Hermes Vintage Bag Nightmares & Hermes Leather Care

[docride]

Thanks, Doc can you recommend a suede cleaner that would be safe to use on orange doblis?
And which brush do you recommend to use in general for doblis?
If it doesn't help, is there a way it would be safe to dye suede around corners?

Your edges might be oil or grease or wear which would all require different approaches. You wont want to try dying the edges with a light color if they are darker that will be a dang mess and you'll end up very unhappy ... I might say seeing how you maybe getting in over your head to ask Hermes if this is anything they can fix for you. I suspect they will say no. But its worth asking.
You can clean the suede with Luxury Again Cleansing Wipes and a suede brush or Other suede cleaners ( Fiebings, Argus, Meltonian) and a suede brush
If you are unhappy with the color you can go darker over all with a suede dye by Argus but you will lose something special if you chose that route, the lovely hand feel will be altered and it will no longer be an original... Can you live with this? Would you like to try the tape trick and see if you get some improvement? Take some clear wide packing tape put it on the edges and the peel it off, it can lift off some dirt and bring up the nap in many cases. How about trying that? then see if that's enough... you can try buffing with some suede sanding block or pumice stone like a professional would use but I would take great care as you would need some skills and experience not to get in to deep trouble and ruin your bag with novice vigor.


All the best, doc

 

[docride]

Hi there Doc! I've been amazed at all the knowledge you have and been trying to use the standard recommended moisturizing treatment with Blackrock! I just treated a new to me box Kelly and noticed where the leather bends when you open it up there looks like some minute creasing/straining... I tried to capture it in the photo. After 2 treatments, maybe it's still dry? I figured before going further that I should ask for some advice though! Should I do another round of Blackrock or any other wisdom for me? Thanks so much!!!

While many are still using Blackrock I actually prefer Luxury Again Products, specifically in this case the Luxury Again Restoring kit for Vintage Box Calf Bags which has special cleansers, crack stabilizer, two types off deep conditioners, and proper polish and buffing clothhs .
In this case you have cracking wrinkling finish the finish is a layer of colored or clear coating which is like an over spray which is applied at the tannery ... as the leather is cold and or dries below the finish ... the leather contracts or shrinks but the finish which can not contract and expand like leather does either bunches up like ripples or small ridges.... then when the leather is warmed and or conditioned it expands when they has happened in one or both directions you can get imperfections in the finish either ripples or small cracks or both. So while conditioning can help get the leather to expand and relax to some degree the finish rippled or cracked looking may only improve by a small amount if at all... so rather than doing more blackrock id say do a deeper conditioner after a deep cleaning.Looks like you already have too much blackrock on there as is and it's going to start building up and getting to be a sticky mess....


I hope this helps?
All the best doc

 

[docride]

Hi DocRide! How are you doing? I'm thinking of taking the plunge into Box. This looks like it could clean up well. What do you think? Or does it look dry?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/141719154651?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

THanks much!

Hi I think it looks dry yes but also stained and tired ... some tlc can help a lot but I wonder if this will be something youll really want to carry if the improvements after a clean up and detailing wont be significant ?


Personally I like a Plume bag... And this a nice project...

This bag may need a young, artsy or bohemian sort or girl to carry it off with style .... where as for some others.. it may end up making us look less looking less than chic and more shall I say frumpy ?


All the best, doc

 

[Mulan16]

While many are still using Blackrock I actually prefer Luxury Again Products, specifically in this case the Luxury Again Restoring kit for Vintage Box Calf Bags which has special cleansers, crack stabilizer, two types off deep conditioners, and proper polish and buffing clothhs .
In this case you have cracking wrinkling finish the finish is a layer of colored or clear coating which is like an over spray which is applied at the tannery ... as the leather is cold and or dries below the finish ... the leather contracts or shrinks but the finish which can not contract and expand like leather does either bunches up like ripples or small ridges.... then when the leather is warmed and or conditioned it expands when they has happened in one or both directions you can get imperfections in the finish either ripples or small cracks or both. So while conditioning can help get the leather to expand and relax to some degree the finish rippled or cracked looking may only improve by a small amount if at all... so rather than doing more blackrock id say do a deeper conditioner after a deep cleaning.Looks like you already have too much blackrock on there as is and it's going to start building up and getting to be a sticky mess....


I hope this helps?
All the best doc

Yes, thank you! I placed an order so I'll try my best to follow your prescription as best as I can!!

 

[ladysarah]

Hi Lady Sarah,
The main thing is what's on your hands the heat of your hands opens the leather pores up and drive oils, salts, lotions and dirt into the leather... So if you have normally nervous hands meaning they get a bit damp or you live in a hot climate and your hands perspire then you should take care with your handles by wearing glove or applying a bit of talc to your hands during the days when you carry this bag. Additionally
you can use Luxury Again Weather & Stain Shield Kit that should help... but you may wish to repeat it in a few months to keep on top of things. I hope that helps
All the best,doc

Your expertise is very much appreciated. Ordering this : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Docrides-...t-4-Your-Luxury-Handbags-Birkin-/151584128748 to use on my existing plume which is gold. I thinki will bite the bullet and buy the new pale colour - with your advice I feel more confident about keeping it in good shape. I live in London and in the winter we mostly wear gloves anyway.

 

[docride]

Your expertise is very much appreciated. Ordering this : http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Docrides-...t-4-Your-Luxury-Handbags-Birkin-/151584128748 to use on my existing plume which is gold. I thinki will bite the bullet and buy the new pale colour - with your advice I feel more confident about keeping it in good shape. I live in London and in the winter we mostly wear gloves anyway.

