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Actually that's how the signature was! So the varnish worked great and if anything made it look more sharp!

I decided that this application will work for me. I put a thin coat on, then let it dry for about 12 hours (just wanted to be safe ) between the next coat. I think I did 4 coats total on the signature. I am thinking I will wear them for a while, then when I notice any wearing that is interrupting the signature, I will just add one more thin coat. I will probably add an additional one if I plan on wearing them a lot for a prolonged period of time. I just want to thank EVERYONE who has helped me with so many thoughts and suggestions, I hope someone finds this on their search in the future and it helps them Final product:

I heat treated and sealed the test boot with 3 very thin coats of acrylic varnish. On the tester I did one thin coat, then waiting the 10 minutes as the bottle instructed, then applied the next. To distress, I used a damp rag to scrub for about 15 minutes straight. Here are my pictures... Supplies: Before application: After application: After distress:

I FINALLY got some acrylic varnish. I will heat set and try that tonight. I can't believe I started doing this 2 months ago....go me haha

Update! I'm sorry it took me so long. Have been doing some wear and tear on the coated areas, I used both red and black sharpie. Both were lightened a lot by the mop and glo, and the black actually smeared. Hoping to get ahold of some clear varnish sonn, I miss my boots! Here's a picture!

Well the 1st coat didn't have a finish. 2nd coat is drying now. The pen did not fade, just not sure if its actually doing any good as a finish! I will do some testing after it dries.

I'm practicing with the mop n glo on the other boot. I feel like the mixture was super watery and I might have put it on too thick. When the 1st coat dries will it have a finish?

So, get this. Digging under our counter I find some original Mop n Glo. Seriously. No one knew it was in there. Going shopping today so maybe I will stop at a craft store and get the Folk Art varnish, still torn between those 2. Will keep you posted!

Starting to think I'm jinxed! Went to 2 stores, no one had varnish! Hopefully I can track some down this weekend.

Great thanks!! Hopefully I'll get to the store tomorrow!

You put it on with a sponge, would you recommend a sponge over a spongy craft brush? I would assume I wouldn't want to spray it. I will plan to do 2 thin coats and I will follow the instructions on the bottle for drying time. SHIPPING!

Wow! Thank you for doing the testing!! I haven't sealed the boot yet, so I'll give the Folk Art Varnish from Wal-Mart. I've been searching to try to find something that won't cost me $25, so I haven't bought anything yet. I will probably buy some, then draw a dot on the other boot and seal it to see what the results are. I will let everyone know how it goes when I do it. Thank you again for all of the suggestions!

So I have the boot masked and went to spray and I thought I would read this thread again. I looked at the bottle I bought and way down in the corner it says "fresh citrus scent" I'm assuming I shouldn't use it walmart didn't carry mop n glo here and the store I found this at only had the one bottle. It is blue. Guess I should just pay the extra to get the resolene.

Ha! I'm not even experienced enough to use the resolene

Ok now I'm scared! Anyone have experience with mop n glo over sharpie?

Mop n Glo? As in the regular floor cleaner I can get at Walmart?

Cool. I'm such a dork, I'm really excited! Plus, I miss wearing my boots! Thank you so much again!

Awesome! I actually have an adjustable one at home. I have read about something like the preval, I could do some calling around to see if I can find something around where I live. I think I'll go the resolene way. If you do try it out with the spray bottle, let me know! Thank you so much for your help, I will hopefully order the resolene tonight ( was just going to go thru Tandy, they seemed the cheapest and they are in WI too so maybe they'll be cheaper shipping!) So maybe I can do it this weekend. If I apply it 50/50 and just do a thin coat, how many coats do you put on? I don't want it too thick or it will crack, right? Then I'll probably let it dry for a month haha I'm so afraid to ruin it! I could have had him sign something else that would be less work but what's the fun in a piece of paper?

When you say trigger spray do you mean something like a windex bottle sprayer?

Thanks for your input guys! I know the resolene needs to be diluted, and I don't have access to a sprayer, so I guess I would lean more towards the Saddle-Lac because I'm not sure how I would apply the resolene without a sprayer. If the Saddle-Lac seems like a good option for me I think I will go for that. If it were to wear down, can it just be sprayed over again? I wish I knew SOMETHING about leather! The signature is on the inside of the boot, if I spray the inside, it won't get through to the outside, finished leather will it? I don't think I'm as worried about the coloring/finish as long as it just keeps the Sharpie there. Sorry these are dumb questions, and sorry if you have been asked them before!

I was thinking the Leather Sheen because it can come in an aerosal that way I don't have to worry about touching the signature and smearing it. It sounds like it leaves a nice waxy, waterproof finish. I just worry about cracking and what I would do if I had to re-seal it.

So I'll start off saying I know nothing about leather... I need help! I got the meet my FAVORITE country artist, Brantley Gilbert. He signed the inside of my cowboy boot! Now...I need to seal it because they are brand new and $120 bucks is a lot for a poor girl like me and I can't just set them on a shelf! The leather is died pink. It is in a spot that doesn't rub too much. I have tried to do some research online for sealing techniques and after reading many articles I have come to one conclusion. I'm lost. The signature is in Sharpie. The boots are Ariat if that matters. I need a finish that can withstand the heat, stretching, and bending a boot goes through. I've heard nail polish, leather sheen, acrylic resolene.... Anyone have some input? Any help is MUCH appreciated!! THANK YOU! -Erica (attached is a pic of the boot and Brantley, my friend and myself... I'm on the left!)