Dooney rehab thread

[Catbird9]

Hi ladies. I found this at the thrift store not too long ago. Smelled like cigarettes and feet and was rather disgusting to be honest. I put it away and forgot about it until the other day. So far I dunked/ hand washed it (the water was black, took 3 washes to get the smell out), figured the condition it was in, it couldn't hurt. It's dry now. So my question is this, can I use mink oil on it to give some of the color back and make the leather supple again? Or use leather cpr? Will the cpr help fix the color? Can I use both? Sorry for the gritty picture, took it in the evening while it was drying.

The bag seems to have held up very well to 3 washings!

I've never used mink oil, however from what I've read, it will darken leather, but not necessarily evenly.

Dooney has this on their website:

"Ostrich Collection. Made of embossed cowhide in rich, saturated colors, the bags are finished with Vacchetta leather trim and gold plated logos."
https://www.dooney.com/collections/the-ostrich-collection/?pg=2&start=0&sz=36

"Ostrich Collection
The leather has been treated for water repellency. Each piece is hand-stitched and rubbed with natural dyes and oils for a lustrous, protective finish.

This leather can usually be cleaned with the use of a soft cotton cloth slightly dampened with distilled water (sodium-free seltzer water may be substituted) and a mild bar soap, applied in a circular motion. Repeat with distilled water only to ensure no residual soap remains. The leather should then be allowed to dry completely.

This collection requires no creams, polishes, or leather conditioning products to maintain its beauty."

https://www.dooney.com/care-n-cleaning-leather.html

That being said, I would probably try a little Leather CPR on it, but test it first in a small, inconspicuous area if possible.

Nice thrift store find!

 

[IRuehl]

The bag seems to have held up very well to 3 washings!

I've never used mink oil, however from what I've read, it will darken leather, but not necessarily evenly.

Dooney has this on their website:

"Ostrich Collection. Made of embossed cowhide in rich, saturated colors, the bags are finished with Vacchetta leather trim and gold plated logos."
https://www.dooney.com/collections/the-ostrich-collection/?pg=2&start=0&sz=36

"Ostrich Collection
The leather has been treated for water repellency. Each piece is hand-stitched and rubbed with natural dyes and oils for a lustrous, protective finish.

This leather can usually be cleaned with the use of a soft cotton cloth slightly dampened with distilled water (sodium-free seltzer water may be substituted) and a mild bar soap, applied in a circular motion. Repeat with distilled water only to ensure no residual soap remains. The leather should then be allowed to dry completely.

This collection requires no creams, polishes, or leather conditioning products to maintain its beauty."

https://www.dooney.com/care-n-cleaning-leather.html

That being said, I would probably try a little Leather CPR on it, but test it first in a small, inconspicuous area if possible.

Nice thrift store find!

Thank you! The color is faded and it feels dry and stiff. I think it took some serious use before ending up in the thrift shop. Overall though it isn't too bad

 

[RadhaDB]

Hi ladies. I found this at the thrift store not too long ago. Smelled like cigarettes and feet and was rather disgusting to be honest. I put it away and forgot about it until the other day. So far I dunked/ hand washed it (the water was black, took 3 washes to get the smell out), figured the condition it was in, it couldn't hurt. It's dry now. So my question is this, can I use mink oil on it to give some of the color back and make the leather supple again? Or use leather cpr? Will the cpr help fix the color? Can I use both? Sorry for the gritty picture, took it in the evening while it was drying.

Super fun find! Agree about using a little CPR, at least to start, since it feels dry. I have used mink oil but it did darken my bag a bit and made it a bit shiny, which you may or may not want. Leather CPR will help with dryness.

 

[IRuehl]

Thanks ladies! I went ahead with the mink oil after testing in a hidden part. It gave it it's color, luster and supple texture back! I didn't glob it on, just small amounts rubbed in! Can't believe the difference!

Sorry they are out of order. First pic is when it was drying.
Second two are after 2 light layers of mink oil.
Last picture was after it dried and before oil. It looked good but was crunchy in spots.

 

[RadhaDB]

Thanks ladies! I went ahead with the mink oil after testing in a hidden part. It gave it it's color, luster and supple texture back! I didn't glob it on, just small amounts rubbed in! Can't believe the difference!

Sorry they are out of order. First pic is when it was drying.
Second two are after 2 light layers of mink oil.
Last picture was after it dried and before oil. It looked good but was crunchy in spots.

That makes a big difference- it looks great!

 

[Catbird9]

Thanks ladies! I went ahead with the mink oil after testing in a hidden part. It gave it it's color, luster and supple texture back! I didn't glob it on, just small amounts rubbed in! Can't believe the difference!

Sorry they are out of order. First pic is when it was drying.
Second two are after 2 light layers of mink oil.
Last picture was after it dried and before oil. It looked good but was crunchy in spots.

Great result! I will keep this in mind for future projects. CPR may not be oily enough for some situations.

