Can you re case/wet leather for carving?

[Patdf]

Hello all,

Can you re case/wet leather for carving once the project is complete and dried completely. I have a carving which after sitting for a few days to dry out and has not yet been finished with anything. I'm thinking of altering it a little, but wanted to be sure there won't be any problems. I know that you don't want your project to dry out and keep moist while carving but wasn't sure if it dries out completely you couldn't recase the leather. Thank you in advance.

Regards,

Pat

[Randy Cornelius]

The general rule is that once you start carving you want to keep it moist. But just like all rules they are made to be broken. I have been called away from a carving project and it has dried completly and I have re-cased it and continued on. I have not had any problems in doing so. But there are some who will disagree with me. You just have to do what you have to do. I would case it lightly, use a spray bottle so as you put on just the amount of water you need. Be careful not to get too much water in the tooled areas where it sets and soaks clear through. I think you will be fine.

After it is completely dry again come back with a very light coat of oil and then let it come back to the natural color before you apply your finish.

Randy

[Roger]

you want to avoid it if you can. the leather swells when you case it and generally you will loose some of the crispness in what has already been tooled. you may need to go back over a few things. use a spray bottle and do most of your casing from the back. once i start tooling if i need more moister, i spray the back

[Rawhide]

I agree with Beeza. It can be done, but generally if it dries out and you re-case it, it will be harder to cut with your swivel knife. You may be able to use something like Lexol conditioner to soften it up a bit. I'm sure experts will chime in on this.

Marlon

[Patdf]

Thank you all for the replies. I'm debating whether to even do it now. It's one of those things that nobody else would notice it that much, but for me it's a thorn in me side to make it perfect.

Again thank you,

Pat