a2jacketpatches Report post Posted June 20, 2011 (edited) I make leather patches for reproductions of the classic A-2 Flight Jacket. There are thousands of designs so I'm always doing custom work along with some standard designs as posted here (if I can figure it out) These represent the Flying Tigers, AVG (American Volunteer Group) This unit opposed the Japanese invasion of China just before WW2. I've always been a history buff and artist, So I combine the two. I'm looking for ultra thin strong leather supply if anyone can help with that. I use reclaimed leather when I find it thin enough in a thrift store or something, but most of these patches are done in sheepskin. Wafer thin, pigmented and sealed, in all colors, would be a dream come true. http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/a2jacketpatches/23rdPrototypes002.jpg http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/a2jacketpatches/AprilTigers017.jpg http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/a2jacketpatches/CACWnew001.jpg Edited June 20, 2011 by a2jacketpatches Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted June 20, 2011 May I suggest you get a "splitter"? You could get the colors you desire by using an Air Brush. ferg I make leather patches for reproductions of the classic A-2 Flight Jacket. There are thousands of designs so I'm always doing custom work along with some standard designs as posted here (if I can figure it out) These represent the Flying Tigers, AVG (American Volunteer Group) This unit opposed the Japanese invasion of China just before WW2. I've always been a history buff and artist, So I combine the two. I'm looking for ultra thin strong leather supply if anyone can help with that. I use reclaimed leather when I find it thin enough in a thrift store or something, but most of these patches are done in sheepskin. Wafer thin, pigmented and sealed, in all colors, would be a dream come true. http://i872.photobuc...ototypes002.jpg http://i872.photobuc...ilTigers017.jpg http://i872.photobuc.../CACWnew001.jpg Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
a2jacketpatches Report post Posted June 20, 2011 (edited) Thanks for the reply, I've got some airbrushes and pretty handy with them, I'll post a couple of jacket paintings. The thing is that I'm looking for a finish that can take a beating later, get soaking wet, cleaned up with a tooth brush etc. like factory finished stuff. My applied finish has come off when I do the weathering process. I use a paint specially formulated for airbrushing leather but always thought there must be something else available, I'm not crazy about the cova colors. My patches need to be folded, washed, squished, you name it, whatever it takes for them to look vintage. What would be as strong and durable as factory finishes that I can shoot through my guns? May I suggest you get a "splitter"? You could get the colors you desire by using an Air Brush. ferg Edited June 20, 2011 by a2jacketpatches Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
electrathon Report post Posted June 20, 2011 Very cool looking work! Aaron Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WinterBear Report post Posted June 20, 2011 I'm not sure how thin you need, but Springfield Leather has kidskin in a variety of colors including two metallic colors (bronze and platinum). The kidskin is 2oz. It might work, but I'm not sure if the grain side is sueded or not, so I think you'd have to call them up or email them and ask. Both Tandy and Springfield sell some sort of shoe and boot scrap, but that's a crap shoot as to what you'd get and the colors. However, most Tandy stores usually have a rummage bin of upholstery bits, some of which are large and if you're lucky you can find the colors you want. if you have one close. The local Tandy also has quite a bit of patent leather they get in odd lots, some of which is quite thin, and they get a lot of different colors in. You might see if your closest Tandy or Leather Factory does the same. You might also see if you can find the manufacturers of purses in the region, or call the places that make custom cowboy boots, and see who sells their scrap. Sometimes they sell it through a local hobby store by 1 pound bags. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Luke Hatley Report post Posted June 20, 2011 Fine looking work.... Check with.."WWW.Hidehouse Leather.com" they should have the colors and thickness that you are wanting. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dirtclod Report post Posted June 20, 2011 Great job on the patches and air brush work !! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted June 20, 2011 Try these folks, they have many products. http://www.leathercoatings.com/clear.htm ferg Thanks for the reply, I've got some airbrushes and pretty handy with them, I'll post a couple of jacket paintings. The thing is that I'm looking for a finish that can take a beating later, get soaking wet, cleaned up with a tooth brush etc. like factory finished stuff. My applied finish has come off when I do the weathering process. I use a paint specially formulated for airbrushing leather but always thought there must be something else available, I'm not crazy about the cova colors. My patches need to be folded, washed, squished, you name it, whatever it takes for them to look vintage. What would be as strong and durable as factory finishes that I can shoot through my guns? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Crystal Report post Posted June 20, 2011 Very cool! Crystal Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
particle Report post Posted June 20, 2011 WOW! Very cool stuff!! I'll start off by saying I know next to nothing about airbrushing scenes like you're doing, but have you tried any of the products designed for screen printing? A quick google search found this interesting thread. http://www.t-shirtforums.com/screen-printing/t85337.html Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jstrm1 Report post Posted July 4, 2011 Just lurking in leatherworker.net and came across your work. I was particularly impressed with the Flying Tiger patches. My great uncle, Lt Hoyle Upchurch, was shot down/crashed in China as a Flying Tiger. A Chinese delegation both came to the States to participate in his funeral and hosted an American group that went to China to pay respects. At his funeral here in the states Government dignitaries spoke but we were all most impressed by the representative of the Flying Tigers...................not to mention the missing man flyover at the grave site. I have records of all this stuff and one of the family members built a website chronicling it all as well. Just Google Lt Hoyle Upchurch. If there is anyway further I can help you please let me know. May God bless you, jtk ps I love this website Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MBOGO Report post Posted July 4, 2011 Factory finish? In WWII the jackets were painted with whatever was on hand. Surviving jackets with original artwork, are usually pretty rough, and the acrylics we now have would have been much appreciated by WWII aircrew. I did several in the late 1980's and early 1990's using Liquitex. The best results I got were using an acrylic base, detailing with gouache's, and top coating with a clear. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swinewerx Report post Posted November 16, 2011 You got my attention!!! I like your work!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
