The LV Rescue Club

[LouisieAnna]

I think I understand the question. If you have sticky lining and want to replace it, the boutique will replace both the lining and the trim on the top. Not sure if they'll replace just the vachetta trim, but maybe if the SA/manager is nice they'll accommodate the request...? I have a feeling that most will push you to replace the lining even if you just want the trim, but I could be wrong.

I am really, really iffy about purchasing vintage bags because LV is very picky about what they'll repair and what they won't repair, especially if you are not a strong client of theirs. It is just better to find a cobbler who will fix your purse to the way you want or buy a bag in better condition. Both options are much cheaper in the long run and may help save face in the event that the LV boutique rejects doing repairs on your bag (I've had this happen before ).



Thank you! It was hard work but I am impressed with it. I wasn't sure if I should get it, but I am glad I took a chance and restored it to better condition!

BTW, great job on the vernis! I didn't know you could clean patent leather. May I ask how you did it?

Thanks! I've only done it on normal shades of red or darker patent leather; I've never tried this on anything lighter, so I have no idea what it would do. I use rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad. If the stain is new, it can come off completely. If the stain is older, it will lighten it some (this wallet was made in 2005, so the transfer could have been up to ten years old in this case). This is the oldest piece I've ever tried it on. Then I wash it gently with a little bit of soap and enough water to rinse everything off well.

When you use a Magic Eraser, do you use water or vinegar with it? I use vinegar, and one time I got a spot too light. I did this to my 2005 Mallory Square (upper right corner), but it wasn't as old or as dark as a lot of vachetta I've been tempted to try to rescue. What's the oldest vachetta you've restored?

 

[bernz84]

Thanks! I've only done it on normal shades of red or darker patent leather; I've never tried this on anything lighter, so I have no idea what it would do. I use rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad. If the stain is new, it can come off completely. If the stain is older, it will lighten it some (this wallet was made in 2005, so the transfer could have been up to ten years old in this case). This is the oldest piece I've ever tried it on. Then I wash it gently with a little bit of soap and enough water to rinse everything off well.

When you use a Magic Eraser, do you use water or vinegar with it? I use vinegar, and one time I got a spot too light. I did this to my 2005 Mallory Square (upper right corner), but it wasn't as old or as dark as a lot of vachetta I've been tempted to try to rescue. What's the oldest vachetta you've restored?

Ah, okay. I used to have a couple vernis pieces and I was always paranoid about color transfer. But that's good to know that there are some options to help restore the leather's condition. Seeing what you did was really impressive because I didn't know it was possible! I haven't been looking into the LV board in years, so I know a lot has changed since I was last active.

And I can hardly tell difference in lightness with your Mallory Square; it looks good to me!

As for the Magic Eraser, I always used water. The oldest vachetta I restored was a large Noe that was dated in 1993-4(? can't remember because I sold that bag but am really regretting it now!!! :cry. That one actually turned out really well because the all vachetta was still a honey color and stains were light, so the bottom came out very even. The strap didn't have much damage so that one was easy to fix, too.

On the other hand, I can't say the same for my Cabas Piano and Cabas Mezzo (both dated in 2000 and 2001, respectively). When I first got the Cabas Mezzo, I was able to clean the bottom vachetta okay but the center of the straps always stayed dark no matter how many times I tried to apply the Magic Eraser. It wasn't something I made a big deal about, though, because it was only the center straps and it wasn't ugly. My Cabas Piano is beyond hope. I have tried using baby wipes and magic eraser multiple times but nothing has happened. I am not bummed about that one because the bag is clean inside and the dark patina is mostly mine, anyway. I like making dark patina, but not buying used bags with dark patina.

 

[lookieloo]

Anyone know if LV will replace the top vachetta trim on a bucket bag if the sticky lining has been removed?

I am curious to know too. Anyone has experienced on this ?

I think I understand the question. If you have sticky lining and want to replace it, the boutique will replace both the lining and the trim on the top. Not sure if they'll replace just the vachetta trim, but maybe if the SA/manager is nice they'll accommodate the request...? I have a feeling that most will push you to replace the lining even if you just want the trim, but I could be wrong.

