 for the holidays. She was from 2018 but in fairly new condition because the previous owner was afraid of the scratching. Over the moon to have her!

Yesterday I took her to lunch and when I got in the car to head home I noticed what looked like soda on her, along with a longer scratch--the liquid was kind of sitting in it. I had refilled my drink at the soda fountain before I left and assume somehow that's how it got there. TBH I'm not sure if it was the diet coke I was drinking or in hindsight syrup/residue from the machine? (I didn't think I was close enough to get anything on it, so I'm just baffled how it got there)

I wiped it with a microfiber cloth I had in the car which helped slightly but the soda stain was still there. When I got home I took a damp microfiber cloth and wiped more. The soda came off but I was left with these two spots (the one on the right has sort of melded with another spot that was on the bag previously).

I knew what I was getting into buying this bag (scratches, patina), so I am posting this with the caveat that I'm mostly wondering:

1. What did I do wrong?
The consensus in these forums seems to be that wiping with a damp cloth is the way to go for stains and such - maybe I rubbed too hard? Maybe it wasn't simply liquid soda but actually a syrup or even something else? Should I have tried dabbing before wiping? Can water leave a mark like this or did I just get unlucky?

3. What should I do next time if I spill?
I am sure there will be a next time, LOL. But now I'm a bit paranoid to wipe it.

3. Is there anything to be done now to these stains, outside of sending to spa to speed along the patina so they blend better? Again, from what I've read in these forums, it seems like the advice for Barenia is to stick to damp, soft cloths for minor stains and let professionals work on conditioning, etc.

4. Can you perhaps reassure me that these kinds of dark marks happen as much as scratches do - and that that's also part of the long-term patina building? (lol this is mostly to make myself feel better 🤪 )

Thank you!!

 

[docride]

Hello,
I would like to know if this damage to the leather on the handles and glazing could be protected with twillies for use for more years until the rest of the bag needs to go to the spa? I assume the spa could address this? Is there anything I can do at home to help slow the damage.
Thank you!!
View attachment 6118200View attachment 6118199
View attachment 6118201

Hi there
If those are cracks I would condition the leather and then wrap the handles with some vet wrap and then a pair of twillies.
The edge varnish could be redone By H I believe. If not a trusted handbag repair shop should be able to address this .
Happy new year to you too ! Enjoy your beautiful bag !
Best
Doc

 

[docride]

View attachment 6114298

Perhaps toddlers and ostrich bags don’t mix well… I learned my lesson too late. I believe that’s from a wet wipe that I was holding 😭😭 is there anyway of blending it out? Thank you

You might be able to use some degreaser
But ask H for help first .
If they say they don’t fix this sort of thing
I’d assume it’s oil because it was a non alcohol baby wipe ?
If it’s oil degreaser should be able to help however this is not a straightforward fix.
The entire bag would need masked off except for the stain
A mask would be need used and gloves and in a well ventilated area . It may take multiple treatments
A trusted leather care specialist should be able to make this look better . If indeed it’s oil or grease stain and it’s addressed quickly.
The longer it stays on the harder it is to remove the oil and the chance of permanent stain is increased.
Very good luck 🍀
Doc

 

[docride]

Hi Docride,

I’ve read through some of your posts and admire your expertise on leather care. I was recently gifted an older Herbag by my mother (pre-zip pocket, so early 2000s), and while I’ve managed to moisturize it a little with Saphir crème universelle, I’m still struggling with some issues on the leather parts.

The vache leather has developed a lovely patina, which I really appreciate despite the water and oil spots but my biggest concern is the wrinkles and cracking on the leather. It doesn’t seem too deep, but I’m unsure if this is something that can be treated or if it’s a sign the leather is beyond saving.

I’m torn between keeping it as-is, imperfections and all, or sending it to H spa to replace the leather. I hesitate to replace it because I love the character of aged vache and find brand-new leather to lack the same warmth.

