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When I bought this bag I didn't see the imprints on the back until I got it home and was washing it with Lexol. The 3rd photo is what it looks like wet, much worse than when it is dry. The entire back is imprinted with a grid, it has dented the bottom piping and there is a black smear in the center of the purse. The bag is made out of cowhide leather. Any hope here?
Is the bag bought “new” or “used”?
Is the leather absorbent - that becomes dark when wet?
Grid Imprints:
Test with a drop of distilled/tap water across the imprint to see if the absorbency differs. This test is to check if the topcoat is missing due to the imprint. If the test is positive topcoat refinish will rectify it. – Its either using Topcoat-59M (waxy matte) or Topcoat-79G (gloss) to match existing finish.
Piping Dents:
- If leather is absorbent it could be rectified with Hydrator-3.3 > Fatliquor-5.0
Black Smear:
– If this is derived from gum or other sticky residue removal is done with Prep-4.4 > Eraser-4 > Cleaner-3.8 > Rinse-3.0
What is needed to solve the above problems can be found in Kit A3.gs with the matching topcoat as add-on.
Roger Koh
[email protected]
The bag is older and used. Here is a zoomed photo with some water on it. I don't know how to answer your questions, I can't really tell. There is nothing sticky on the purse.
Please do a similar water test over the black smear:
1] How does it feel with your finger tips?
2] Do you think the finish is missing or something is on top of the finish?
3] Is it absorbent more than the grid line and the leather finish?
4] Is the hidden leather areas has similar appearance with the outside?
Thank you for your help. The black smear appears to be on top of the grid and finish and seems less absorbent than the surrounding area. It also is not visible unless the purse is wet.
There is a risk to remove this stain, if the stain has damage the leather finish beneath, removing it will reveal the damage that need to be rectified. So we can't tell until we are there!
Unless you are prepared to refinish the entire bag to look new again.
Where do you want to go from here?
I think I would forget the black mark and be more interested in working on the grid impression.
To determine if the grid line is a lift-off of the topcoating, it will only be known after restorative cleaning.
If it is an unknown grid stain that marks, it will be removed by restorative cleaning, otherwise to eliminate thereafter may require to re-topcoat it.
Restorative cleaning may remove the mysterious dark mark too, as it lies above the grid mark. So to remove the grid mark, the mysterious dark mark has to go first.
My recommendation is to go ahead and do a restorative cleaning before the next move by using cotton swab in the application and removal leaving the color coat intact.
Looking over the 4 pictures a few times have convinced me that it is most likely a semi-aniline leather – due to it mono-tone look and it is water resistant to a certain degree.
The recommended kit for “Restorative Cleaning” is using this SA3 Kit
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/nn4/Rogerkoh/SA3.jpg
Leather Doctor® Kit SA3 : Semi-Aniline Leather Standard Care Kit
Semi-aniline leather standard care Kit-SA3 is design for semi-aniline leathers; to take care of both surface appearances and leather structural integrity through general stain removal, cleaning, protection, hydrating and fatliquor replenishing to prevent premature ageing. It is design to match the level of soiling with restorative, periodic and routine cleaning system. Restorative cleaning is the ultimate process to removes unwanted accumulated soiling; periodic cleaning is cleaning before soiling causes damages to the finishing; and routine cleaning with a non-stick rub resistant protection helps keep leather in a more attractive and healthy state, while preventing premature wear. Semi-aniline is top-grain leathers that is aniline dyed through with an opaque micro-pigment to conceal unwanted natural defects to ensure a more even color consistency and protection against spills and stains. Thus semi-aniline leathers have better breathability as compared to the standard pigmented leathers. A water droplet testing with a little rubbing usually darkens the leather to confirm its breathability quality for extra seating comfort as compared to completely sealed non-breathable pigment leathers. An easy identification is the fine opaque monotone look with a colored reverse suede side.
■ Semi-Aniline - Restorative Cleaning System:
This is the ultimate restorative or salvage cleaning system that removes unwanted accumulated soiling. Accumulated soiling that fills creases is often mistaken for cracks. This restorative cleaning is achieved by the chemical reaction of the Prep-7.7 to effectively break down those tough soiling with its penetrating, lubricating and suspending power. Its thick as honey viscosity allows it to coats the surface allowing effective dwell time, thus providing the opportunity for the prep to fully emulsify or suspend stubborn soiling. Horsehair detailing Brush-1 is recommended to worked into heavily soiled areas, sufficient to avoid excessive agitation that might damage already weaken finishes especially on heavily used areas.
Instructions
If alkaline or all purpose cleaners were used before, it’s recommended to wet finger test for tackiness by using distilled/tap water. If it is, neutralize this side effect of alkaline overexposure with Acidifier-2.0 found in Kit SA3.ts to return the leather to a healthy squeaky feel prior to Prep-7.7 application. It is recommended that dry soil removal takes place prior to prep application.
1st Phase - Restorative Cleaning:
1] Apply Prep-7.7 and agitate with horsehair Brush-1; ensuring a uniform application over the entire surfaces a section at a time.
