How do you reapply "coated" finishes on denim?

[CharlieAngel]

So, I have a pair of black Nudie Slim Jims. They were "coated," and about 2" too long. I took them to the cleaners to have them hemmed (right down the street from my work), and they CLEANED THEM (and hemmed them). The ******* coating is gone. Now they're just black jeans. God ******* dammit. **** you, Leonard's at 8901 Melrose. **** you right **********.

So, any DIY solutions to this?

 

[djh]

Not really... My friend painted his jeans with fabric paint but it's not coated as far as I know.

 

[brohymn]

From a financial standpoint, I think you're better off just straight up selling them at this point.

 

[CharlieAngel]

Well, I don't mind having a pair of plain black jeans, so I'll continue to wear them, but if I can figure out a way to replicate the original finish, then I'd like to take a whack at it. I swear to god, I had to leave the cleaners before I started smashing **** today.

 

[AR_Six]

Er... why would you not insist tht your cleaners reimburse you either for the difference in value to you or for a new pair?

 

[CharlieAngel]

They weren't interested in what I had to say. As I said, I had to leave before I did something really stupid. I'm still fuming. And, according to the care tag on the jeans, they cleaned the jeans according to the instructions, which, from my limited viewing of Judge Judy, absolves them of responsibility to the finish. The denim is, after all, clean. The argument then comes down to "he said she said" when it comes to the matter of whether or not I requested cleaning. At the same time, I'm surprised that the finish came off with the dry-cleaning (although not really.. I mean, it's probably wax/petroleum based and any solvent would probably view it the same as any other wax or petroleum crap: dirt to be removed). I may go back later when I'm done stabbing my desk with a ballpoint.

 

[ToruOkada]

^ +1

no point bitching about it here...go get your money back.

 

[AR_Six]

Your limited viewing of a TV show to the contrary, you contracted for one thing and got another. It is at minimum a breach of warranty. If you hire me to tile your bathroom floor and I proceed to reupholster your furniture to my liking (which naturally involves pink elephant textiles), you're saying I shouldn't be required to compensate you for that? Not to mention it's not really a legal issue, it's just common sense on their part... it's maybe 80 bucks for your damage, vs. the loss of your business forever. Considering my dry cleaner probably makes that off me in a month or two, and loss of reputation besides when you tell area residents about how *********** up your clothes, it's a no brainer.

In future, though, I would suggest getting your alterations done at a tailor or alterationist. I've never had a dry cleaner I'd trust even with tapering or darting.

 

[mrburnz]

my GF washed my black coated slim jims recently. they definately don't look the same anymore. they did last about 8 month's w/o a wash though.

 

[AR_Six]

This thread does raise a good question though, about washing coated denim. I shall pose it in the jean thread.

 

[thekunk07]

^don't wash coated denim. have to dry clean. i have 3 pairs of coate diors and a pair of coated superfines and they are all losing sheen, dry cleaned or not.

 

[AR_Six]

I imagined they would over time. I'm just wondering how to maintain their appearance for the longest time possible. Though, I'm sure I could get a year out of them without washing.

 

[mrburnz]

Originally Posted by thekunk07

^don't wash coated denim. have to dry clean. i have 3 pairs of coate diors and a pair of coated superfines and they are all losing sheen, dry cleaned or not.

i'm guessing the OP's dry cleaners, laundered them then?

 

[CharlieAngel]

Yep. And this is also why I'm wondering about DIY finishes because I know with time it's supposed to fade (not permanent) and now would be as good time as any to learn about re-applications.

I've got a can of black kiwi shoe polish. It's got wax, it's got lanolin, it's got a few other things, and I imagine that while waxed != coated (I'm guessing), it might produce something similarly decent looig. Or ******. I'll try the hems first.

I'm still angry. Must be the low-carb diet. Grr. I want to go back and calmly explain that they owe me a new pair of jeans or some money, but it's likely to come out as "**** YOU **** YOU **** YOUR ******* STORE YOU ******* WHORE **** YOU **** YOUR ******* MOTHER **** YOUR ******* KID WITH A ******* ASS ****** MULE KICKING DICK PUNCHING **** ASS **** YOU!" I've counted to like 100. I'm amazed I'm able to post.

 

[ken]

Originally Posted by thekunk07

^don't wash coated denim. have to dry clean. i have 3 pairs of coate diors and a pair of coated superfines and they are all losing sheen, dry cleaned or not.

Do NOT dry clean waxed cotton. The only acceptable method of cleaning waxed cotton is wiping locally with a sponge or cloth. This is why waxed jeans are kind of impractical; they can never be washed. Generally, water-proof protection for your legs comes in the form of chaps.

To restore the oil finish to your cotton, just get a can of the stuff from Filson or Barbour. Put it in a warm water bath, apply, and let dry. Done.