Patina is my *friend*.

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I like patina, but only when I put it there- the only reason I'll buy a used bag with a patina is if that particular model is discontinued- right now I really want the Sac Marin!
 
likeafeather77 said:
I have a mono wapity and even though there is not much vachetta on it, I still managed to get the leather trim dirty in less than a month! So, I think I am going to clean it with Mr. Clean and leave it in the sun for a bit, hoping it would "patina" faster, so it doesn't get as dirty again!

So, you're NOT alone!
The point of her thread is NATURAL patina, don't put mr. clean on it! Just stick it in the sun and carry it! It only needs the oils from your hands and sun for it to turn naturally. I am totally a Patina purist!
 
LVaddict! said:
The point of her thread is NATURAL patina, don't put mr. clean on it! Just stick it in the sun and carry it! It only needs the oils from your hands and sun for it to turn naturally. I am totally a Patina purist!

Well, the point is patina at all, really, but I don't think I'd ever put Mr Clean on a handbag in any case--that stuff scares me on my floors. ;D

However--I got the *best* piece of leather-cleaning advice EVER from an artist at an arts festival: baby wipes! And he was right--it cleans leather, doesn't leave film, doesn't darken it appreciably, leaves the leather a little softer, and smells nice besides. Just make sure it's a good brand with no alcohol.
 
I love a darker patina, and because of that, prefer to buy my mono bags used. When I buy a brand new piece, I won't use it until it darkens a bit.
I'm in my mid-30's and just don't like the look of new LV leather. I think that the used peices seem more classy somehow.
 
tr444 said:
^^ Wow, baby wipes!!! Has anyone else heard of this?? I wonder if it really works??

It does, honest! I "saved" a classic Coach bag from a thrift store with baby wipes and patience. It looked so bad in the store in was lumped in with the pleather stuff--now it's gorgeous. And it worked wonders on the handles on my Speedy after the speed-bump-and-Big-Gulp Incident of 2003. ;D
 
bagfreak2006 said:
my speedy 25 handles are still really pale not as white as when it was brand new from the store but still pretty light any tips on quickening up the patina process?

Just use it, use it, use it, and carry it in your hand rather than on your arm--just make sure your hands are clean so you don't just get it dirty! ;D I know folks have left theirs in the sun to "tan" it a little, but I'm personally afraid of the drying effect of that on the canvas.
 
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