2] Allow a dwell time of 10 to 30 minutes or before it dries prior to towel extraction until it shows clean.
3] Sticky residue is removed by Cleaner-3.8 with gentle brush agitation and towel extraction until it shows clean.
4] Remaining residues are spray rinse with Rinse-3.0 and towel extract to a squeaky clean.
5] Let dry and inspect for satisfaction, otherwise repeat cleaning process as necessary or proceed to hydrating.
2nd Phase - Hydrating:
Leathers structure when wet and dry again, have the tendency for the fibrils to become stick together, resulting in stiffness and when stressed, may lead to premature cracks. Hydrating is essential to relax and separate the stick together collapsing fibrous structure; besides charging it positive for a more effective hydrogen bonding with the negative fatliquor.
1] Spray Hydrator-3.3, control and spread with foam brush to plump the leather with an even appearance.
2] Let dwell 10 to 30 minutes depending on severity of dryness, advanced technique utilizes plastic cling wrapping to control evaporation for a longer dwell time to plump the leather more effectively.
3rd Phase - Fatliquor Replenishing:
Leather becomes stiffer as fatliquor diminishes common through evaporation, accelerated when temperature rises. Periodic fatliquor replenishing maintains the leather’s structure integrity and pliability thus prevents premature aging that leads to cracking.
1] Spray Fatliquor-5.0, in like manner as Hydrator-3.3 and let dry naturally.
2] Repeat application in between drying until it’s saturated without surface strays.
3] The fully saturated leather is left for slow natural drying for extra softness.
4th Phase - Non-stick Rub Resistant Protection:
This rub resistant protection helps reduce finishes friction wear; that also imparts a natural buttery-feel, with an unforgettable classic leather scent.
1] Apply Protection-B+ (Leather Scent-B) after shaking well, spread with lint free towel and is ready for use when dry.
Thank you Roger. Is the Restorative Cleaning System the first step for every leather problem correction procedure? Also, is it necessary to use the leather scent for any reason and are these products scented?
"Is the Restorative Cleaning System the first step for every leather problem correction procedure?"
It is for “unknown” problem solving situation. We may refer to the guide below for specific problems.
"Also, is it necessary to use the leather scent for any reason and are these products scented?"
The odorless version for Protection-B+ (Leather Scent-B) is Protection-B (Buttery Feel-76). The main reason is to impart a rub-resistant protection to the leather from friction rubs (you see them often on bags corners and piping). Other important reason is to impart a non-stick protection against sticky soiling (if the mysterious marks is cause by sticky substance on an already non-stick protected bag, it will be easily removed without causing peeling to the leather finish). The leather scent is an option, otherwise go for the odorless.
Semi-Aniline Leather Problem Solving Guide
Wow, it's a bit overwhelming for a novice. How do I go about ordering the kit without the leather scent?
Also, what about water rings on purses, is it possible to remove them?
"Wow, it's a bit overwhelming for a novice."
If you can take instructions you will arrive at your destination. And if you get lost, the forum is here to help you step-by-step.
"How do I go about ordering the kit without the leather scent?"
Just email me your request for the odorless option, shipping address and we can send you a PayPal invoice.
"Also, what about water rings on purses, is it possible to remove them?"
Yes all brown rings are due to pH differences, corrections are generally done with a low pH 2.0 acidifier to neutralize it. As long as it’s back to pH 3 – 5, the rings will be gone, that’s also the average pH value of leather. Rings cause by solvent may displace the dyes from the center to the ring that may require a pH 3.3 hydrating process to reactivate and redistribute the dormant dyestuff. So there are generally and specific application depending on what causes the ring.
Pictures will be easier to give you specific instructions.
Here are photos of the liquid damage.
Picture #1 & #2 - shows water damages from the bottom that ends up with an irregular water edge line.
Is the leather structure below the line stiffer than the above?
Picture #3 & #4 - shows white spotting.
Is there an odor to the white residue?
Will a white towel remove it?
Picture #5 - shows white residue piping.
Does it feel gummy or tacky?
Roger Koh
[email protected]
The leather is the same texture above and below water line. No odor to the white and it won't come off. Piping isn't gummy or tacky.
If whitish piping and stain is wettable - that turns dark and returns to pre wet whitish condition when dry - its an indication that the finish may have been rub-off.
Test it out and let us know your findings.
I do think you are right about the finish being gone. Could the purse just be dyed over all of this water damage?
You certainly can color refinish it again, with this closest match...
http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...-Pigment12.jpg
Semi-Aniline Leather Coloring System (12):
Micro-Pigment Black Color,
Micro-Pigment White Color,
Micro-Pigment Tan Color,
Micro-Pigment Ochre Color,
Micro-Pigment Maroon Color,
Micro-Pigment Yellow Color,
Micro-Pigment Orange Color,
Micro-Pigment Red Color &
Micro-Pigment Blue Color.
Micro-Pigment Gloss Topcoat,
Micro-Pigment Satin Topcoat &
Micro-Pigment Matte Topcoat.
Leather Doctor® Micro Pigment-54
It’s micro-pigment for semi-aniline leathers.
