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How to Refurbish Vintage Leather Luggage

The allure of toting a vintage leather suitcase around the world becomes insatiable when considering the sea of black nylon rolling bags at the airport. However, an ancient bag may not withstand rough handling. Before refurbishing a vintage valise, decide whether you want to restore its looks or utility. To keep a vintage bag in collectible condition, clean it thoroughly, but replace as few of the original parts as possible. Use a restored suitcase for light duty. It stylishly holds office or craft supplies on a visible shelf, lends globe-trotting flair to a library or safely stashes out-of-season clothing.

Things You'll Need

Pantyhose or knee-highs
Baking soda or calcium carbonate
Newspaper
C-clamp
Wood glue or small nails
Thin piece of wood or wood veneer
Donor suitcase
Vintage travel stickers
Replacement fabric
White distilled vinegar
Linseed oil

Instructions

- 1
  Fill clean pantyhose or knee-high stockings with baking soda or calcium carbonate crystals
- 2
  Fill the suitcase with crumpled newspapers and the baking-soda sachets. Close and latch the suitcase and leave it in a dry place for several days to a week. Newspapers and baking soda absorb musty smells.
- 3
  Wipe the outer surface with a soft, dry cloth. Do this outside to limit the spread of dust.
- 4
  Bring the suitcase indoors and wipe again with a slightly damp cloth. Do not saturate the cloth; pooling water may damage the leather. The water grabs surface dust and grime without adding residue.
- 5
  
  Hide flaws with vintage travel stickers.
  
  Replace major components, such as the handle, side brackets or locks, with parts from a donor suitcase in poorer shape. Some handles are attached with screws or bolts. If the inner lining is loose, lift it gently for access.
- 6
  Repair unstable wood beneath the leather. Clamp with a C-clamp and glue or nail shifting corners. Add stability to a case with many holes by slipping a thin piece of wood, such as veneer, up against the inside of the box. Alternatively, cut small pieces of wood to act as patches. If the lining wraps the corners of the case, look for loose fabric for an opening.
- 7
  Assess holes in the leather. Many collectors appreciate the patina of a well-worn bag. Leave tiny holes alone, especially if the wood behind them is stable. Consider covering a prominent hole with period-appropriate travel stickers. Reproduction stickers may also be available if looks, but not authenticity, is your goal.
- 8
  Glue or tack the edges of the lining after making structural repairs. If the lining merely covers a removable panel, purchase replacement fabric.
- 9
  Mix one part white vinegar and one part linseed oil. Dip a cloth in the solution and gently wipe the leather. The combination safely cleans dry leather without the artificial chemicals found in commercial leather cleaners. Buff the leather dry with a soft cloth.

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