 

[whateve]

Great result! I will keep this in mind for future projects. CPR may not be oily enough for some situations.

I've used mink oil for very dry bags. It gives similar results as Leather Honey but is less messy.

 

[RadhaDB]

So it looks like I may have picked up a Alto Happy bag(?) in blue for what seemed like a good price. It has some water marks- can anyone tell me about this type of leather? This would be my first non-vintage Dooney.

https://merc.li/rK2ZZDS5b

 

[Catbird9]

So it looks like I may have picked up a Alto Happy bag(?) in blue for what seemed like a good price. It has some water marks- can anyone tell me about this type of leather? This would be my first non-vintage Dooney.

https://merc.li/rK2ZZDS5b

Cute bag, great price!

I've never worked with the Alto leather, but I would first try wiping it down with a solution of white vinegar and water on a soft cloth, then waiting until it's completely dry. If you still see the spots, they may be something other than water. You could try using Leather CPR evenly all over the bag, let dry, and buff. As you use the bag, I suspect the spots will become less noticeable.

https://www.dooney.com/care-n-cleaning-leather.html
"The Alto Collection has not been specifically treated for water repellency. Thus, the leather will temporarily darken when wet, and return to the original tone once completely dry. The waxed surface may assist in staving off some dirt. With continued use, a lovely shine or patina will develop, only enhancing the beauty of this leather. It is also characteristic for lighter colors to darken with use over time, and with exposure to light.

Minor abrasions may be removed or lessened with the use of a very soft cloth and a gentle buffing action.

This collection requires no creams, polishes, or leather conditioning products to maintain its beauty."

 

[lavenderjunkie]

So it looks like I may have picked up a Alto Happy bag(?) in blue for what seemed like a good price. It has some water marks- can anyone tell me about this type of leather? This would be my first non-vintage Dooney.

https://merc.li/rK2ZZDS5b

Congratulations on your new Alto handbag. Alto leather is thick and structured, with a smooth, matte, very fine grain finish. It will show marks and scratches, as that is the nature of this type of leather.... think saddlery or high end briefcases or wallets.

I've never treated, conditioned, or tried to clean Alto leather. Any type of liquid or cleaner or cream/oil will be absorbed into the leather, so be very careful and test in a small hidden spot first.

Enjoy your new find.... that is a great price and I love the color too.

 

[DooneyBear]

I just received this Dooney and it is in pretty rough shape. Any advice for fixing up the piping, worn spots on the front, or stains on the duck tag? I am wary of using shoe polish that will rub off. I have seen Leather CPR and Bick 4 recommended, but not sure which is better. I know AWL isn’t supposed to be conditioned, but thought that might help with the rough spots.

 

[DooneyBear]

Double post

 

[Catbird9]

I just received this Dooney and it is in pretty rough shape. Any advice for fixing up the piping, worn spots on the front, or stains on the duck tag? I am wary of using shoe polish that will rub off. I have seen Leather CPR and Bick 4 recommended, but not sure which is better. I know AWL isn’t supposed to be conditioned, but thought that might help with the rough spots.

View attachment 4725324 View attachment 4725325

I wouldn't use any shoe polish on it.

I would take a soft cloth lightly moistened with water and wipe down the outside of the bag to remove surface dust/soil/marks. Let that dry.

Then I'd do a light coat of Leather CPR. It's a cleaner and conditioner. Use sparingly and avoid letting it build up in the creases. Wipe off any excess.

When that's dry, I'd do a light coat of Blackrock Leather n Rich, paying special attention to the edge trim and piping. This should help with the superficial scuffs and scratches.

I haven't been very successful trying to fix stains and scuffs on the duck emblem.

 

[DooneyBear]

I wouldn't use any shoe polish on it.

I would take a soft cloth lightly moistened with water and wipe down the outside of the bag to remove surface dust/soil/marks. Let that dry.

Then I'd do a light coat of Leather CPR. It's a cleaner and conditioner. Use sparingly and avoid letting it build up in the creases. Wipe off any excess.

When that's dry, I'd do a light coat of Blackrock Leather n Rich, paying special attention to the edge trim and piping. This should help with the superficial scuffs and scratches.

I haven't been very successful trying to fix stains and scuffs on the duck emblem.

I was thinking to just condition the noticeably worn spots and piping, to minimize the effect on the AWL. Would that not blend well? Would you do the whole thing?

 

[whateve]

I was thinking to just condition the noticeably worn spots and piping, to minimize the effect on the AWL. Would that not blend well? Would you do the whole thing?

I used Blackrocks on my AWL all the time. Whatever water resistance you might lose from conditioning the AWL you get back from the Blackrocks.

ETA: You might be able to add some color to cover the stains on the AWL. I haven't been very successful on the smooth leather. I've used craft paint mixed with condtioner. Someone suggested this stuff: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00URKNIHU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It matched my bag pretty well but I had trouble keeping it off the trim and decided it didn't need it.