Hello Doc! I am hoping that you can advise me so that I can make a final decision on a purchase. I currently have a Plume Elan 28 on layaway, and have till May 7th to make a decision if I should complete the purchase. The bag is listed at $500 the seller states that the bag is Swift and has been painted or re-dyed, I believe that it has been painted. It is a beautiful pink color, but if you look very closely you can see the slight ghosting of a stain on one side, other than that the bag is in wonderful condition. Is it fiesable to have the bag stripped and re-dyed a darker color, (just the exterior, as I would like to retain the light interior) if so do you have any idea what something like that may end up costing (ballpark). Or would you recommend that I walk away from this purchase? I appreciate your time and advice!
Docride's Hermes vintage bag nightmares & Hermes leather care
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Hi docride, I know that b&o is not longer recommended for box calf but I had used it in the past with ok results. Recently tried it again but put a little too much O and the layers dried with dirt trapped. Rubbing at it seem to be either taking off some of the color along with the excess wax or not working at all 
Is there any way to remove the excess now that it's dried? And for surface color loss, would Hermes spa help? Would greatly appreciate your advice.
Is there any way to remove the excess now that it's dried? And for surface color loss, would Hermes spa help? Would greatly appreciate your advice.
Hi Doc! Couple of questions for you.
I have on hand for ER only Meltonian All purpose Cleaner & Conditioner (white bottle). I use this with my lighter colored bags ( Rose Sakuara clearance, Blue Atoll togo, Craie togo) only when I get color transfer or dirt on the bag. I will use this on my mid-tone togo bags as well (gold, potiron, tosca) if there is a dirty spot or color transfer. I do not need to use this on any of my bags very often, maybe a few times a year. The Meltonian All purpose Cleaner & Conditioner has worked well for me, however it show unavailable on melatonin's website. So I assuming it has been discontinued (?). A lot of good things have been said about Lexol PH quick wipes.
1. What is the difference between Meltonian All purpose Cleaner & Conditioner and Lexol PH wipes?
2. If I keep a few wipes (in a ziplock) in my bag for emergency's will they dry out?
Thanks!!!!
I have on hand for ER only Meltonian All purpose Cleaner & Conditioner (white bottle). I use this with my lighter colored bags ( Rose Sakuara clearance, Blue Atoll togo, Craie togo) only when I get color transfer or dirt on the bag. I will use this on my mid-tone togo bags as well (gold, potiron, tosca) if there is a dirty spot or color transfer. I do not need to use this on any of my bags very often, maybe a few times a year. The Meltonian All purpose Cleaner & Conditioner has worked well for me, however it show unavailable on melatonin's website. So I assuming it has been discontinued (?). A lot of good things have been said about Lexol PH quick wipes.
1. What is the difference between Meltonian All purpose Cleaner & Conditioner and Lexol PH wipes?
2. If I keep a few wipes (in a ziplock) in my bag for emergency's will they dry out?
Thanks!!!!
Hi there
I think it's not cost effective to buy this bag and try and strip it and redye
The bag is gulliver or swift the paint will be deep into the pores so simple striping is not usually successful
I personally would pass or have the bag as is and maybe Doctor up the stain
Do keep in mind most places will just spray paint the bag with a color on top and then you'd have several layers of paint which may leave it plastic feeling and a cost of anywhere from 375 to 450 ? Guessing
Why not wait for a bag you want which isn't going to be such a project
Just saying
Good luck
Doc
Hello
Yes it's been discontinued
Lexol ph wipes are different entirely from meltonian all purpose I can't get into the chemical differences because I do t know the ingredients sorry
If the lexol ph wipes kept in a zip lock will dry out? Don't have that answer I suppose it would depend upon the quality of the bag and the length of time the wipe is kept in the bag
There are wonderful products out there already in handy single wipe packages
Google and see
Good luck
Doc
Hi docride, I know that b&o is not longer recommended for box calf but I had used it in the past with ok results. Recently tried it again but put a little too much O and the layers dried with dirt trapped. Rubbing at it seem to be either taking off some of the color along with the excess wax or not working at all
Hi there,
I would take it to a professional at this point sounds like you are getting into trouble
A good cleanser should help
But over rubbing is getting you in trouble
I think it's best to stop now and ask for a pro to step in
Colorloss also can be handled by a professional
Unless you are very handy.
Good luck
Doc
Oh dear
Any idea what those stains are? I'm sorry but that's not a DIY project it might be difficult to get a good result from a professor al even
Be ware of professionals who would just spray color over it you will lose the wonderful hand feel
I'm sorry again please take it to a trusted professional
Or Hermes
Hang in there
Doc
Hi there
Generally water blisters or marks on certain leathers are there to stay once gotten
There are folks who would recommend novel approaches however I won't as I think it can get you into more trouble
They look pretty minor
Maybe just weather protect your bag to prevent it from happening again
And just let it be part of its unique patina
Good luck
Doc
Hi Doc! 
I'm working on a 30-year-old VN Kelly and have a question. She arrived having lived a full life already, which is great-- I wanted a rugged patinaed look!-- but she definitely wanted some nourishment. She is already looking greatly refreshed after two ultra-thin coats of Hermes saddle baume (see the before and after below); her color hasn't changed, she just has a gorgeous glow, her scratches are blended, and the muck on her clochette has lifted off. I'd like her to be able to handle a little rain without fear-- is it okay still to Obenauf her? (I know your recommendations have changed a little, but I have a big jar of the stuff on hand). And if so, should I follow the Obenaufs with another layer of the Baume, or would Baume undo the waterproofing?
I'm working on a 30-year-old VN Kelly and have a question. She arrived having lived a full life already, which is great-- I wanted a rugged patinaed look!-- but she definitely wanted some nourishment. She is already looking greatly refreshed after two ultra-thin coats of Hermes saddle baume (see the before and after below); her color hasn't changed, she just has a gorgeous glow, her scratches are blended, and the muck on her clochette has lifted off. I'd like her to be able to handle a little rain without fear-- is it okay still to Obenauf her? (I know your recommendations have changed a little, but I have a big jar of the stuff on hand). And if so, should I follow the Obenaufs with another layer of the Baume, or would Baume undo the waterproofing? 
Oh, Calexandre!! What a beautiful bag! I think I was looking at that bag. You did a wonderful job. Enjoy the bag. Congratulations!!
Thank you for the sweet compliment and congrats-- all the more gracious of you since you were looking at the same bag. If I see similar specs come up at a good price, I'll be sure to send you a message!
Thank you, I was not looking to buy. All yours!! I was just looking because it is so beautiful! Smaller Kellys have worked better for me so far. And I have another Vache bag so really, unfortunately, I could not find a sane reason to bid on this bag other than that I find it gorgeous. So I am so glad you are taking care of it. Cheers.
Hi Doc!
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Hey there ,
Wow fun bag Obenaufs is fine on that leather in small doses
Key is not rushing how much and how often your using products otherwise you end up with layers of hoop sitting on top
Looks good though
Congrats!
Doc
I'm really trying like heck to stop folks from using those two products indiscriminately
And ending up in a disaster
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