My Nearly Vintage Court bag rehab, before...
- Thread starter jane
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I had both of my older (eg made in NYC) basic bags hanging in the same room as a large air-filter-machine while they dried. (Sounds very similar to your system ... same room; similar air circulation; but not high speed air flow right onto the bag.)
Both were dry when they started. Both came through the drying fine. Both took about two to three days to dry properly. Both took about four conditioning treatments (but both were pretty dry due to age to begin with). Both are absolutely wonderful now.
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In progress: This is over 48 hours after the bath. I just applied the second coat of Apple Care. I believe I will do two more before I consider it ready to wear, and by then my replacement strap should have arrived.
I feel like the leather is starting to come back to life. Feels a little more supple, though it may dry out again once the lotion has been sucked up, which is why I will do two more coats. It has numerous scuffs on the front, which I won't be able to get rid of, but the conditioning should hide them a bit at least I hope.
I feel like the leather is starting to come back to life. Feels a little more supple, though it may dry out again once the lotion has been sucked up, which is why I will do two more coats. It has numerous scuffs on the front, which I won't be able to get rid of, but the conditioning should hide them a bit at least I hope.
Nice work! It looks a lot better already 
If it's heavily scuffed, you may want to try a richer conditoner on it. Some like to use Lexol, and Katev just did a great post where she used something called Leather CPR (I've never used it, but it did wonders on her Tribeca clutch!)
If it's heavily scuffed, you may want to try a richer conditoner on it. Some like to use Lexol, and Katev just did a great post where she used something called Leather CPR (I've never used it, but it did wonders on her Tribeca clutch!)
It's looking great! Bebepurse recommends a leather conditioner called Blackrocks. I haven't tried it yet but they might have some your local tack store. Here's her advice about one of my rehabs:
"I would suggest trying coat using Blackrocks Leather and Lush. It has a slight tan color and tends to darken leather a bit so it might make the color richer. It is a very thick conditioner (paste) that I use on my most neglected leathers. Helps to even out stained vachetta."
I love the "older" bags, I hope to own one myself one day soon! It is looking great! One other good leater conditioner for neglected leather is Leather CPR. I've heard great things about it!
In progress: This is over 48 hours after the bath. I just applied the second coat of Apple Care. I believe I will do two more before I consider it ready to wear, and by then my replacement strap should have arrived.
I feel like the leather is starting to come back to life. Feels a little more supple, though it may dry out again once the lotion has been sucked up, which is why I will do two more coats. It has numerous scuffs on the front, which I won't be able to get rid of, but the conditioning should hide them a bit at least I hope.