What Can You Use to Repair a Black Purse?
When your black purse suffers a tear or gets a stain, you must decide whether to repair or replace the purse. Start by determining the extent of the damage and the type of material that needs repair. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Stains
-
Determine the stain's composition and the purse's material before choosing a cleaning product. If your purse is leather, determine if it is finished or unfinished. Treat oil-based stains with an absorbent material such as cornstarch before applying any spot-removing chemical. Always test your cleaning product on an inconspicuous area of the purse to make sure it does not cause additional stain problems.
Color Loss
-
The Missouri Department of Conservation recommends alcohol-based dyes for tanned leather. Use acrylic spray paint or fabric dye on manmade materials when damage lifts color. Test in an inconspicuous area of the purse first. Clean the damaged area before applying dye, paint or -- for a temporary emergency repair on a matte finish -- permanent black marker. Remove excess color before using the purse to avoid transfer.
-
Loose Parts
-
Consider the purse's material when repairing loose areas. Match thread color and use a glover or harness needle for stitching repairs. Choose the proper glue to rejoin loose parts. If possible, use sandpaper or an emery board to roughen at least one of the surfaces to improve the glue's grip.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Bag from a black leather on a white background image by terex from Fotolia.com
