Hermes Vintage Bag Nightmares & Hermes Leather Care

[laurathepenguin]

Dearest Docride,

Thanks a million for your very prompt reply.

I am having lots of trouble posting my pics, not sure why.

I think you are probably right. I have used too much Blackrocks too frequently, that's why the sides are so soft and floppy and wrinkled stupid, stupid me.

Is there anything else I can do to salvage it ? I have already stuffed it and laid it on it's back but the creases look too deep and permanent.

Can I use Lexol PH wipes to clean off the excess conditioner and then varnish it ? But I am scared of varnishing my Birkin !!

 

[docride]

Dearest Docride,

Thanks a million for your very prompt reply.

I am having lots of trouble posting my pics, not sure why.

I think you are probably right. I have used too much Blackrocks too frequently, that's why the sides are so soft and floppy and wrinkled stupid, stupid me.

Is there anything else I can do to salvage it ? I have already stuffed it and laid it on it's back but the creases look too deep and permanent.

Can I use Lexol PH wipes to clean off the excess conditioner and then varnish it ? But I am scared of varnishing my Birkin !!

Varnish? I am not sure I understand..do you mean polish?
Removing excess oils is no easy task,I would either live with it and allow it to ease up over time (ie Stop conditioning) or you can go to a professional..a very good and trusted one. Courchevel shouldn't have needed much conditioning in anycase, just a light one would have sufficed if the bag was quite dry. Lexol PH wipes will not remove the excess conditioners. I wish I could help you further but I think you may get in to more trouble in trying to correct this that you have right now.... Post a photo when you can..OK? Maybe there is something else I can add regarding your problem.
Oh the lighter side, bags will wrinkle over time and with use,they are supposed to be used and get to do the job they were made to do for you..which is to carry your belongings...

 

[docride]

Ok will do, Thanks Doc!

I'm in Europe and will be ordering: Obenauf's and Blackrock.
Will one of each at 4oz will do or will I need more? its a brand new box. TIA again!

If keeping your handles looking lighter in color is something you want and also to avoid water spaots then Meltonian All Purpose Cleaner & Conditioner would be a better option for your vachetta leather trim. BlackRocks and Obenauf's will deepen the leather's tone which you may not like. Additionally, do NOT use the leather products on your monogram canvas (I knpow this should be a given but people do end up doing more damage than good when over zealous in their projects).

 

[Hed Kandi]

Hello Doc, my bad... Apologies.

Need to clarify, i plan to sue Obeneauf's and Blackrock on a new 35 Birkin in Box. So was wondering how much should one order (as I am in Europe) of each product.
Will one of each at 4oz will do or will I need more?

If keeping your handles looking lighter in color is something you want and also to avoid water spaots then Meltonian All Purpose Cleaner & Conditioner would be a better option for your vachetta leather trim. BlackRocks and Obenauf's will deepen the leather's tone which you may not like. Additionally, do NOT use the leather products on your monogram canvas (I knpow this should be a given but people do end up doing more damage than good when over zealous in their projects).

 

[docride]

Hello Doc, my bad... Apologies.

Need to clarify, i plan to sue Obeneauf's and Blackrock on a new 35 Birkin in Box. So was wondering how much should one order (as I am in Europe) of each product.
Will one of each at 4oz will do or will I need more?

One of each will last you a very long time...
You do not need to use much.

 

[laurathepenguin]

Varnish? I am not sure I understand..do you mean polish?
Removing excess oils is no easy task,I would either live with it and allow it to ease up over time (ie Stop conditioning) or you can go to a professional..a very good and trusted one. Courchevel shouldn't have needed much conditioning in anycase, just a light one would have sufficed if the bag was quite dry. Lexol PH wipes will not remove the excess conditioners. I wish I could help you further but I think you may get in to more trouble in trying to correct this that you have right now.... Post a photo when you can..OK? Maybe there is something else I can add regarding your problem.
Oh the lighter side, bags will wrinkle over time and with use,they are supposed to be used and get to do the job they were made to do for you..which is to carry your belongings...

Hi Docride,

The leather is Coromandel Chevre, not Courchevel. Are they the same ?

Last night I got so worried that Hubby and I got up in the middle of the night and we wiped off as much of the conditioner ( bag was actually sticky with Blackrocks!!!) as possible with Johnson Baby Wipes. Now, I am wondering ? Have I caused more disaster ?

I read in some old posts of yours to polish it or varnish it; that's why I asked you. So you suggest not to polish my Coromandel ? Will the a Hermes spa polish the leather ? I just prefer slightly firmer sides than the present floppy soft state; after all this bag is only 4 years old.

By the way, what is the optimal conditioning frequency , twice a year ?. I have lowered the humidity in the cabinet to 45-50 degrees. Is this humiditynok for Coromandel and Box Calf ? I live in hot, humid, sunny Singapore

Thanks so very much again, you have given me some comfort ! Really....

 

[docride]

Hi Docride,

The leather is Coromandel Chevre, not Courchevel. Are they the same ?

Last night I got so worried that Hubby and I got up in the middle of the night and we wiped off as much of the conditioner ( bag was actually sticky with Blackrocks!!!) as possible with Johnson Baby Wipes. Now, I am wondering ? Have I caused more disaster ?

I read in some old posts of yours to polish it or varnish it; that's why I asked you. So you suggest not to polish my Coromandel ? Will the a Hermes spa polish the leather ? I just prefer slightly firmer sides than the present floppy soft state; after all this bag is only 4 years old.

By the way, what is the optimal conditioning frequency , twice a year ?. I have lowered the humidity in the cabinet to 45-50 degrees. Is this humiditynok for Coromandel and Box Calf ? I live in hot, humid, sunny Singapore

Thanks so very much again, you have given me some comfort ! Really....

