Reference: Before/After Repair Photos - NO Chatter!

[mistikat]

Please post your pictures and a short description ONLY of what repair or cleaning work has been done to your bag, and if you took it on as a "do it yourself" project, or had Hermes do the work.

Please provide specifics on the kind of leather, the age of the bag, and where you bought any products you used.

CAVEAT: Hermes does not recommend DIY repair or refurbishing and it has been noted they will not do work on items that have been treated/repaired by anyone other than their craftspeople. However, since some people decide to repair/condition their bags on their own regardless, this thread is here for informational purposes only. Please proceed with caution, and at your own risk.


No chatter, please - this is for reference only. Questions can be posted in this thread. Thanks, all!

 

[docride]

This is my Before Restoration photos of a "do it yourself" restoration project of a Vache Natural Birkin which was an abandoned DIY restoration /dye project of another party.
What was done:
1)Old layers of dye and acrylics were removed
2)filler was added to the corner where there was missing leather
3)the leather was; re-dyed with professional grade leather dye, conditioned,sealed,buffed and polished.
4) droped stitches were replaced via hand done saddle stitching with waxed llinen thread.
5) the hardware was buffed with 30 through 3 micron jewelers cloths

Age of the bag> 2000
Leather of the bag> Vache Natural
Products used> Various
Places bought> Various

 

[docride]

After photos of above bag^^^

 

[docride]

1955 Kelly 32cm Brown Box Calf
Before photos
Holes in all 4 corners,leather issues on side panels, color issues, etc...

 

[docride]

Leather patches to corners,and side panel top and edge, filler added on top, color work to corners,and top flap,cleaned,conditioned and polished.

 

[docride]

Buffed,burnished edges and polished. finished Kelly photos

Items used

Fiebings cleaner
Fiebings Deglazer
Hermes Barenia leather for patches
Fiebings Pro-oil dye
Leather filler
Meltonian neutral polish
Burnishing bar
Buffing cloths
Soft brush
Wool daubers
rubber gloves

 

[docride]

Buffed,burnished edges and polished. finished Kelly photos

Items used

Fiebings cleaner
Fiebings Deglazer
Hermes Barenia leather for patches
Fiebings Pro-oil dye
Leather filler
Meltonian neutral polish
Burnishing bar
Buffing cloths
Soft brush
Wool daubers
rubber gloves

Hand buffed to high gloss

 

[foxgal]

This is a vintage porc Kelly 28 that was dyed black by a previous owner. I understand she's "been around the block" a bit and had work done on her at various times before I got her. Sorry, I don't have more "before" pics, but here is one. The seller admitted she was bleeding dye and that the interior dye didn't match the exterior. I understand she also had some very dry parts where the leather had deteriorated to the point it couldn't hold a stitch.

 

[foxgal]

This is "after" some special time with Docride where she got some TLC - was re-dyed so the interior now matches and conditioned well so the dry parts are much healthier, and buffed to a glossy shine. I love her and will carry this special vintage Kelly with pride!

Including a modelling shot for size reference - I'm 5'6" - and find this size is perfect for me, holds everything I need and looks appropriate for day or evening!

 

[docride]

Old natural (fauve) Barenia Birkin 35cm GHW very stained and some what worn out, top skin missing on areas ,holes at corners,deep smile mark below turn lock.

 

[docride]

Cleaned off, excess oils removed, stains removed.. the overly floppy Birkin begins to stand again...

 

[docride]

Clean and free from dirt and excess oils..standing tall again..
Next reconditioned with Hermes Saddle leather products

 

[docride]

Hermes Birkin Box Calf 30cm PHW
Had been painted completely with heavy Latex house paint...varying colors of brown and red encrusted the bag..surface appeared cracked and plastic-like...

 

[docride]

Paint is removed, Leather; is cleaned, PH adjusted and conditioned....

 

[docride]

After conditioning and polishing... Note no leather dyes or paint are present on this bag...this bag has been restored to original condition and color. Original color was and is now Noisette/Cognac.

Leather type > Box Calf




Products used> Fiebings de-glazer,Lexol PH, Blackrock Leather N Rich, Meltonian All Purpose Cleaner & Conditioner, Meltonian Delicate, Tarrago Polish, brushes,buffing cloths, paper towels, disposable gloves,drop cloth,old cloth towels.

Places to find products> various places but here are some
www.Fiebings.com
www.showtreemarketplace.com
www.eBay.com

Time> 12hrs from start to finish

Results> Healthy clean leather...hand feel is perfect...A beautiful bag...

Work done by> DLC Montana