It's an aqueous soft compact resin blend high performance pigment color; strong against UV light than standard pigment.
Standard colors available in Black-512, White-505, Tan-586, Ochre-584, Maroon-502, Yellow-526, Orange-504, Red-554 and Blue-540.
This product is also available in concentrate to be cut with distilled water at a ratio of 1: 0.5.
Thus a quart makes 1.5 quarts of Ready-To-Use product to save on shipping.
Ready-To-Use packing sizes are available in 60ml, 250ml and in quart.
Concentrate packing sizes are available in quart (1.5 quarts).
Email [email protected] for prices.
Instruction:
1] Prep clean - use Prep-7.7 follows by Cleaner-3.8 then Rinse-3.0.
2] Leather rejuvenation – use Hydrator-3.3 follows with Fatliquor-5.0.
3] Strengthen weak and worn areas - use Impregnator-26
4] Ensure adhesion - use Adhesor-73.
5] Control flow and color stability - use Thickener-48.
6] Ensure anchorage – pad first coat avoiding streaking for better penetration.
7] Ensure uniformity - fine spray and allow in-between drying with subsequent light coat.
8] Topcoat protection - use Topcoat Micro-72 Gloss, Matte or Satin.
Leather Doctor® Micro Topcoat-72G
It’s a gloss finish for Micro-Pigmented, Semi-Aniline leathers.
This micro-pigment topcoat is an aqueous soft polyurethane leather topcoat.
It is lightfast and non-yellowing.
It has excellent flow and leveling properties.
Recoatable and forms a flexible film coat.
It gives good performing results when used for fine semi-aniline effects.
This product is also available in concentrate to be cut with distilled water at a ratio of 1: 1.
Thus a quart makes 2 quarts of Ready-To-Use product to save on shipping.
Ready-To-Use packing sizes are available in 60ml, 250ml and in quart.
Concentrate packing sizes are available in quart (2 quarts).
Email [email protected] for prices.
Instruction:
1] Apply after color coat otherwise prep clean - use Prep-7.7 follows with Cleaner-3.8 then Rinse-3.0.
2] Satin finish - mix Matte with Gloss.
3] Fine spray evenly a panel at a time for even coverage avoiding drips and spits.
4] Buttery-feel, non-stick rub-resistant protection with a classic leather scent - use leather Scent-B.
Leather Doctor® Micro Topcoat-72S
It’s a satin finish for Micro-Pigmented, Semi-Aniline leathers.
Gloss is more durable than satin finish.
This micro-pigment topcoat is an aqueous soft polyurethane leather topcoat.
It is lightfast and non-yellowing.
It has excellent flow and leveling properties.
Recoatable and forms a flexible film coat.
It gives good performing results when used for fine semi-aniline effects.
This product is also available in concentrate to be cut with distilled water at a ratio of 1: 1.
Thus a quart makes 2 quarts of Ready-To-Use product to save on shipping.
Ready-To-Use packing sizes are available in 60ml, 250ml and in quart.
Concentrate packing sizes are available in quart (2 quarts).
Email [email protected] for prices.
Instruction:
1] Apply after color coat otherwise prep clean - use Prep-7.7 follows with Cleaner-3.8 then Rinse-3.0.
2] Fine spray evenly a panel at a time for even coverage avoiding drips and spits.
3] Buttery-feel, non-stick rub-resistant protection with a classic leather scent - use leather Scent-B.
Leather Doctor® Micro Topcoat-72M
It’s a matte finish for Micro-Pigmented, Semi-Aniline leathers.
Satin is more durable than matte finish.
This micro-pigment topcoat is an aqueous soft polyurethane leather topcoat.
It is lightfast and non-yellowing.
It has excellent flow and leveling properties.
Recoatable and forms a flexible film coat.
It gives good performing results when used for fine semi-aniline effects.
This product is also available in concentrate to be cut with distilled water at a ratio of 1: 1.
Thus a quart makes 2 quarts of Ready-To-Use product to save on shipping.
Ready-To-Use packing sizes are available in 60ml, 250ml and in quart.
Concentrate packing sizes are available in quart (2 quarts).
Email [email protected] for prices.
Instruction:
1] Apply after color coat otherwise prep clean - use Prep-7.7 follows with Cleaner-3.8 then Rinse-3.0.
2] Satin finish - mix Matte with Gloss.
3] Fine spray evenly a panel at a time for even coverage avoiding drips and spits.
4] Buttery-feel, non-stick protection with a classic leather scent - use leather Scent-B.
I worked on the Coach bag with the SA-3 kit products and it was quite astonishing to see the dirt that came off of the purse. I had washed the bag previously with Lexol and thought it was clean! After I removed all the dirt I could see that the black mark looked like someone attempted to do a touch-up on a scratch. After following all of your instructions the purse took on a new life. The leather went from feeling like a piece of beef jerky to feeling plump, velvety soft and supple. The grate impressions weren't completely removed but the effect was greatly reduced. You would have to be looking for them with a magnifier to notice.
Super products Roger, thanks so much for your patience and advice.