Oh I see now, it's chevre, this leather really should not require Blackrocks unless very very dry... additionally Blackrock should only be used sparingly and te excess wiped off immediately.... But it sounds like you saturated the leather and actually had excess seeping out... now that you have remove the excess how is your bag doing?
Polishing can be done on chevre ,however I would prefer you do not use a polish over the heavy Blackrocks as you will be sealing it into the leather... wait,on polish at this point. What color are you dealing with?

 

[laurathepenguin]

Oh I see now, it's chevre, this leather really should not require Blackrocks unless very very dry... additionally Blackrock should only be used sparingly and te excess wiped off immediately.... But it sounds like you saturated the leather and actually had excess seeping out... now that you have remove the excess how is your bag doing?
Polishing can be done on chevre ,however I would prefer you do not use a polish over the heavy Blackrocks as you will be sealing it into the leather... wait,on polish at this point. What color are you dealing with?

Dear, dear Docride,

So what do you suggest I do now to try to stiffen the sides of the bag ? I have more or less accepted all the creases and wrinkles caused by me ( sigh). Polish ? The color is Caramel.

My other worry is the Johnson baby wipes that I used to clean off the excess Blackrocks. Will these wipes damage the bag further ?

So I just give up and send the bag tonthe spa ? But you said the spa can't help the wrinkles and creases but at least can they stiffen the sides somewhat ?

Sorry, I'm still having trouble posting the pics. In fact I'm using my iPad to write this as my computer doesn't even seem to support tpf !

Thanks for everything Doc !

 

[laurathepenguin]

Oh I see now, it's chevre, this leather really should not require Blackrocks unless very very dry... additionally Blackrock should only be used sparingly and te excess wiped off immediately.... But it sounds like you saturated the leather and actually had excess seeping out... now that you have remove the excess how is your bag doing?
Polishing can be done on chevre ,however I would prefer you do not use a polish over the heavy Blackrocks as you will be sealing it into the leather... wait,on polish at this point. What color are you dealing with?

I have removed the excess conditioner but the sides are still floppy and the creases and wrinkles are still there !!

Stupid , foolish, idiotic, moronic me !!

 

[Hed Kandi]

One of each will last you a very long time...
You do not need to use much.

Thanks Doc!

 

[pamella]

Dear Doc,

I just bought this KD bracelet and have never seen this type of leather. It
looks like grained leather, but feels like suede. I researched your thread and
saw you describe Eversoft leather and was wondering if this is what I have.

Many thanks for all you do for our forum!

 

[docride]

Dear Doc,

I just bought this KD bracelet and have never seen this type of leather. It
looks like grained leather, but feels like suede. I researched your thread and
saw you describe Eversoft leather and was wondering if this is what I have.

Many thanks for all you do for our forum!

From here it looks similar to Doblis or Eversoft leather which BTW is not a split* (*the bottom of part or flesh side of a hide that has been skived or split ) like regular suede. It appears to be the top or hair side of a hide which is normally the smooth side but it has been burnished to give a velvety hand feel similar to suede. It might be eversoft or some newly named leather type made in a similar way.

 

[pamella]

From here it looks similar to Doblis or Eversoft leather which BTW is not a split* (*the bottom of part or flesh side of a hide that has been skived or split ) like regular suede. It appears to be the top or hair side of a hide which is normally the smooth side but it has been burnished to give a velvety hand feel similar to suede. It might be eversoft or some newly named leather type made in a similar way.

Thank you so much, Doc! It is so wonderful to have the benefit of your
leather knowledge. I am thinking since it is from 2006, it must be the
Eversoft.

 

[debwonger]

I pm'd Doc regarding caring for Barenia and darkened handles, she has provided a comprehensive answer as to which products to use, when, and what for.

Doc, I've omitted my somewhat incorrect steps and assumptions so as not to confuse anyone. Your response is much simpler!

Thank you!!


Originally Posted by docride

Hello,
I would use the Meltonian Color Preparer on the handles to remove excess oils. a small amount on a cotton ball. can be repeated if needed.
I would use Hermes saddle baume if the bag is dry only..it will deepen the color and make the bag more floppy...
I would Not use Obenauf or Blackrock on barenia..(some folks do I do not) nor would I encourage serious water proofing..this is an oil tanned leather which even when it gets water marks on it they should dry clear.
Cleaning can be accomplished with lexol PH and clean water.
Meltonian all purpose can be used for cleaning and helping to prevent water marks that might not fade easily, additionaly meltonian all purpose can when applied about 3 times give you some water protection without changing the color.


Originally Posted by debwonger

Hi Doc,

I've been combing your H leather care thread trying to gather and summarize your pointers on Barenia in general and darkened handles. I'm the proud new owner of a 12 yr old Barenia Birkin. It's in great shape, I don't really need to do anything to it right now, but the handles are just slightly darker than the body - and more shiny - so this is more about prevention!

My goal is to keep the bag as even in color as possible, with a preference towards trying to lighten the handles just a bit and leveraging twillies, but I'm also considering applying conditioners/baume overall (more so to protect the bag) and in doing so, getting the color to even out by darkening the bag slightly. I'd also like to use the most conservative and fewest products to get the job done, since I'll have this bag a long time and would rather be lighthanded with product.

 

[magdalinka]

Dear Doc,
I recently got a Vintage Chanel Lizard Camera bag and I feel like it needs some TLC. The leather feels a bit dry and some wear on the piping. I have read your recommendations for the vintage lambskin Chanels. Do they apply to the exotic Lizard?
Thank you so much for the great advise you are providing and helping our vintage finds shine