I am really, really iffy about purchasing vintage bags because LV is very picky about what they'll repair and what they won't repair, especially if you are not a strong client of theirs. It is just better to find a cobbler who will fix your purse to the way you want or buy a bag in better condition. Both options are much cheaper in the long run and may help save face in the event that the LV boutique rejects doing repairs on your bag (I've had this happen before )

Got an answer for my own question. I bought a bucket PM from eBay after having it authenticated here. The lining was beyond sticky so I scrubbed it off. The top vachetta trim was in bad condition so I emailed LV to get an idea of the repair cost. LV replied that the top trim would generally be $60 and all the leather for $665, but the actual cost would be determined by a store. My husband brought the bag to the LV store to get a quote and they told him it wasn't an authentic LV. :weird: My guess is he was dealing with a sales associate instead of a repair specialist, or the cloth interior lining threw them off. I don't know.

 

[lvlover1998]

Got an answer for my own question. I bought a bucket PM from eBay after having it authenticated here. The lining was beyond sticky so I scrubbed it off. The top vachetta trim was in bad condition so I emailed LV to get an idea of the repair cost. LV replied that the top trim would generally be $60 and all the leather for $665, but the actual cost would be determined by a store. My husband brought the bag to the LV store to get a quote and they told him it wasn't an authentic LV. :weird: My guess is he was dealing with a sales associate instead of a repair specialist, or the cloth interior lining threw them off. I don't know.

A SA is not supposed to tell you if a bag is authentic or not so that really weird

 

[lookieloo]

A SA is not supposed to tell you if a bag is authentic or not so that really weird

Sorry, I wrote that wrong. The SA said they couldn't repair the bag because they only repair bags made by LV. So she didn't flat out say it was not authentic. It was implied that my bag was not made by LV.

 

[lvlover1998]

Sorry, I wrote that wrong. The SA said the style of the bag is similar to one that LV made but that particular bag (my bag) was not made by LV.

Do you by any chance have photos because you can always post in the authentication thread

 

[lookieloo]

Do you by any chance have photos because you can always post in the authentication thread

Lee authenticated I before I bought it so I know it's real. I think the SA thought it was fake because she saw the cloth lining instead of the vuittonite lining. My husband called me just now and said he didn't even get a chance to talk to the repair specialist. The SA said she'd take it to the repair specialist and came back saying it couldn't be repaired.

This was at the main LV store nearby. Maybe I'll try it one more time at Saks. That's where I make my purchases since they're so much friendlier there. Only problem is Saks suggested I bring it to the main store because Saks can't make any repairs in-store. They have to ship it out.

 

[chowlover2]

Hi everyone. I have a new to me Ellipse with 2 small spots on the handles, any ideas on how to remove them? I have no idea what they may be. TIA.

 

[Lajka]

Hi girls,
please clarify one thing. In this forum, I saw that some of you clean the hardware with a polish and a matt surface becomes shiny brass color. That means the LV hardware does the finish?
But in this photo it seems that the glossy finish is scratched, wiped. As if there was the gloss gold coat on the surface before.
There are various finishes of hardware? Or the polish removes a glossy coat and lefts the brass base?

 

[LovestheLouis]

I am so so glad I found this post, I have a pre loved Louis and I really want to fix her, any suggestions on how to fix the monogram?

I'm not sure if this is the right place for advice on restoring bags, but I really want to bring this bag back, I got her in a pre loved bag store and unfortunately no pictures but the handles were so bag but after scratching (yes I scratched at the leather with a knife) and it turned out most the bad stains were paint splatter, and after rubbing it down with a baby whip the handles looked great
Lol, in my opinion.


