Rubbing Alcohol Wet Molding Holster

[Clay B]

Hi All,

I'm thinking about using rubbing alcohol for wet blocking a holster vs plain water.

Has anyone had any actual experience doing this? Results?

Thank you. Clay

[Spinner]

I don't do holsters but I do wet form a lot of motorcycle parts. That being said, I can't see the alcohol keeping the leather moist enough for long enough to get a good form molded. The other thing to consider is that alcohol has a tendency to dry out leather a bit and using the amount you would need to wet form could cause undue damage to the fibers. Water allows you more working time, is a natural lubricant and best of all, is free.

[Lobo]

Clay:

Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol can be used in lieu of water. Either the 70% concentration or 90% version will work. Alcohol evaporates very rapidly, so working times can be short. Forming and boning work need to be done pretty quickly. A piece can be dunked again if necessary and the work continued. The results are comparable to water-forming followed by heat-drying, with a very rigid result being typical.

I think that the alcohol has a greater tendency to reduce the natural moisture content of the leather, so some thought might be given to replenishing some of the moisture as part of the finishing process. I use modest applications of neatsfoot oil for this reason.

I have used this method when working on larger orders that have to be completed in minimal time.

A word of caution: do not try to use a heat source for drying holsters saturated with alcohol; it is flammable.

Best regards.

[Clay B]

Thank you for the rapid replies. I was thinking about using a light application of neatsfoot oil just before dyeing to avoid the leather from drying-out too much. So, I'm glad to hear that I'm on the right track. Clay

[Art]

Hi Clay,

I've used stretching fluid which has a lot of alcohol in it as a wetting agent when lasting and also when needing something wetter faster. Just like water, you need to be careful of watermarking on light color leathers.

Art

Hi All,

I'm thinking about using rubbing alcohol for wet blocking a holster vs plain water.

Has anyone had any actual experience doing this? Results?

Thank you. Clay

[marine mp]

Clay, I did a test for myself a few months ago. I took 3 pieces of leather and was looking for the best way to mold a piece and for it to retain its shape and hardness. !) Plain water 2) Water with 1 tablespoon of elmers glue mixed in 3) Rubbing alcohol. I did not apply any artificial heat. Naturally dried. The water/elmers dried and kept the mold the best. Next-plain water, third place-alcohol. Semper-fi Mike

[Reaper]

I tried it and liked it well enough, but when I put it out in the sun (live in Tampa Bay Florida) heat and harden, it came out like I had put it in a Microwave!

Kinda like a piece of bacon..

ack...

[King's X]

Interesting!

The things I still learn on here is AMAZING!

[Clay B]

Thank you everyone for all the replies and input.

Art: Streching fluid? Is there a special solution to apply to leather that assists in streching to help wet mold forming? Brand name?

[Art]

Hi Clay,

It is actually for stretching out finished boots that are a little too tight. It is also good for fast wetting leather, probably because of all the alcohol. I also use the Bee Natural mix. There is a lot of wet forming in boot work, I can't say the stretching fluid works any better, but it is faster, especially when insoles are starting to get too dry. If I can find the bottle, I'll get you the name. Ok, Kiwi Universal Shoe Stretch, I put the whole thing into a 16 or 20 oz spray bottle and fill with water (I use distilled). I have another bottle with a glug of Bee Natural in it and filled with water.

Art

Thank you everyone for all the replies and input.

Art: Streching fluid? Is there a special solution to apply to leather that assists in streching to help wet mold forming? Brand name?

[Clay B]

Hi Clay,

It is actually for stretching out finished boots that are a little too tight. It is also good for fast wetting leather, probably because of all the alcohol. I also use the Bee Natural mix. There is a lot of wet forming in boot work, I can't say the stretching fluid works any better, but it is faster, especially when insoles are starting to get too dry. If I can find the bottle, I'll get you the name. Ok, Kiwi Universal Shoe Stretch, I put the whole thing into a 16 or 20 oz spray bottle and fill with water (I use distilled). I have another bottle with a glug of Bee Natural in it and filled with water.

Art

[Clay B]

Hi Clay,

It is actually for stretching out finished boots that are a little too tight. It is also good for fast wetting leather, probably because of all the alcohol. I also use the Bee Natural mix. There is a lot of wet forming in boot work, I can't say the stretching fluid works any better, but it is faster, especially when insoles are starting to get too dry. If I can find the bottle, I'll get you the name. Ok, Kiwi Universal Shoe Stretch, I put the whole thing into a 16 or 20 oz spray bottle and fill with water (I use distilled). I have another bottle with a glug of Bee Natural in it and filled with water.

Art

Hi Art,

Thanks for the info. I would like to try some Kiwi Universal Shoe Stretch. Where do you think that I can purchase it from? Does the Bee Natural mix that you add to the solution allow the leather to take a dye? Clay

[Art]

Hi Clay,

I bought the Kiwi a long time ago, can't remember where. Any boot store will have it. The stuff from Bee Natural is called Pro Carve, I have never had a problem dyeing after using it.

Art

Hi Art,

Thanks for the info. I would like to try some Kiwi Universal Shoe Stretch. Where do you think that I can purchase it from? Does the Bee Natural mix that you add to the solution allow the leather to take a dye? Clay

[Reaper]

I like the Kiwi products. Using the Conditioner, Saddle Soap and Waxes. I'll have to look into the leather stretch solution. I was down at the Western Store ( actual name ) and asked about it and he told me it was for Boots only. Then again they sell boots, hats and cloths only. So stands to reason he wouldn't know what use it would be for boning I guess...

[Clay B]

Hi Clay,

I bought the Kiwi a long time ago, can't remember where. Any boot store will have it. The stuff from Bee Natural is called Pro Carve, I have never had a problem dyeing after using it.

Art

Art: Thanks for the info. I check around and find the products to give them a try. Clay

I like the Kiwi products. Using the Conditioner, Saddle Soap and Waxes. I'll have to look into the leather stretch solution. I was down at the Western Store ( actual name ) and asked about it and he told me it was for Boots only. Then again they sell boots, hats and cloths only. So stands to reason he wouldn't know what use it would be for boning I guess...

Reaper: Thanks for the info. Clay

[PHIPPS CRAFTED LEATHER]

On a recent holster I tried using dishwashing soap. A pan with very warm water and a small squirt of dawn to the water. It turned out to be the easiest moulding job I have done so far, I do all moulding by hand so it really helped with the hand aches. Never tried alcohol.

[Art]

Hi Clay,

I finally found the bottle of Shoe Stretch Liquid I used, although I found a can of Kiwi, I also found a gallon of Sellari's Shoe stretch, as I remember it also comes in a quart version. Kaufman Shoe Repair Supplies in New York and Panhandle down in Texas both carry it.

Art

Hi Clay,

I bought the Kiwi a long time ago, can't remember where. Any boot store will have it. The stuff from Bee Natural is called Pro Carve, I have never had a problem dyeing after using it.

Art