The Dakota A5 - Part Deux + update

(I wrote this post inside my notebook on Monday the 27th.)

Today I finally picked the Dakota from where I had left it after opening the package. I wasn't sure what to do with it, so I had left it there while I thought about what I should do. Should I return it and ask for a refund? or should I try to restore it and keep it? Being sick with a daily fever and heavy head doesn't allow room for proper thinking.

So yes, I decided to keep it and restore it.

Since the material isn't real leather, I didn't worry about it drying up, so I used my clarifying toner. That way it would be gently cleaned and smell nice at the same time.

After some decent rubbing, I was able to make the black marks less visible, but only slightly. I guess they are now so embedded  that it would be impossible to completely remove them without damaging and discolouring the material.

I then added a fine layer of liquid leather conditioner and gave it a modest buff, so that it wouldn't look so dull.

I didn't apply any conditioner to the strap yet; I wanted to glue it first.

Please excuse the crappy pictures, I wasn't able to take better ones. As you can see, most of the black marks are more faint now.

End of part II

Update as of 29th January 2014:

After having talked with a few online friends, I was convinced to try and resolve this matter by asking for a refund, as it wasn't fair to have been sold an item that wasn't as described.

After contacting the seller, we've agreed that I will return the binder to her, and she will refund me.

I guess I will have to scour the net for a decently priced A5 again...

Thank you all for your support and help!! :D ♥