Gum Trag…

[ThisIsMyFirstRodeo]

Ok supposedly there are no stupid questions, so let’s test the theory…

I’ll take for granted that you aren’t supposed to use gum trag on suede. 
Why? What happens? If I’m burnishing the flesh side anyway, wouldn’t it help? In the meantime, I’ll be using edge paint and hope for the best.  

Still feels like my first rodeo,

AZR

 

[Northmount]

3 minutes ago, ThisIsMyFirstRodeo said:

If I’m burnishing the flesh side anyway, wouldn’t it help?

If you are only applying it to the smooth side, no harm.  If you are applying it to the suede/velvety side, it will glue all the fibers down and won't look or feel like suede.  Depends on what you want it to do for you. 

[ThisIsMyFirstRodeo]

My current/recent projects that I’ve considered have been: dog collar, a couple sheaths, and a dangler. I’m attempting to make them as environment-resistant as I can, as the pieces will be subject to a fair bit of use and abuse.

-AZR

[larry1096]

I'm no expert, so I'm glad to be corrected, but here's my take: you can 'paste' a back with Tokonole or Gum Trag, but to actually weatherproof it you're going to want an acrylic topcoat like Resolene or Mop & Glow afterwards.

 

Larry

[Northmount]

20 hours ago, ThisIsMyFirstRodeo said:

I’m attempting to make them as environment-resistant as I can, as the pieces will be subject to a fair bit of use and abuse.

So why use suede?

[ThisIsMyFirstRodeo]

2 hours ago, Northmount said:

So why use suede?

The flesh side of the leather, not suede specifically. Am I mistaken with terminology? Real question, no sarcasm from me.  Please do educate me if I’m out in left field. 

[larry1096]

Yes, as I mentioned you can use gum trag or other edging compounds to 'paste' the flesh side of leather. (I understand the confusion, by the way; generally, when folks say 'suede' I think the average leatherworker thinks of a split piece without a grain side remaining.)

Still, to make it weather/wear proof, you're going to need a topcoat on it, like Resolene or M&G.

 

Larry

[ThisIsMyFirstRodeo]

1 hour ago, larry1096 said:

Yes, as I mentioned you can use gum trag or other edging compounds to 'paste' the flesh side of leather. (I understand the confusion, by the way; generally, when folks say 'suede' I think the average leatherworker thinks of a split piece without a grain side remaining.)

Still, to make it weather/wear proof, you're going to need a topcoat on it, like Resolene or M&G.

 

Larry

Will edge paint do the trick to seal the flesh? (I use Fiebings leather sheen or eco Flo super shene for a top coat on the grain…)

-AZR

[Northmount]

3 hours ago, ThisIsMyFirstRodeo said:

The flesh side of the leather, not suede specifically. Am I mistaken with terminology? Real question, no sarcasm from me.  Please do educate me if I’m out in left field. 

Suede is a type of leather made from the flesh side of the skin, giving it a soft surface. It is typically thin and soft, has been mechanically worked to produce a nice soft consistent nap.  Suede is often made from lambskin, but it is also made from other skins including goats, pigs, calves, and deer. 

When the flesh side of vegetable tanned leather is placed on the show side, it is called "rough out".

Leather sold as splits have a suede appearance on both sides and is usually heavier than a typical showy suede.  It's often chrome tanned.

Hope this helps.

[BlackDragon]

When I order a side from Wickett & Craig I ask for the back to be pasted on some of the sides. This way I dont have to take the time to do it.

[AEBL]

@BlackDragon, I didn't realize you could ask for that! Thanks.