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#1,111
QUESTION: I have been reading about this thing you do to your handles to help spots, etc.
You put the bag in the sun for 30 minutes then turn it and another 30 minutes, then bring it in a wet a cotton cloth and wring it out real well and wipe down the handles, etc...so here are my questions:
1. by doing this will it control the rate of patina'ing...meaning will it get darker or will it just stay the same and not get real dark?
2. how often do you have to do this to the handles?
3. so if you get a tiny splash of water on the handle after going through all this does it just wipe off or is it still going to have a water spot?
4. does it really work and what is the purpose of doing this?
Thank you so much....please add anything else to help me out on this...I do not like dark patina at all....
 
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#1,112
dougdz1 said:
Here's my epi speedy 25 in mandarine. I purchased second hand. The only flaws were small discoloration from the lock & on the handles with some green old sticky residue, I'm assuming maybe lotion from arm or hands. I had them replaced & the bag looks brand new! [emoji4][emoji16][emoji119]🏼 View attachment 3284981
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Ohmigosh I die. Love this. What did they charge you for the handles? I get the feeling pricing for replacing linings and handles, straps, etc. varies pretty widely based on where you are located in the world. ;)
 
#1,114
ZeeLara said:
Oh Wow! That looks Great!! :woohoo:
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New to this thread. I'm unearthing some LVs I've had in storage for years (I mean, yearssss) and the tips here are so helpful. I'm working up the courage to take on the lining for my epi yellow sac plat. The bag is pristine on the outside, but the inside…Vuittonette, ugh no good. LV won't replace it bc they don't stock the purple color anymore. I can't stomach the thought of taking it to a cobbler, LV-recommended or not. Your story here has inspired me though, and am checking out other advice. You did an amazing job with this Alma, amazing! It's incredible! And I fell off the chair when I saw what you'd spent. A triumph. Love the effort and the TLC. Congrats!
 
#1,115
malzahnart said:
QUESTION: I have been reading about this thing you do to your handles to help spots, etc.
You put the bag in the sun for 30 minutes then turn it and another 30 minutes, then bring it in a wet a cotton cloth and wring it out real well and wipe down the handles, etc...so here are my questions:
1. by doing this will it control the rate of patina'ing...meaning will it get darker or will it just stay the same and not get real dark?
2. how often do you have to do this to the handles?
3. so if you get a tiny splash of water on the handle after going through all this does it just wipe off or is it still going to have a water spot?
4. does it really work and what is the purpose of doing this?
Thank you so much....please add anything else to help me out on this...I do not like dark patina at all....
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Hello, you're describing the "patina champ" method. I did this to a vachetta strap I purchased for an older bag I have, I wanted to not have stark white vachetta against my patina'd bag. It doesn't protect it from getting dark, nothing will keep vachetta white. This process helps start your patina evenly and does somewhat protect it from water marks. I wore my bag and new strap to Disneyland and went on some wet rides and it doesn't have any water discoloration on it 😊. You can do a search of the forum for the patina champ thread for full instructions, but basically you tan your vachetta for about 30 minutes daily for about 3 days, wipe it down with a damp, not soaking wet, sock, let dry and and buff with a dry sock. Easy peasy!!!! I think if you keep your vachetta clean and the patina even you will love it even as it darkens, it doesn't look dirty or ugly. Good luck!!!!😊
 
#1,116
alliebella said:
Hello, you're describing the "patina champ" method. I did this to a vachetta strap I purchased for an older bag I have, I wanted to not have stark white vachetta against my patina'd bag. It doesn't protect it from getting dark, nothing will keep vachetta white. This process helps start your patina evenly and does somewhat protect it from water marks. I wore my bag and new strap to Disneyland and went on some wet rides and it doesn't have any water discoloration on it 😊. You can do a search of the forum for the patina champ thread for full instructions, but basically you tan your vachetta for about 30 minutes daily for about 3 days, wipe it down with a damp, not soaking wet, sock, let dry and and buff with a dry sock. Easy peasy!!!! I think if you keep your vachetta clean and the patina even you will love it even as it darkens, it doesn't look dirty or ugly. Good luck!!!!😊
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Thank you...I have a poch metis and a tiny drop of water splashed from the sink on the handle and left a spot...I don't know what to do...I have always protected my bags from getting dark at all...lol...and never had a spot on anything...I have 2 delightful mm's..one azur and one monogram and I bought a bandeau to wrap the handle but now really don't think I want to deal with that...but also scared for them to patina...maybe i will do that to the monogram one...but thank you ...
 
