Designer Computer Bags

restoring vintage leather bags?

I have just brought a vintage joop bag and i wanted to know how to restore it. the lining inside is fine but the exterior (black leather is faded and the gold plated buckles are faded and minor scratches? so id be grateful for any tips you's might have?

Public Comments

1. I would take the bag to a good shoe cobbler (a small store that repairs shoes) who has experience in restoring leather handbags. Make sure that the person can do this and put everything in writing to protect yourself.
2. First, is it really leather or is it vinyl? Check up on that. If it's really leather, you can use a variety of products- Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner would be my suggestion- to restore and protect the leather. (Before you use something like that on it though, clean it with saddle soap.) As to the buckles, can't really help you. What works on brass is a paste of vinegar and cream of tartar, but that might mess yours up since it's gold plate. Not sure.
3. HI. If you do not want to take it to a shoe maker or cobbler....Neatsfoot oil or cream does a wonderful job with leather. You can find it anywhere form a hardware store to auto parts store. If it's vinyl there are numerous products in an auto parts store that are used for restoring car vinyl...they work wonders. As for the plating, you might ask a jeweler. Anything else might take more finish off. There are professionals that replate items and there are products / dips that claim to replate. Look up the products and see what other people have to say about them ... before you use them!!! For some metals we'll use nevr-dull wadding, very gently; we never tried it on plating though, so if you do, try a small area in an unnoticeable spot. Hope I've helped! Good Luck! ASK maryantiques.com ... GET maryanswers! http://www.maryantiques.com