Leather is not a living, breathing fabric like some like to claim...it is dead animal skin - sorry for being so blunt - but that is what it is!!
This skin is turned into leather with a series of chemical processes, all of which will determine the softness, the color and the type of leather it will become. ( Aniline, Semi-Aniline or Finished)
Because of all the chemical processes used, restoration is a challenge for the simple reason that it is not able to replicate the tanning process - but only to remedy the leather wear and tear.
Handbags that come in for restoration, refurbishing or cleaning, for that matter, have other issues as well. Some are pH damaged due to the wrong cleaners used, some are permanently stained, some have wear on the corners where the color is rubbed off, some it is the handles that have absorbed too much hand oils and are now dark and pH damaged - and some bags have all of the above.
Handbag restoration services should offer conditioning of the leather, restoring of the color and top coat.
Done correctly the bag should look like new - But for this, color matching perfection is required, knowledge of leather types and the effect of color on each leather is of utmost importance. Also, an understanding of metamerism is crucial when color matching under artificial lighting.
When a bag is restored it is not going to be like the original leather - some restoration companies are better at simulating the finish than others as it has a lot to do with the leather finish which they use to do the restoration.
Questions to ask before dropping your bag off for restoration:
1. Is the refinishing used a water based or solvent based finish?
For designer bags that are aniline and semi-aniline dyed you want a solvent based finish to be used. Water based finish will cause the bag to feel like plastic because of the film forming qualities of the finish.
2. Do you take into consideration metamerism ( what light are you matching to?) To have a great restoration requires perfect color matching. Using the right light source - usually daylight - is very important - as the bag will be used mostly outdoors.
3. Do you do base and print refinishing ( this is important for bags that have the antique look etc) Color matching is one aspect - seeing the variety of color in leather is a gift. Many leather colors are base and print -
4. Can you do a spot repair ( not requiring the entire bag to be refinished) This means that most of the bag is original and will maintain the value.
Some claim to be the best - but beware - leather restoration is not easy when done correctly - shop around and ask the questions.
For more about handbag repair and restoration contact Lovin My Bags
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