I think you'll find this bag will suit you and even the weather. Let me know how it goes
All the best,doc

 

[Taro]

Hi docride,

I've been following this thread silently for quite some time and recently have obtained a new (preowned) bbk 28 retourne. I tried to do a quick search on my small dilemma and couldn't find anything specific to the H forum, so I figure I should try here. I apologize if this is a repeat question.

Although the bag was already in very good condition, I had it refurbished at H spa and it came back looking even more beautiful (all corners retouched, scratches much diminished, and SA commented that it looked brand new)! However, there is a moderate perfume smell which is not unpleasant from the previous owner. I've tried to air out the bag for the past month but am wondering if there is a better/more efficient way to try and eliminate the smell since it has diminished but has not disappeared completely. I don't want to use anything which would damage the inner leather of the purse so I appreciate your expertise regarding this matter.

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

[Erika4406]

You don't want most any of those products for your courchevel you can use lexol ph wipes if you like I prefer a Luxury Again Spa kit it will have everything all premeasured and simple step by step instructions easy peasey and no guess work needed...
you want to have the old resin which is almost like a leather paint on white bags removed and new put on... basically the thick edging is cracked its not going to be healed or fixed with anything you put on it... Take it to H and they can put new resin on. Or send it to a professional to do it for you.
All the best,doc

Thank you so much for all your help!

 

[docride]

Hi docride,

I've been following this thread silently for quite some time and recently have obtained a new (preowned) bbk 28 retourne. I tried to do a quick search on my small dilemma and couldn't find anything specific to the H forum, so I figure I should try here. I apologize if this is a repeat question.

Although the bag was already in very good condition, I had it refurbished at H spa and it came back looking even more beautiful (all corners retouched, scratches much diminished, and SA commented that it looked brand new)! However, there is a moderate perfume smell which is not unpleasant from the previous owner. I've tried to air out the bag for the past month but am wondering if there is a better/more efficient way to try and eliminate the smell since it has diminished but has not disappeared completely. I don't want to use anything which would damage the inner leather of the purse so I appreciate your expertise regarding this matter.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Hello, perfume can be very difficult to get out of leather ... ive been experimenting and Activated Charcoal and Luxury Again Odor Out Sachets work better than Ozone treatments Luxury Again is releasing a kit for ridding leather bags of perfume scent next month
In the mean time you can try Activated charcoal and Baking soda in sachets placed inside your bag. This will not harm the leather.
And there are some other methods you can try as well do take care and I would probably avoid the white vinegar trick ...but the newspaper trick might be promising.


http://www.wikihow.com/Remove-Smell-from-an-Old-Leather-Bag

Good luck, doc

 

[fashionatic]

I am so sorry to bother you again, Doc. I tried a few things you suggested carefully but didnt do much. I wanted to ask if you have any experience with dying Hermes Doblis /suede bags? I was thinking to do it black if it gets more dirty with more use.
Do you think it would look fine if done professionally? Will the texture look/feel very strange? I cant seem to find any posts on here with pics of doblis getting dyed.
Thanks so much again

 

[docride]

I am so sorry to bother you again, Doc. I tried a few things you suggested carefully but didnt do much. I wanted to ask if you have any experience with dying Hermes Doblis /suede bags? I was thinking to do it black if it gets more dirty with more use.
Do you think it would look fine if done professionally? Will the texture look/feel very strange? I cant seem to find any posts on here with pics of doblis getting dyed.
Thanks so much again

Hello again. Yes texture if dyed (even if done professionally) will be altered as mentioned earlier.
Its a lovely bag.
I agree with you IMO the bag is not so bad at this point to warrant dying it.
I say dye is an option for only the most stained and otherwise ruined bags so that with dye they can be used and loved again rather than trashed.
All the best,doc

 

[klynneann]

Hi docride,

I've been following this thread silently for quite some time and recently have obtained a new (preowned) bbk 28 retourne. I tried to do a quick search on my small dilemma and couldn't find anything specific to the H forum, so I figure I should try here. I apologize if this is a repeat question.

Although the bag was already in very good condition, I had it refurbished at H spa and it came back looking even more beautiful (all corners retouched, scratches much diminished, and SA commented that it looked brand new)! However, there is a moderate perfume smell which is not unpleasant from the previous owner. I've tried to air out the bag for the past month but am wondering if there is a better/more efficient way to try and eliminate the smell since it has diminished but has not disappeared completely. I don't want to use anything which would damage the inner leather of the purse so I appreciate your expertise regarding this matter.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Hi Taro - tried to PM you but your box is full!

 

[Taro]

Hi Taro - tried to PM you but your box is full!

hi klynneann, so sorry about that, please try now! Thanks for reaching out!!

 

[Mulan16]

Hi Doc!

I was hoping to get your expert opinion on a bag that I'm thinking of buying that has been pretty well used. It is a well used vintage bag and am hoping with the help of the box leather restoration kit I can breath some good life back into it, but I'm not sure I'm being realistic or if even a trip to the spa is worth it given the degree of flaws. It is box leather so there is a part of me that thinks that means that it's possible? Here's the link with pics or I can try to save and upload them if preferred.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Hermes-vintage-Constance-black-hand-bag-GENUINE-/252043225182?nav=WATCHING_ACTIVE

 

[Mulan16]

Hi Doc!

I was hoping to get your expert opinion on a bag that I'm thinking of buying that has been pretty well used. It is a well used vintage bag and am hoping with the help of the box leather restoration kit I can breath some good life back into it, but I'm not sure I'm being realistic or if even a trip to the spa is worth it given the degree of flaws. It is box leather so there is a part of me that thinks that means that it's possible? Here's the link with pics or I can try to save and upload them if preferred.

http://m.ebay.com/itm/Hermes-vintage-Constance-black-hand-bag-GENUINE-/252043225182?nav=WATCHING_ACTIVE

Oops I think the link was broken - will retry!

http://m.ebay.com/itm/252043225182