#1,118
Lolaberry said:
Has anybody used Colonil gel on their vachetta? I'm in uk and unsure what to use to get this bottom of my Montsouris gm to be even in colour? Thanks
View attachment 3361605
View attachment 3361607
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Somewhere in this thread someone posted an absolutely amazing rehab of the vachetta on an Alma. I can't recall how far back it was but it was a long and extensive (and very helpful) post, with pictures before and after so we could all see. Maybe that could help you. :D
 
#1,121
BagStalker44 said:
Nice! Have to put that on my list. Am gathering some supplies for my own refresher sessions. I used Brasso on the little pieces of brass hardware on one of my Noes and was happy with the result. Do you recall on which page you found the Alma post? I want to look at it again :graucho:
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Yes I've just bought some Brasso today! I'll try and re quote it I'm sure it was on here! Found this aswel...
https://www.lollipuff.com/blog/223/how-to-refurbish-a-louis-vuitton-bag#comment-start=end
 
#1,122
BagStalker44 said:
Nice! Have to put that on my list. Am gathering some supplies for my own refresher sessions. I used Brasso on the little pieces of brass hardware on one of my Noes and was happy with the result. Do you recall on which page you found the Alma post? I want to look at it again :graucho:
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Found this screen shot on my fone I can't remember which page it's on on this thread
ImageUploadedByPurseForum1463931674.964549.jpg
 
#1,123
MissAllyn said:
I wanted to share my preloaded Alma rescue.
[emoji10][emoji6]WARNING lengthy post!

I have always loved the Alma profile, but never added one to my collection. I opted to shop for a mono PM on eBay as I am a sucker for anything vintage and/or needing a little tlc.

I had two must haves guiding my browsing.
1. Canvas - no missing, cracking, peeling, ect.
2. Vachetta - nothing torn or worn through

After countless hours browsing I came across a potential candidate. Her canvas was in good shape, patina not overly dark, had corner scuffs on vachetta but not rubbed through and some staining on bottom. Her interior was "iffy". There was a huge white stain and assorted water or oil marks. The seller assured me there was no odor. I figured worse case scenario if I could not remove the interior stains, I would use an interior organizer to hide them.

I got her home and was very pleased. Was happy report no odor in the interior, canvas and vachetta also as represented in photos. I gathered up my tools and started to clean. Unscented baby wipes, ME, Brasso, Cadillac Boot & Shoe Care, assorted soft cloths, cotton swabs, nail brush, and dawn dish soap.

I was beyond thrilled that wiping the interior with a baby wipe removed a majority of the white mark. It appeared to be dried toothpaste! As I cleaned it away it gave off a minty smell. Gross [emoji12][emoji12]I know but very happy it was going to depart without a fight! I continued to clean the interior with a few drops of Dawn diluted in a very small amount of warm water. Dipping my nail brush into that mixture and gently scrubbing in circular motions. It did cause suds on the lining, so I gently wiped it away with a damp cloth. After allowing ample dry time, I repeated the process over the water/oil marks.

Next stop ME on vachetta bottom. Cut ME into small chunks and slightly dampened. Worked over water marks and black, sticky dried gum. Again gross[emoji12] but gone! Dry and repeat, dry and repeat. Moved to vachetta sides. Gently cleaned with ME to blend corner rubs and lighten stains. Handles and chaps last. Polished all hardware while vachetta dried.

Applied 2 coats of Cadillac Boot & Shoe care to vachetta with a soft cloth. I allow 10 minutes drying time in between. Applied a small amount on canvas too! Buffed all surfaces to a shine with a clean soft cloth.

Here she is[emoji3] befores on left, after a on right.

View attachment 3252746
View attachment 3252747
View attachment 3252748

Overall thoughts....
The ME and Cadillac Boot & Shoe care treatments evened the tones of the vachetta considerably. I would not say they lightened it. I love the silky feel and sheen that Cadillac Boot & Shoe care gives. It's never heavy or sticky.

I would pre-treat interior stains with stain spot treatment or Tide stick before applying the Dawn treatment with the nail brush. I believe this would help them release without wetting down the lining again on later attempts to remove them.

I will work more on polishing padlock once I obtain a key to remove it. There were spots I could not get to with it locked in place.

My total investment was $160usd[emoji7]
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Amazing post !
 
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