I’ve read you’ve recommended Meltonian all-purpose cleaner and conditioner in the past, but I’ve also seen mentions of waxing, washing, and other steps. Could you kindly share any advice on what you would recommend with this particular piece? Do you think it’s worth trying to salvage the original leather or preparing for eventual replacement?

I’d truly appreciate any insight or recommendations you might have!

Thank you so much in advance!

Hi
It looks like you made it beautiful, as beautiful as it can be . Personally I would just use it . It’s probably not worth having Hernes replace parts , you maybe able to find another bag later without cracks in secondary market later on down the road for a good price .
That’s my 2 cents
All the best
Enjoy your beautiful bag !
Doc

 

[docride]

Hi @docride, happy new year! I gifted myself a beautiful, preloved, smooth Barenia Birkin 35 for the holidays. She was from 2018 but in fairly new condition because the previous owner was afraid of the scratching. Over the moon to have her!

Yesterday I took her to lunch and when I got in the car to head home I noticed what looked like soda on her, along with a longer scratch--the liquid was kind of sitting in it. I had refilled my drink at the soda fountain before I left and assume somehow that's how it got there. TBH I'm not sure if it was the diet coke I was drinking or in hindsight syrup/residue from the machine? (I didn't think I was close enough to get anything on it, so I'm just baffled how it got there)

I wiped it with a microfiber cloth I had in the car which helped slightly but the soda stain was still there. When I got home I took a damp microfiber cloth and wiped more. The soda came off but I was left with these two spots (the one on the right has sort of melded with another spot that was on the bag previously).

I knew what I was getting into buying this bag (scratches, patina), so I am posting this with the caveat that I'm mostly wondering:

1. What did I do wrong?
The consensus in these forums seems to be that wiping with a damp cloth is the way to go for stains and such - maybe I rubbed too hard? Maybe it wasn't simply liquid soda but actually a syrup or even something else? Should I have tried dabbing before wiping? Can water leave a mark like this or did I just get unlucky?

3. What should I do next time if I spill?
I am sure there will be a next time, LOL. But now I'm a bit paranoid to wipe it.

3. Is there anything to be done now to these stains, outside of sending to spa to speed along the patina so they blend better? Again, from what I've read in these forums, it seems like the advice for Barenia is to stick to damp, soft cloths for minor stains and let professionals work on conditioning, etc.

4. Can you perhaps reassure me that these kinds of dark marks happen as much as scratches do - and that that's also part of the long-term patina building? (lol this is mostly to make myself feel better 🤪 )

Thank you!!

Sugary drinks can really cause problems if they soak leather when the sugar dries it can crystallize and make the area stiff and prone to cracking and breaking . If you do get a spill you would want to do everything possible to get the sugar off and out of the leather
If the leather is barenia it can handle clear water rinsing without any issues . If it’s vache natural it would not be easy and water will cause more marks .
Microchip fiber cloths are not recommended on leather . Microfiber cloths are abrasive … they can scratch away the finish and or the surface of the leather.
If you have conditioned it well it should help.
I hope this helps?
All the best
Doc

 

[BagLady7411]

Sugary drinks can really cause problems if they soak leather when the sugar dries it can crystallize and make the area stiff and prone to cracking and breaking . If you do get a spill you would want to do everything possible to get the sugar off and out of the leather
If the leather is barenia it can handle clear water rinsing without any issues . If it’s vache natural it would not be easy and water will cause more marks .
Microchip fiber cloths are not recommended on leather . Microfiber cloths are abrasive … they can scratch away the finish and or the surface of the leather.
If you have conditioned it well it should help.
I hope this helps?
All the best
Doc

Eeeek I didn’t know this about the microfiber! And here I thought I was doing a nice gentle thing. I do think I dampened it quickly enough to get the syrup off after it happened, so hopefully I haven’t done lasting damage.

After reading your reply I decided to do a test with a different, soft damp cloth on the bottom of the bag and it was completely fine. Fine enough that I got courageous enough to gently wipe the spots again, and crazily enough they are blending in a bit!

Do you recommend leaving conditioning to the professionals when it comes to Barenia, or is there an at home you like? I had looked at your leather care thread but didnt see any product recommendations, which made me wonder if it’s best to stick to water for minor cleaning and the spa for anything else!

