**Obligatory disclaimer...I'm in no way suggesting anyone should do this. I know everyone has a different comfort level when it comes to protecting their bags. I'm just sharing my experience in case anyone is interested**
Hi Ladies,
Before purchasing my galliera I read several posts trying to determine if applying any sort of leather protector would be beneficial. I never treated my mono speedy with anything but I was really nervous about the galliera. I decided to go with the LMB LV kit to treat the vachetta after PMing a member and asking a couple questions. The kit comes with a cleanser and vachetta protector which the owner says is the same as For Handles Only (FHO). I didn't use the cleanser since the bag is brand new but will use it to clean all my LV's as required.
Now for the FHO or vachetta protector. I tested a small area on the back of the handle to see if it would work. It did darken the vachetta initially but dried perfectly. I applied a thin coat of FHO over all the vachetta, used a hairdryer on med heat for a few mins to start the drying process and then let it dry for a few hours. Once completely dry, I applied another coat and repeated the hairdryer, etc. Once dry I buffed the vachetta with the little white cloth that came with the kit.
The bag is perfect and there are no signs that I applied anything to it. I included a before and after picture because I never saw any pictures in the threads I researched and I thought it would be good to actually show that there were no changes to the bag.
before
after
I also used scotchguard for the lining. It's so light and I wanted a little extra protection against anything that could go wrong. I bought the scotchguard for fabrics. Tested a small area inside the snap pocket first to see if it would work. Everything turned out fine so I lightly sprayed the entire inside and let it dry overnight. I sprayed another light coat the next morning and the lining is perfect. No changes to the color or feel of the lining. These pictures are harder to see but there was absolutely no change to the lining after spraying two coats.
before
after
These are the products I used
Hi Ladies,
Before purchasing my galliera I read several posts trying to determine if applying any sort of leather protector would be beneficial. I never treated my mono speedy with anything but I was really nervous about the galliera. I decided to go with the LMB LV kit to treat the vachetta after PMing a member and asking a couple questions. The kit comes with a cleanser and vachetta protector which the owner says is the same as For Handles Only (FHO). I didn't use the cleanser since the bag is brand new but will use it to clean all my LV's as required.
Now for the FHO or vachetta protector. I tested a small area on the back of the handle to see if it would work. It did darken the vachetta initially but dried perfectly. I applied a thin coat of FHO over all the vachetta, used a hairdryer on med heat for a few mins to start the drying process and then let it dry for a few hours. Once completely dry, I applied another coat and repeated the hairdryer, etc. Once dry I buffed the vachetta with the little white cloth that came with the kit.
The bag is perfect and there are no signs that I applied anything to it. I included a before and after picture because I never saw any pictures in the threads I researched and I thought it would be good to actually show that there were no changes to the bag.
before
after
I also used scotchguard for the lining. It's so light and I wanted a little extra protection against anything that could go wrong. I bought the scotchguard for fabrics. Tested a small area inside the snap pocket first to see if it would work. Everything turned out fine so I lightly sprayed the entire inside and let it dry overnight. I sprayed another light coat the next morning and the lining is perfect. No changes to the color or feel of the lining. These pictures are harder to see but there was absolutely no change to the lining after spraying two coats.
before
after
These are the products I used
It was nice to bounce it off you before taking the plunge. I was so nervous but knew I wouldn't feel comfortable unless I did something to protect it. LMB is awesome and the bag is still looking great even after getting caught in the rain yesterday. So glad I did it so now I can just enjoy the bag. Thanks again.
totally agree with kathrynch. I still try to avoid rain but got caught in a shower yesterday. I covered the bag with my jacket but got a couple tiny water spots on it. I didn't mess with it and an hour or so later it dried and I can't tell they were there. Don't know if that would be the case if it got completely soaked though. The product does say to treat regularly though. I think monthly or every other month. I'm not sure but I know it's not intended to be a one time thing.