How to remove a scratch on a leather bag

It’s a very unpleasant situation when you see scuffs and worn areas on your favorite handbag. You will have to buy a new item and, unfortunately, throw away the old one. However, it is better not to rush into making such a decision, because there are several basic options for repairing a bag at home. In our article we will look at how to repair a bag.

The first method: water-soluble polymer

This product belongs to professional restoration, it is reliable and effective.

Using liquid leather, otherwise called water-soluble polymer, you can get rid of scratches, abrasions, cracks, cuts and even tears on a bag, clothing or any other product.

Water-soluble polymer can be purchased in an online store or a regular hypermarket. The set consists of seven colors, which can be mixed together to create any shade.

The composition of the product is similar in consistency to gouache, so there are no difficulties with restoration.

Apply a thin layer of water-soluble polymer to the damaged area, then apply pressure with a dry sponge to create relief. Leave to dry. If the result is not satisfactory, then the procedure should be repeated.

We do shoe restoration this way.

We determine the amount of damage. You need to run your hand over the defect. When the roughness is felt only as you move in one direction, the material itself is damaged; if in different directions, only the paint is damaged.
You need to remove the protruding pieces with nail scissors or tweezers, then smooth out the damaged area with any gentle fine abrasive (manicure buff). Don't rub too hard.
We clean the area with alcohol or a special composition.
Apply liquid skin to the defect. The main thing is to accurately select the shade of the polymer. Distribute the product evenly over the entire damaged area so that the transition is invisible. Leave for 15 minutes. Polish. If one treatment was not enough, you can apply liquid leather two or three more times. Each layer must be allowed to dry for fifteen minutes before applying the next!
Treat the damaged area with milk or balm.

If the damaged surface was processed correctly and the color of the polymer was chosen correctly, the result will exceed all expectations: there will be no trace left of the defect.

The setting time of the water-soluble polymer is from 10 minutes to half an hour. Final drying occurs after 24 hours. There is a commercially available water-soluble polymer designed specifically for varnished surfaces.

How to properly clean a leather bag

Leather items do not tolerate complete wetness and too hot water, strong humidity and temperature changes. As a result, the material shrinks, wrinkles appear on the surface, and leather products become deformed, lose shape and color.

Therefore, it is not recommended to wash bags made of genuine leather, leatherette and artificial leather. You cannot wash leather bags in a basin or washing machine! Wet cleaning methods are used to remove dirt and stains.

Before cleaning, be sure to remove all items from the bag, check each compartment and pockets. First, wipe the surface of the product with a dry, soft lint cloth to remove dust and dirt. Then turn the bag inside out and peel off the lining.

To do this, wipe the lining with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol. If the dirt is heavy, you can wash the lining with a sponge and soapy water. Take a sponge, soak it in the solution and squeeze it out, then wipe the dirty areas and rinse with clean water.

Be careful not to let water or soapy water come into contact with the leather surface. After cleaning the lining, wait until the material dries before cleaning the leather. Cleaning methods depend on the condition of the bag and the degree of contamination of the material.

Third method: nail polish

Using a toothpick, apply tone or colorless nail polish to the damaged area, connect the boundaries of the damage to each other, and press. This method is effective in eliminating scuffing.

You need to apply varnish with a toothpick (match) to the defect and the back side of the tear, connect both surfaces to each other and press for 4 minutes with a finger wrapped in a cloth.

If traces of damage are still visible, the defect should be filled with collodion or superglue. Then use a brush to apply paint in several layers for final masking.

Glossy black nail polish helps correct the look of black patent leather shoes. You just need to cover up the flaw with varnish. Repeat the procedure approximately once every 14 days, since imperfections are clearly visible on a varnished surface, and the technique is not durable.

How to Clean Different Types of Leather Bags

A black or dark brown leather bag can be cleaned using natural ground coffee. To do this, dilute a teaspoon of coffee with a minimum amount of water and stir until it becomes a thick paste.

Dip a cotton swab in the mixture and treat the leather surface with soft circular movements. Then rinse off the mixture with a dampened cloth. Coffee will not only return the bag to its original color, but also make the material more durable and elastic.

To update a white leather bag, use the following methods:

Five tablespoons of acetic or citric acid are diluted in a liter of water and the material is wiped with the solution. Pay special attention to problem areas. Leave the product for 10-15 minutes, then rinse with a damp cloth;
An alcohol-free makeup remover works well for fingerprints and smudges;
Soak a cotton pad in warm, but not boiled, milk and wipe the light-colored item;
Milk can be mixed with egg white and wiped over the surface of the bag. This composition will carefully cleanse white or light skin and restore its original appearance and color;
To clean a white bag, use Vaseline. A small amount of the product is applied to the stain and left for two hours. Then wash off with a soft damp cloth.

Bags made of leatherette or artificial leather are cleaned in the same way as products made of genuine leather. For suede, you can use a soap solution with the addition of ammonia, but the work should be done very carefully and do not wet the suede bag!

For patent leather, choose a soft velvet cloth and gentle cleaning methods, since powders, brushes and rough fabrics can scratch the material. In addition, abrasives and various chemicals cannot be used for patent leather.

Fourth method: wax

Serious damage to regular and varnished surfaces can be removed with special wax or ordinary beeswax. Paraffin from a candle is also suitable.

You need to heat the wax and carefully apply it to the damage, then wipe the area with flannel. If the material is colored, then painting with a regular felt-tip pen or shoe polish, ideally matched to the color, will help make the restoration site invisible.

The processing of patent leather shoes is carried out according to a similar scheme. Once the imperfections have been eliminated, you can apply a care product for the lacquered pair. Then polishing is done with a flannel cloth or velvet cloth.

What is prohibited?

The Internet is unlimited possibilities and information. However, you need to understand that not everything written is the truth. Unfortunately, many approach writing articles in bad faith, presenting unverified information as reality. We want to protect our reader by telling him what not to do:

When working with leather, it is prohibited to use acetone, gasoline and other aggressive solvents. Yes, they will have an effect on your face, but the structure of the material will also be damaged.
Do not dry leather products in direct sunlight, with a hairdryer or heating devices, as the leather dries out and microcracks appear on it.
It is forbidden to completely wet the leather, much less wash it in a washing machine. This action can lead to skin deformation.
Do not use wire scourers or hard brushes, as they will damage the surface of the leather, causing small scratches. Use only soft cloths and napkins.

Fast, simple and effective

For those who are not comfortable with drawing, we offer a simple and very beautiful option with applique. To update a leather bag, suede or leather are the best options. The template can be found either in a ready-made version or translated from a drawing you like. Don't go for a complex pattern with lots of small details. Even a flower with several petals will look stylish and appropriate if you make the applique voluminous and add several bright details: rhinestones, large beads or tassels. This will be prompted by imagination or photographs of bag models.

Rhinestone embellished bag

Retro style is back in fashion, which means woven laces, pieces of bright fabric and lace will come in handy. This decor looks especially advantageous on bags - sacks and bulky soft models made of leatherette. A ready-made set for making jewelry from a craft store will help you decorate your bag at home.

Various beads for making jewelry

Beads of different sizes and textures, ribbons with ready-made ornaments and decorative inserts from different materials are easily attached to glue and thin fishing line, creating models reminiscent of hippie times.