Thanks as always for your help, docride!

 

[zta47]

Hello,
Do you think this issue on box leather can get worse with use? Is there something I can do at home to condition or worth sending to the spa?
Thank you!

 

[annapurse]

Dear Doc, another box leather question: am considering this blue Sac a Depeche, but cannot really judge as to how dry the box is? It looks ok to me though there seem to be some horizontal lines that speak to dryness I believe? Solid or hands off? It will be heavily used!

 

[docride]

Eeeek I didn’t know this about the microfiber! And here I thought I was doing a nice gentle thing. I do think I dampened it quickly enough to get the syrup off after it happened, so hopefully I haven’t done lasting damage.

After reading your reply I decided to do a test with a different, soft damp cloth on the bottom of the bag and it was completely fine. Fine enough that I got courageous enough to gently wipe the spots again, and crazily enough they are blending in a bit!

Do you recommend leaving conditioning to the professionals when it comes to Barenia, or is there an at home you like? I had looked at your leather care thread but didnt see any product recommendations, which made me wonder if it’s best to stick to water for minor cleaning and the spa for anything else!

Thanks as always for your help, docride!

Hi there
Water is good on a damp cloth , conditioning on top of stains or marks will seal them in
I like Lexol PH wipes for quick clean but note most marks and stains are permanent on barenia .
For conditioning I like sapphir for oily greasy leather in neutral ; however conditioning barenia in my opinion is best left to Hermes spa because improper applications of conditioner can leave you with darker areas such as handles and straps and also any worn areas will end up darker usually after conditioning so rather than possibly having a less than optimal result I’d say leave barenia cleaning and conditioning to the pros
I hope that helps ?
All the best
Doc

 

[BagLady7411]

Hi there
Water is good on a damp cloth , conditioning on top of stains or marks will seal them in
I like Lexol PH wipes for quick clean but note most marks and stains are permanent on barenia .
For conditioning I like sapphir for oily greasy leather in neutral ; however conditioning barenia in my opinion is best left to Hermes spa because improper applications of conditioner can leave you with darker areas such as handles and straps and also any worn areas will end up darker usually after conditioning so rather than possibly having a less than optimal result I’d say leave barenia cleaning and conditioning to the pros
I hope that helps ?
All the best
Doc

It helps a lot! Thank you!!

 

[annapurse]

This is a vintage drag bag in navy, but the top looks quite heavily cracked…. Salvageable or not?

 

[Gin&H]

Hi @docride! This is a vintage box I’m considering and I noticed it looked a bit dry…I’m guessing it’s irreversible but wanted to see what your thoughts were and any advice you had!

 

[AbbyN]

Eeeek I didn’t know this about the microfiber! And here I thought I was doing a nice gentle thing. I do think I dampened it quickly enough to get the syrup off after it happened, so hopefully I haven’t done lasting damage.

After reading your reply I decided to do a test with a different, soft damp cloth on the bottom of the bag and it was completely fine. Fine enough that I got courageous enough to gently wipe the spots again, and crazily enough they are blending in a bit!

Do you recommend leaving conditioning to the professionals when it comes to Barenia, or is there an at home you like? I had looked at your leather care thread but didnt see any product recommendations, which made me wonder if it’s best to stick to water for minor cleaning and the spa for anything else!

Thanks as always for your help, docride!

Would you please share what type of soft cloth you used? I'm wanting to start carrying one to have handy in case of a spill and always thought a fine microfiber was safe, so glad to learn it isn't! Thank you!

 

[docride]

Hi @docride! This is a vintage box I’m considering and I noticed it looked a bit dry…I’m guessing it’s irreversible but wanted to see what your thoughts were and any advice you had! View attachment 6135095

Hi there ,
How does it feel to? Is it very stiff ?
If it feels supple and the strap isn’t cracking deeply and the bag really doesn’t have any functionality issues ….
Then I’d condition the bag and then I’d just enjoy the bag .
All the best, doc