Finishing chrometan

[fredk]

4 hours ago, TomE said:

. . .   Is it correct that chrome tan is stronger than veg tan with respect to tearing and seams ripping out?

Its not something I really looked for. But my 1.5mm thick c/t is harder to hand sew than 1.5 or even some 2mm veg. On these I use a glovers needle and just sew with no pre-made holes

[bruce johnson]

In my experience it depends on the project and the look you are after. I used a lot of acrylic finishes on chrome tan. Diluted Future floor finish, Super sheen, but Fiebings leather Sheen mostly. For coasters and placemats it gave them some measure of water and stain resistance. Stuff like that I did several light coats (like maybe 6 -10). On gussets that I wanted a little body I used it on both sides. I also used it as a base coat to firm up and lay down fibers for slicking edges on chrometan. Apply and let dry, sand lightly, maybe another application if I felt like it needed it. Then went to my wax of choice. If I dyed the edge I did that first and maybe second dye step after sanding. 

[DwightT]

21 hours ago, fredk said:

I'm a little concerned about what you bought. It sounds like it has a cheap sprayed on top finish.

Well, as I said I've never really worked with CT before, so I'm probably just over-thinking the problem, which isn't really a problem at all.  It does seem to scuff, but then the scuff marks can be rubbed out fairly easily.  For where we are planning on using it, the scuffs won't really be an issue anyway.

BTW: I love your hats.

10 hours ago, Handstitched said:

You have 'Neat Lac ' ??

Yeah, I still have about 6oz or so of the old Neat Lac left.  Until it was mentioned here I didn't even realize that the Neat Lac that is now available isn't the same stuff.  Was there an issue with the old formula?

    /dwight

[MedusaOblongata]

There are many different chrome tan finishes and they'll all respond differently. First thing is to run a scrap piece under the sink. If water absorbs into it then it needs a coating. If water rolls off then a coating would just be cosmetic. I'll often test a small piece of each new leather with resolene and Tan Kote, then see which I like better for that leather. Some chrome tans are designed to scuff easily in order to show wear and develop character; this doesn't weaken them, it's just cosmetic, but many like that look.