Can anything be done to revive a tan leather handbag?

[naturelover]

It's only a year old, from Kew, cost 80 quid which is a LOT for me but I think the leather is poor quality. It seems faded, "dehydrated", a few marks, rough... The different parts of the bag seem to be made from "different" grade leather, IYSWIM.

I can't afford a new bag, and I really did expect a leather bag to last a few years. But it does get daily use as a nappy bag. I am careful with it but of course it gets hauled all over and slung over the buggy handles.

I use Clarks leather conditioner on it every couple of weeks, but it still looks bad.

Can leather bags be re-dyed?

Was I naive to think a leather bag would have lasted? I could have got more wear from a cheap nylon bag for a fraction of the price!

1. I don't know if you're supposed to, but I use black shoe polish on my leather briefcase-type bag, and it seems to revive it quite well. I need to let it sit overnight though so the polish dries thoroughly!

1. I have a purple handbag I can't match with shoe polish. I rub handcream in and it does beautifully.

But do try a "patch test" first with either of the above suggestions!

In my experience there is a great variation in quality with leather and you can't always tell by looking at an item how well it will last. Also nappy bags do get a lot of punishment ... good luck with reviving it.

How about something (no idea what) from a saddle shop?

My sister used to spend hours softening bridles and working "stuff" into saddles!!

'Dubbin',is what you need. It's great for conditioning leather.

Thanks for the tips - will investigate!