The inside could do with a clean, Amy suggestions? I was gonna clean it with a warm damp toothbrush? Any advice would be great,

 

[OCWifey]

I am so so glad I found this post, I have a pre loved Louis and I really want to fix her, any suggestions on how to fix the monogram? View attachment 3225932

I'm not sure if this is the right place for advice on restoring bags, but I really want to bring this bag back, I got her in a pre loved bag store and unfortunately no pictures but the handles were so bag but after scratching (yes I scratched at the leather with a knife) and it turned out most the bad stains were paint splatter, and after rubbing it down with a baby whip the handles looked great
Lol, in my opinion.
View attachment 3225938

The inside could do with a clean, Amy suggestions? I was gonna clean it with a warm damp toothbrush? Any advice would be great, View attachment 3225946

Hello,

As far as the monogram repair, i dont think that can be repaired. I have a similiar issue on my the bottom of my DA Speedy, part of the blue checker looks like it has a white scratch through it. I realized its just the color that came off revealing the white color underneath. I dont think there is anything to do about it sadly. i've never cleaned the inside of my bag, however i can imagine a damp toothbrush may work and then maybe pat with a dry paper towl to remove any excess water. maybe a tide or shout wipe may work too? let me know how it comes out. your handles look good, i clean my handles via the patina champ method i found on this forum.

 

[OCWifey]

Its inspiring to see all of your rehab bag.
So I make up my mind to give my Trouville a spa.

Here is some before and after picture of it.
There is some black mold inside the pocket of the bag which i didnt able to take photos of.
I am now pretty satisfied with the results and is only waiting for the leather conditioner to arrived and apply.

The only thing that I cant fix is the musty smell. ush:
I am trying everything I could from Coffee ground to dehumidifier.
Its still there. So i am now still finding way.I wonder why its so hard to go away.

I lost the key, so i had it to unlock it at the boutique .

Here is the BEFORE :

View attachment 3193143 View attachment 3193144

View attachment 3193145 View attachment 3193146

AFTER :

View attachment 3193148
View attachment 3193149
The left one is not cleaned yet, you can see its a little darker and shinier.. I hope the shine would come back after the conditioner.

View attachment 3193150 View attachment 3193151

View attachment 3193152 View attachment 3193153

looks fantastic! i'm curious to know how you cleaned your handles? they really look good

 

[LovestheLouis]

Hello,

As far as the monogram repair, i dont think that can be repaired. I have a similiar issue on my the bottom of my DA Speedy, part of the blue checker looks like it has a white scratch through it. I realized its just the color that came off revealing the white color underneath. I dont think there is anything to do about it sadly. i've never cleaned the inside of my bag, however i can imagine a damp toothbrush may work and then maybe pat with a dry paper towl to remove any excess water. maybe a tide or shout wipe may work too? let me know how it comes out. your handles look good, i clean my handles via the patina champ method i found on this forum.

Oohh no, your lucky though it's on the bottom, mine is smack bang in the middle of my bag though [emoji20]

Can ya spot it,?? I was thinking of painting it? Like its a plain black? I dunno if love to hear or see from someone who has tried that?
Lol I'll keep the post updated, wanna get her inside clean for New Years. Thanks for the reply [emoji18]

 

[BabyDarling]

Hi girls,
please clarify one thing. In this forum, I saw that some of you clean the hardware with a polish and a matt surface becomes shiny brass color. That means the LV hardware does the finish?
But in this photo it seems that the glossy finish is scratched, wiped. As if there was the gloss gold coat on the surface before.
There are various finishes of hardware? Or the polish removes a glossy coat and lefts the brass base?

You can only use the brass polish on solid brass hardware to restore the gold shine. Unfortunately not all LV hardware are solid brass. If you see the gold wearing/chipping off and revealing silver underneath, it means that hardware was plated. Using the brass polisher will strip off all the gold colour leaving it silver. I'm not sure which LV items use solid brass and which don't..sorry about that.

 

[Miss Krys]

Oohh no, your lucky though it's on the bottom, mine is smack bang in the middle of my bag though View attachment 3226000[emoji20]

Can ya spot it,?? I was thinking of painting it? Like its a plain black? I dunno if love to hear or see from someone who has tried that?
Lol I'll keep the post updated, wanna get her inside clean for New Years. Thanks for the reply [emoji18]

Try gently massaging the interior lining with scent-free water-based baby wipes; they're lightly damp so they won't saturate the cloth but will still do the trick. My concern with detergent-based cleaners, such as the Tide pen, is that they leave behind residue which will show up against that raspberry colour. Afterwards softly brush the fabric with a toothbrush to fluff the fibres back up and help ensures it properly air dries.