OLD LEATHER BAGS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 June 1938, Page 4

OLD LEATHER BAGS

RENOVATION METHODS. A brown leather bag that has become faded may be washed over well with a soft brush, soap and warm water; there need be no fear in regard to wetting the leather, as the water will not harm it in the slightest. Wash the bag a second time in clean water, and while still wet, sponge, it well over with a solution of one part of oxalic acid mixed in ten parts of water. Continue to rub this into the leather until all the stains have disappeared. Should a bag have become faded, its colour may be restored by sponging it in a solution of ammonia and water. Leave the bag after it has been carefully sponged all over to dry thoroughly, and then 'rub it over with furniture polish. A very thin coat of leather varnish will make it look bright, like brown patent leather. Appljy the varnish with a soft brush, and work over the surface evenly. Another way of obtaining a shiny surface on leather is by means of an application of “glair.” Glair, although it sounds most professional and somewhat obscure, is really just white of egg whisked up in half its bulk of vinegar, and allowed to settle. It gives a very good effect, but has one definite draw-back —it attracts flies.

The simplest form of varnish which ip yet quite serviceable may be ma,de by dissolving orange shellac in methylated spirits. The best varnish for leather, however, is made of gum dissolved in spirits of wine. Black leather bags which are only dyed on the surface, and through scratching or careless handling show white patches, may be touched up quite successfully with ordinary ink, 'although, of course, Indian ink is very much more satisfactory, and gives a better black.

A lasting black satin for leather can be made by steeping rusty steel or iron filings in vinegar for a day or two. If filings are not easy to obtain, a few rusty nails will answer just as well.