If you own countless handbags, you're sure to have some that don't look quite as well-kept as before. What should you do with the bags? Sell them? Throw them away? - No, freshen them up, of course!
Hello everyone,
I have countless interests and just can't stop trying out new things. And since it can't always be just about interior design, candles and cosmetics, you have to cultivate hobbies too. The finer the work, the more I like it... I don't know where it comes from or why...
I have countless handbags in my possession, all of which are worn more or less regularly. But there are also some that I would really like to wear, but which just don't look good anymore, which annoys me.
So I decided to refresh some bags, because before I buy a new bag, I prefer to pimp up an old one. Overall, I like every kind of bag and every material, except faux leather aka vegan leather, that's not for me... In this case, I'd rather either buy a good used leather bag or no bag at all. - Vintage bags are nicer anyway and have character :)
Put on your gloves and let's go
Today I dedicated myself to my leather-canvas mix bag.
She also looks a bit worn out, so I start with her.
Required materials
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bag in need of care
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lint-free tissues
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surface that can get dirty
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acrylic brush
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sponge
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cotton swabs
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toothpick
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Gloves
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isopropyl alcohol
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masking tape (optional)
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leather degreaser and cleaner
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liquid leather dye
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leather sealing
Preparing the leather well is the be-all and end-all
Basically, when preparing leather, preparation is the most important thing. The leather must be absolutely clean and free of grease and dust. Protruding seams are shortened (but in such a way that they do not tear further), buckles, straps, all fasteners and attachments are removed and separated. I cleaned the leather thoroughly beforehand and used a special degreaser. This is alcohol-based and therefore dries very quickly. Don't worry, no stains will be left behind, the alcohol evaporates quickly.
Once the bag is clean and disassembled into all possible individual parts, the hardware is taped to protect it. Although leather dyes can be removed from the hardware later without any problems, it is still recommended to tape them off, as cleaning afterwards takes at least as long and there is an unnecessary risk of removing reapplied dye from the leather.
Trust the Process
OK, take a deep breath and let's get started! I wasn't completely relaxed because I had a designer bag on the operating table, but hey, it couldn't get any worse (or could it?).
The first brush stroke: hmm, looks good!
It spreads out really well, but you have to be really economical with the amount and use clean, even brush strokes, otherwise it will look like it's plastered on. Since this wasn't my first bag, I was a little prepared, even though I was working with a different color here.
A steady hand and neat work are definitely needed here. You have to plan time for this, it won't happen quickly.
Once everything is covered with the first layer, everything needs to be allowed to dry thoroughly. If in doubt, wait an extra hour, especially if you have applied a little too much paint somewhere.
Work in multiple and thin layers
Once the first layer has dried, you can see where you haven't done a good job. A second and possibly a third layer should now be applied. Always allow the paint to dry thoroughly in between.
Once everything is ready, check all the corners and edges carefully to make sure everything has been worked out properly. Then, finally, seal and condition the leather. Here, too, less is more!
Apply cleanly and spread and work in well. Allow to dry.
Ready? Then the adhesive tapes can be removed from the hardware.
cleaning the hardware
Gently remove any paint and lint that has crept underneath with a lint-free cloth, a toothpick or a cotton swab. This can be removed easily with a little isopropyl alcohol. Just be careful: don't get it on the freshly treated leather. Once the hardware is clean, we put the bag back together again.
composition and final polish
Now we are done with everything and can attach the strap, buckles, decorative ribbons, etc. back to the bag.
Finally, the hardware gets a final polish with a polishing cloth or microfiber cloth. Et violà!
What do you think of the result?
Before, afterwards
Total duration of processing: approx. 4 hours
Material costs: approx. 40-50 €