Vachetta protection without PFAS (collonil organic or other spray or creme without PFAS)?

[jennifer-j]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking for a product to protect the vachetta of my newest LV bag (speedy 20), because I don't like the stains on the vachetta of my older bags. I prefer the vachetta to stay as light as possible, and I want to prevent stains and very dark handles. I live in a country where it rains a lot.

I heard that in Europe Collonil Carbon Pro spray is recommended, but it contains PFAS which have a bad reputation. As I wand to use the bag as an everyday bag everyday, I prefer a healthier alternative.

Does anyone have experience with the Collonil organic line? Or do you a suggestions for other alternatives, like a cream, which usually doesn't contain PFAS. It doesn't have to be an organic product, I just want to avoid the unhealthy PFAS.

I already tried the Saphir Medaille d'Or Nappa balm on an older bag. That seemed like a good alternative because it's not supposed to darken the vachetta and it also hydrates the leather to prevent cracking. Unfortunately, it darkened the vachetta significantly, so I won't try it on my new LV.

I also tried wrapping a scarf around the handles, but it looks huge on the small speedy 20, especially because I need two scarves for the two handles.

 

[fettfleck]

Besides Collonil Carbon Pro, I also use the Bagvolution Spray. I think this one is supposed to be chemically better formulated, but I didn‘t check myself what specific ingredients are in it.

SAFE ✧ Imprägnierung einzeln ✧

✧ 200ml SAFE Imprägnier Spray: Schützen Sie Ihre Lieblingsstücke vor den äußeren Einflüssen. Unser Imprägnierungsspray bildet eine unsichtbare, geruchlose Barriere gegen Feuchtigkeit und Flecken. Alles perlt ab! Damit Ihre Lieblingsstücke stets im besten Zustand bleiben und vor Überraschungen...

bagvolution.com

 

[Meowmeowpi]

Thanks for starting this thread! I would like to know too!

 

[bagsamplified]

This is a very helpful thread! Hope there are some options available

 

[bougie mama]

I am a true believer of Collonil spray after using it now on my brand new LV Murakami one of a kind bag. Prior to putting on this spray, like most people on this forum, I went to youtube, as well as several purse forums that even dated back to 2013 to review this product, see link here: https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/i-found-an-amazing-vachetta-leather-protect.803876/

What convinced me to go ahead and risk it was:
1. 2 youtube lady's did a live test and showed that the original vachetta color comes back within minutes to a day, just type in the youtube search collonil vachetta and you'll find many videos.
2. Reading the technology behind collonil, it was pragmatic as to why it doesn't harm the leather, in fact it actually helps keep the moisture on the leather (no cracking because its breathable polymer), prevent dirt and oils, as well as keep the younger lookihg patina longer life due to the freezing in time the patina look the moment you spray it. "carbon technology, net-like structure of polymer chains develops."
3. The 2013 post had a German lady reply saying they've been using Collonil for ages in Germany so the long term effect of what it does to the vachetta was actually a good thing, as long as you want to slow down the aging patina process and retain the younger looking patina look post spraying it on.

What I did:
1. I first unboxed my LV bag let it sit out for a month in my closest to breathe and acquire a natural one month patina.
2. I then tried a sample on my strap and liked the result so I then used painters tape to mask out all the hardware/gold so the spray didn't get on it, similar to masking a wall before painting your room, since painters tape doesn't leave a sticky residue.
3. Sprayed 3 coats (can recommends 2-3) 12 inches from the area. Here's where I made a mistake and being impatient wanting to try and do it all in one day. Instead of waiting an hour between sprays for a second or third coat. Do one coat a day and wait the 24 hours to fully dry. I had a spot stay and panicked thinking dirt or oils got on it, after waiting 24 hours to put on the third coat, it went away, which told me I was a heavy sprayer.

See pictures, I even took a side by side picture of the bag strap (sprayed) and bag (no spray) to show they look the same in the sun and inside for different lighting effects. I eventually will reply back after ten years to see what happens. If you already stained your vachetta, I don't recommend spraying this on because it will freeze that stain moment in time so to speak so you need to get it 'even' or the patina you want before spraying it on.

 

[Bagsbagsbaby]

Another fan of Collonil Carbon Pro. Years ago, my Mulberry Oak Lily bag was unfortunately caught in the crossfire of someone throwing a pint over another person. My bag was covered in most of it. It dried without any trace at all of what would almost certainly have been an utter disaster if the bag hadn’t been sprayed. It does work well.

 

[jennifer-j]

Thanks for all your opinions. Collonil Carbon Pro definitely works well. Unfortunatelly, it is not an option for me as it contains PFAS and I don't want to take health risks. Especially in sprays there are serious health concerns, because the chemicals can easily rub off. I would only spray bags that I use often or almost daily, and I don't want to hold a bag in my hands all day when it is sprayed with a product that contains PFAS.

The product site also contains the following mandatory info:
"Causes skin irritation. May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Harmful to aquatic life with long lasting effects. Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area. Call a POISON CENTER/doctor if you feel unwell. If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice/attention. If medical advice is needed, have product container or label at hand."

I just don't feel comfortable using a product like that. Maybe I'm overly concerned, but I know I wouldn't enjoy my bag if I use this spray.