Tokarsky

Pretty simple story. Drove from the Seattle area to Portland with a couple younger guy friends that I met through my girlfriend (I'm 32 they're mid 20's she's 30 for the bigger picture). Went out bar hopping, and the night ended at a gentlemen's club since one of the guys had never been to one. Being the good non-judgmental patron I am (every job is important), I sat at the side of the stage and set my completely full, delicious, frothy amber ale, down on the little drink shelf thingy. Not but 30 second later did one of the dancers come over to do her thing, and kicked my full beer into my lap. Soaking my belt and pants. Luckily that was our last stop of the night and we arrived only 30 or so minutes before closing time, so back to the hotel, pants off, belt off to dry. Next morning in my hungover haze I forgot to put the two back together again and left the belt in the hotel room.

So I thought I'd take the opportunity... I'm brand new to this, decided to make my own belt after drunkenly leaving my old one in a hotel room. Here is my first go around. Used a pre-dyed, semi-pre-punched belt blank and some hardware from Springfield Leather. Used an exacto knife to bevel the edges and (I think) quite a bit too much resolene/water 50/50. Version 2.0. Used just a pre-dyed strap this time, a template I designed on some CAD software to layout all the holes and slot, a proper edge beveler, and just one quick light coat of 100% Resolene. Feel like I'm on the right track. My question though is the final sealant. Resolene seems like it's letting nothing through, but do I really need that much of a seal? I'm feeling like it gives too much of a shiny plasticy look to the leather. I need some opinions on whether Acrylic Leather Sheen from Fiebings would give me a less shiny look, but still keep the dye in and water out?