Friday, May 31, 2013
Welcome to my blog!
If you don't understand the title of my blog, you clearly don't read nearly as much Deadspin as I do. I don't intend to blog about Chris Berman all that often, though when he annoys me during home run derby or when they trot him out for the US Open, I may throw in a reference or two. I have a little bit of a Coach addition, and I've recently started rehabbing Coach bags. My intention is to use this space to blog about my rehab projects. My first project turned out much better than expected, and my second one is going very well, too. I'm hoping this space will turn into something fun to showcase my leather projects.
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I own a collection of vintage coach handbags which I acquired used. I love seeing what you've accomplished in restoration of your Coach bags, beautiful work. I have a few bags that I'd like to work on in my collection. Will you share your process?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. I typically dunk my bags to start with. I usually use Woolite, but any mild soap (like dish soap) will work. I use warm water and keep the bag in the bath for about 40 minutes. I use a soft cloth to get all dirt off. (If there is ink on the bag, I usually treat those spots before I dunk. I use denatured alcohol - ink is difficult, so be careful and blot, don't rub, and try only to get the alcohol on the ink.) After dunking, I make sure to rinse the bag well. I usually run it under the faucet then soak again for another 10-15 minutes (changing water if needed) until all the soap bubbles are gone.
DeleteI then stuff the bag with towels. Be careful not to overstuff. Once the bag is somewhat dry but still damp, I start conditioning. I've tried all sorts of conditioners, and I've found that experimentation and trial and error is my friend. For most bags, I prefer Leather Therapy to start with. I apply about every 24 hours until the bag no longer soaks in the conditioner. I often then do a coat of Skidmore's Leather Cream, followed by two coats of Black Rocks and maybe Obenauf's LP. Between each round of conditioner, I brush and brush and brush some more with a horsehair brush.
If you need resources or want to chat with others who rehab bags, to http://forum.purseblog.com/coach/ and find the Rehab and Rescue Club under the Coach Clubhouse section.
Good Luck!
Thanks!!! Ive been working on my 7 personal use Coach bags and am searching for a british tan Coach that needs the full treatment, bathing etc. Almost had one from ebay for under $16. Still looking, also studying all info I can find on my bags. All are either made in NYC, United States of America or USA. I really prefer the much older bags, I'm really not attracted to the post 1995 handbags. I just love their leather.
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ReplyDeleteThanks very much for the insight - Im going to give this a go!
ReplyDeleteNice. What do you think of leather honey and Eurpean Leather Restorer?
ReplyDeleteWill your process work on Pearized Nappa leather, or just Coach full grained leathers? Thanks.
I've not used European Leather Restorer, so I can't comment on it, but I have used Leather Honey. I find that Leather Honey works well on leather that is really dried out. (I also have an older Balenciaga, and I only use Leather Honey on it. It works great for it.)
DeleteI don't think I would use this process for Pearlized Nappa leather. I think dunking it might damage the leather. The original care cards for Coach glove-tanned leather recommended this dunking and washing/conditioning process.
OK thanks. For glove-tanned leather have you used Chamberlain's Leather Milk?
ReplyDeleteOh and for the cleaning, an ebay article said to use 'Murphys Oil Soap". Suppose that might help remove the smoke odor (not too bad but still there). The last Woolite I bought had fragrance in it, so don't want that.
I have some Chamberlain's but I have not used it. I have heard good things about it, and it should be fine for glove-tanned leather.
DeleteMurphy's Oil Soap may be a little harsh to use on a purse (though I wouldn't hesitate to use it on tack), and it won't remove smoke odor. To remove the odor, I would recommend using activated charcoal (like the kind used to for fish tanks). The charcoal will help absorb the odor. It may take some time to get the smell out.
Thanks again. Picked up some Leather Therapy at a local tack store. I noticed they also had Leather Therapy Wash and Leather Therapy Laundry Solution. Wondered what you thought of them vs. dish soap.
ReplyDeleteI used the wash and liked it well enough. It did a nice job and washes out nicely, but I'm not sure it is worth the expense over some other kind of soap. Good luck with your project.
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