How to Restore a Leather Bag

How to Assess the Condition of a Leather Bag

Before you begin the restoration of a leather bag, it is essential to assess its condition. This evaluation will help you identify the areas that require cleaning, repair, or restoration. Here are the key points to keep in mind:

Examine the exterior: Inspect the bag's surface for any visible signs of damage, such as scratches, scuffs, stains, or discoloration. Pay attention to the seams, edges, and corners, as these areas are prone to wear and tear.

Check the hardware: Examine the bag's hardware, such as zippers, buckles, and clasps, to ensure that they are functioning correctly and not damaged.

Evaluate the lining: Carefully inspect the interior lining of the bag. Look for tears, stains, or signs of wear. A damaged lining may require repair or replacement.

Assess the leather quality: Examine the leather itself to determine its quality. Look for signs of dryness, cracking, or peeling. High-quality leather will have a smooth and supple texture. In contrast, lower-quality leather may appear stiff or have visible imperfections.

Consider the structural integrity: Check the bag's overall shape and structure. Look for any sagging, distorted areas, or weakened stitching. These issues may require additional steps to restore the bag's shape and stability.

Note the bag's original characteristics: If your bag has any unique features, such as embossing, stitching patterns, or special finishes, note them. This information will help you maintain the bag's original appearance during restoration.

Cleaning the Leather

It is essential to clean a leather bag before restoring it. Over time, dirt, dust, and oils can accumulate on the surface, making the leather look dull and lifeless. Proper cleaning removes impurities like chewing gum from leather and prepares the leather for restoration. 

Gather the necessary supplies: Gather a soft cloth or sponge, a small bowl, lukewarm water, and mild leather cleaner formulated for your bag's leather type.

Test the cleaner: To maintain the appearance of your bag during cleaning, test the cleaner on a small and concealed area first to ensure it won't cause damage or discoloration. If you observe any adverse reactions, such as color transfer or fading, discontinue using the cleaner and try an alternative option.

Remove surface dirt: First, wipe the bag with a clean, dry cloth to remove any loose dirt or dust from the surface. This step will prevent the dirt from scratching the leather during cleaning.

Dilute the cleaner: If using a concentrated leather cleaner, dilute it with lukewarm water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pour the diluted cleaner into a small bowl.

Clean the leather: Dip the soft cloth or sponge into the diluted cleaner, wring out any excess liquid, and gently wipe the leather in small circular motions. Pay extra attention to areas with stains or heavy dirt buildup. Avoid saturating the leather with excessive liquid, as this can cause damage.

Remove excess cleaner: After cleaning, dampen a clean cloth with lukewarm water and wipe the leather to remove any residual cleaner. 

Dry the leather: Allow the bag to air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Avoid using a hairdryer or artificial heat to speed up the drying process—this can cause the leather to crack or shrink.

Conditioning the leather (optional): Once the leather is dry, you may apply a leather conditioner to restore moisture and suppleness. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and apply it evenly to the bag's surface.

Note: Full-grain leather does not require conditioner – do not use conditioners on Latico Leathers' bags.

Repairing Scratches & Scuffs

After cleaning a leather bag, inspect it for scratches and scuffs. You can improve the look of damaged leather with the proper techniques and tools. 

Assess the depth of the damaged leather: Examine the scratches and scuffs. How deep are they? You can buff superficial surface scratches, but deeper scratches may require additional treatment.

Use Leather Conditioner: For light surface scratches, apply a small amount of leather conditioner to the affected area. Gently rub the conditioner into the leather using a soft cloth or your fingertips—this helps minimize shallow scratches and restore the original color and texture of the leather. Remember, this only applies to lower-quality leathers like top-grain and genuine leather, and follow a leather conditioning guide for proper application.

Try a leather repair kit: If the scratches are more severe or the leather conditioner does not fully repair the damage, consider using a leather repair kit. These kits typically include a color-matching compound or filler, an adhesive, and various tools for application.

Apply the color-matching compound: Using a small spatula or the provided applicator, apply a small amount of the color-matching compound to the scratch or scuff. Carefully follow the instructions supplied with the kit for the proper application technique.

Smooth and blend the compound: Use a soft cloth or your fingertip to blend the color-matching compound into the surrounding leather. Apply light pressure and smooth out the excess compound to achieve a seamless appearance.

Let the compound dry: Follow the recommended drying time in the leather repair kit. Avoid touching or placing objects on the repaired area.

Buff and polish: Once the compound has dried, gently buff the repaired area with a soft cloth to smooth unevenness. You can also use a leather conditioner or polish to restore the luster of the repaired section and help it match the rest of the bag.

Restoring the Bag's Shape & Structure

Restoring the shape and structure of a leather bag keeps it functional and beautiful.

Empty the bag: Empty the bag with all its contents so you can work on it without obstructions.

