Now considering DYE...

[annaes]

Hi everyone! I am still dealing with the 06 Greige I received from eBay a couple weeks ago that is so dirty, faded, and worn (http://forum.purseblog.com/balencia...-just-received-bag-not-sure-if-im-496932.html.) I have now asked four different leather professionals (including LMB, Artbag, and local places) and have been told that it will cost quite a bit to only PARTIALLY restore the bag and that it will not be great in the end. I can expect after a cleaning that it will be stiffer and still have the fading, scuffing, etc. Basically, it's a real mess and doesn't have much, if any, life left in the leather! I think the previous owner may have used some damaging products on it because the top layer of leather is even deteriorating.

Anyway, LMB leather cleanser plus made the bag DRASTICALLY darker and dirtier looking, but luckily I tried it first in the front pocket, so it's not noticeable. I emailed Barbara about this and she mentioned a conditioner with waxes may have been used previously to cause this effect. I also tried Apple leather conditioner (not the cleanser, I hear that's too harsh) and that seemed to work a little better to lift minor stains, but the bag is really filthy still and using either LMB or Apple seemed to change the leather quality and make it look thin and flat, not soft and squishy.

Ok, so, that brings me to this cross roads: to dye or not? I would probably dye black, but am open to color suggestions. If I get it cleaned, it will be an improvement, but is the price worth it when I know I can expect only a partial restoration? If I re-dye myself, it will be cheaper and look newer, but there's always the question of the quality of the leather afterward...
Any advice is greatly appreciated!! Thank you all in advance!

 

[Conni618]

Awww. I'm sorry about the bad news with this bag.

If it is possible, at this point, I think I would return it. I can't remember if you said the seller was willing to take it back earlier? Regardless, depending on the original transaction, you might still be able to get your money back. If you decide to go that route, check out the Ebay thread for advice.

Because of the alteration in the leather, I think of dying as a last resort, but I know that some PF'rs have done it and been pleased. You can find several threads discussing it, and tracking their results if you do a search.

If I were you, I'd first try to send the bag back. It doesn't seem fair that the leather is beyond cleaning.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[ladyisobel]

if you do decide to dye, i would use a penetrating one, the self shine's will just sit on top of the leather and peel/flake etc .
i believe some have used the penetrating first then used the self shine on top , you only have a few colours to choose from though, black being one.

 

[annaes]

Awww. I'm sorry about the bad news with this bag.

If it is possible, at this point, I think I would return it. I can't remember if you said the seller was willing to take it back earlier? Regardless, depending on the original transaction, you might still be able to get your money back. If you decide to go that route, check out the Ebay thread for advice.

Because of the alteration in the leather, I think of dying as a last resort, but I know that some PF'rs have done it and been pleased. You can find several threads discussing it, and tracking their results if you do a search.

If I were you, I'd first try to send the bag back. It doesn't seem fair that the leather is beyond cleaning.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Hi!
I am completely with you on what you said! I would prefer to just return it now that I know what I do about the cleaning and such. Unfortunately, the time to return the bag passed before I heard back from the leather specialists, and thus, I am stuck with the bag. I also think of dying as a last resort, but feel I have little choice at this point I could try to resell it on the bay, but I would feel bad for the buyer. Oh well, I will have keep working up the nerve to order the dye...
Thank you for your advice!

 

[annaes]

if you do decide to dye, i would use a penetrating one, the self shine's will just sit on top of the leather and peel/flake etc .
i believe some have used the penetrating first then used the self shine on top , you only have a few colours to choose from though, black being one.

Thank you so much for your great advice! I have looked at so many threads on dying lately that I feel a tad overwhelmed. I will have to keep doing my research.

 

[MichK]

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear about this... I would dye a bag only as a last resort because it will change the feel of the leather (and defeat the point of buying a Bbag in the first place). Self-dying can also be tricky and very time-consuming... a professional dye job is preferable, I think, but it can cost a lot.

Why not try re-selling it, with a full disclosure of the true condition of the bag? I remember you got it for a steal, so maybe you won't lose too much if you re-sell it. And you might run into a buyer who's looking for a fixer-upper just like yours, so that she can re-dye it.

 

[annaes]

Oh dear, I'm sorry to hear about this... I would dye a bag only as a last resort because it will change the feel of the leather (and defeat the point of buying a Bbag in the first place). Self-dying can also be tricky and very time-consuming... a professional dye job is preferable, I think, but it can cost a lot.

Why not try re-selling it, with a full disclosure of the true condition of the bag? I remember you got it for a steal, so maybe you won't lose too much if you re-sell it. And you might run into a buyer who's looking for a fixer-upper just like yours, so that she can re-dye it.

That seems like a very good idea. I could always try selling for around the same amount I bought it and if I get no buyers after a couple of weeks on the bay/bonanzle, then I can resume thinking about cleaning or dying as alternatives... I have so many choices and so much to think about!

 

[annaes]

Just an update: I did decide to try to re-sell the bag for around what I payed. I would hate to actually LOSE money on this bag. We will see what happens. If it doesn't sell after a couple weeks, I'm sure all of you lovely ladies will be hearing from me again!!

 

[clearstatic]

how did it go? just hoping you got what you paid for!