Fiebings, Edge Kote in Brown, $11 on Amazon / Fiebrings Edge Kote in Black, $7 on Amazon
I was looking up how to fix a worn leather purse hand strap, or even a wallet – like my tired Louis Vuitton wallet from 12 years ago when I bought it for $450 and now it’s for sale for $800 – I suppose that’s inflation? Or just insanity? Anyway, after much use of my wallet – I definitely got my money’s worth if you think about cost per use, it needed some TLC to restore it.
There were a few options my girlfriend told me, go to a leather repairs shop (but leave my precious there?) or do it the trashy way and use nail polish.
Here’s what I used:
Fiebings, Edge Kote in Brown, $11 on Amazon / Fiebrings Edge Kote in Black, $7 on Amazon
I bought both because I had a feeling the brown wasn’t dark enough and I wanted even the tiniest drop to make it a bit darker, just in case. Worth it! Buy both – it’s so cheap and much cheaper than going to a leather repair shop. You can do this yourself in minutes.
You could also use this technique to fix a leather belt, canvas like Louis Vuitton small wallet or purse strap.
Fixing tips:
- You can do both sides of a strap if you want, just lay/rest the strap on a box close to hold it up while it dries.
- Use a Q-tip – get a new one if it looks over saturated which may cause it to bleed over the edge
- A few coats might be needed to get it to match the rest of the thickness.
- Let dry at least 10 minutes
- Mix colors on a waxy magazine or something plastic. I used the top of a canning jar lid.
I rest my straps on a box.
For my wallet to dry, I wedged it in my English toast rack – no it is not used for letters!
However, I will use it sometimes when I do calligraphy for them to dry. I know, ridiculous American.
If you need to glue or repair a strap or product that’s fraying or open, I used the glue in a vinyl repair kit, which can also repair ripped canvas and leather I heard. I used it at the corners of my LV wallet that had frayed apart. I also heard this glue works as well being a flexible adhesive but since I haven’t tried it, I would recommend doing a test area then put the kote on to make sure it’ll adhere to it.
It’s a temporary fix if you want to do it yourself, otherwise I’d also suggest going to a shoe repair place – they usually also fix purses and they will be able to help as well.
Doing this every so often really refreshes you tired purse edges so I suggest doing this and also before you list to sell any of your handbags it really makes it look new.
Happy purse repair!
Jennifer says
Where are the before and after pictures? I want to see please!
Diana Elizabeth says
I never take before’s :) I did link to the girl above that has some!
Kathleen says
I need to fix edge of strap on my purse….its that plastic type coating. So you are saying that product will restore that oart if strap??? Where can u find edge kote???
Diana Elizabeth says
Hi Kathleen, it should – but if it’s falling apart, you need some glue to make it adhesive. This is a good color that will help seal but if your bag is already splitting, it’d be best to first treat with the leather glue and let it dry then cover with the colored coating. Good luck!
Becky Pennington says
I recently purchased a Coach leather bag. The binding on the leather strap has separated in one section. Can you advise me on the best way to restore this problem? Thank you.
Diana Elizabeth says
Hi Becky, I would use a glue made for leather and then use the kote.