Stuff the bag: To restore the bag's shape, use stuffing materials such as tissue paper, bubble wrap, or old towels. Fill the bag gently, ensuring you distribute the stuffing evenly throughout the interior. Avoid overstuffing, as it can stretch or damage the leather.

Shape the bag: After stuffing, gently mold the leather bag into the desired shape. Pay attention to the corners, edges, and any design features. Use your hands to reshape the leather, smoothing any wrinkles or creases.

Support the bag: To maintain the bag's shape during restoration, consider using support. You can place the bag in a box or use specially-designed bag shapers or inserts. These supports will help the bag retain its shape while you work on other restoration steps.

Heat treatment (optional): Is your bag made of stiff or stubborn leather? You can use heat to reshape it. A hairdryer on low heat or a handheld steamer can warm the leather. Once the leather becomes pliable, gently mold it into the desired shape. Allow the bag to cool.

Let the bag rest: After shaping and supporting the bag, allow it to sit undisturbed for 24 hours or more to allow the leather to settle into its new shape.

Remove the stuffing: Once the bag has rested, carefully remove the stuffing materials, taking your time so no remnants remain.

Inspect the shape: After removing the stuffing, inspect the bag. Is it good? If needed, reshape it. 

Reviving a Leather Bag's Natural Shine

You can use several techniques to restore faded leather and bring back the shine. 

Clean the bag: You want your bag free from dirt or debris. 

Conditioning the leather: Use a leather conditioner suitable for your bag. Apply the conditioner to the entire surface using a soft cloth or sponge. Gently rub the conditioner into the leather to moisturize and nourish it, which enhances its shine. This process keeps leather in good condition and improves its longevity.

Buff with a soft cloth: After applying the conditioner, use a soft, lint-free cloth to buff the leather in gentle circular motions—this will help distribute the conditioner evenly and promote shine.

Use a high-quality leather polish: If the leather still lacks shine, apply a high-quality leather polish or wax designed explicitly for your leather. Apply a small amount of the polish to a soft cloth and gently rub it onto the leather in circular motions. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and buffing.

Allow time for absorption: After applying the conditioner and polish, let the bag sit for a few minutes for the leather to absorb the products—this helps restore moisture and shine from within.

Buff again: Use a clean, soft cloth to buff the leather again—this helps remove excess product and enhance the shine.

Finish with a leather protectant: To maintain the shine and protect the leather from future damage, consider applying a leather protectant or sealant to create a barrier against moisture, stains, and UV rays.

Regular maintenance: Clean and condition your leather bag regularly. Avoid exposing the bag to excessive sunlight or heat, as this can cause fading or damage to the leather's natural shine.

Storing and Maintaining Your Leather Bag

Proper storage and maintenance are crucial for preserving the longevity and beauty of your leather bag.

Choose a suitable storage location: Find a cool, dry place to store your leather bag, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Excessive heat and sunlight can cause the leather to fade or crack over time.

Use a dust bag or pillowcase: When not in use, keep your leather bag in a dust bag or a breathable pillowcase. These protective coverings shield the bag from dust, dirt, and light exposure.

Avoid hanging the bag: To prevent stretching or distortion, do not hang your leather bag for extended periods. Instead, store it upright or lay it flat on a shelf or drawer.

Fill the bag with tissue paper: If you don't use a bag for an extended period, stuff it with tissue paper to help maintain its shape and prevent the bag from sagging or losing its structure while in storage.

Regularly clean and condition: To prevent dirt buildup and maintain its suppleness, regularly clean and condition your leather bag. Follow the cleaning and conditioning steps mentioned in this blog post and make it a routine to perform these tasks every few months or as needed.

Handle with clean hands: Clean hands prevent the transfer of substances that could stain or damage the leather.

Keep away from sharp objects: Avoid placing your leather bag near sharp objects or rough surfaces that could scratch or puncture the leather. Be mindful of where you set your bag to prevent accidental damage.

Please avoid contact with water: Leather is not waterproof, so protecting your bag from water exposure is essential. If your bag does get wet, gently blot the excess moisture with a soft cloth and allow it to air dry naturally. Avoid using heat sources to speed up the drying process.

Professional restoration: If your leather bag requires extensive repairs or restoration, it's best to consult a professional leather restorer or use a leather repair shop—they have the expertise and tools to handle complex issues.

We know it can be frustrating when a leather bag loses its luster, and we hope you've enjoyed learning how to clean, repair, restore, and revive your bag. By following storage and maintenance tips, you can prolong the lifespan of your leather bag and keep it looking its best.

The most important aspect is the quality of the leather you carry. Always choose 100% full-grain leather—it looks and wears better.

After thirty years of working with leather, Latico is a master at creating heirloom-quality leather bags that mature with age. We hand-select each hide and use a unique blend of natural dyes so that the natural character of each leather piece shines through. If you carry the best, you'll look your best (and have far less maintenance). Shop today and check out our new arrivals!