Laser engraved Fire shield

[BareBonesRescue]

Newer to leather working and work as a Firefighter paramedic. One of my goals since I started in this field was to make my own fire shield and finally got to do it. For next time I’ll raise the screw holes so it fits more snug to the helmet brim but there is always room for improvement. One question I have I decided this time to paint the shield black with my airbrush and Angelus leather paint and sealed it with acrylic resoline one things I’m worried about is the durability of the paint if it will end up scratching easily or not. I also understand it being I’ll take heat and abuse due to my job but want to try to best protect it for longevity and having a  better end product. The leather weight I used was 15 ounce. Thanks for any help or advice 

[PastorBob]

For the base (black) I would use a pro dye instead of paint.  The dye penetrates the leather where the paint will sit on top of the leather. You can still use your paint gun for it too.  I can't tell for sure, but it doesn't appear the edges have been burnished.  This will also help protect the leather over time.  By burnishing the edges, it will seal them to prevent moisture from intruding into the leather, and it gives the piece a nice finished look.  Nice job on the shield.  Especially like the concho.

[BareBonesRescue]

3 hours ago, PastorBob said:

That makes sense about dyeing the shield for black. I did burnish the edges to make it clean and last longer one thing I’m curious about is for other shields that are white or red for painting if there is ways to protect it better. 

[ArkieNewbie]

17 hours ago, BareBonesRescue said:

Newer to leather working and work as a Firefighter paramedic. One of my goals since I started in this field was to make my own fire shield and finally got to do it. For next time I’ll raise the screw holes so it fits more snug to the helmet brim but there is always room for improvement. One question I have I decided this time to paint the shield black with my airbrush and Angelus leather paint and sealed it with acrylic resoline one things I’m worried about is the durability of the paint if it will end up scratching easily or not. I also understand it being I’ll take heat and abuse due to my job but want to try to best protect it for longevity and having a  better end product. The leather weight I used was 15 ounce. Thanks for any help or advice 

Looks awesome! I had been wondering what one of these would look like laser engraved! I'm going to start hitting up my firefighter friends now to see if they'll let me make them one haha.

I agree with Bob. I would either start with black leather or use dye instead of paint for the reasons he mentioned. 

Thanks for the inspiration!

[PastorBob]

"That makes sense about dyeing the shield for black. I did burnish the edges to make it clean and last longer one thing I’m curious about is for other shields that are white or red for painting if there is ways to protect it better. "

You could use Saddle-Lac spray lacquer.  It's pricey, but lasts a long time.

[Dwight]

If I were making it for you . . . I would do "PARAMEDIC"  in larger letters . . . 

Your job is outstanding . . . so your "title" should be too . . . unless of course the unit has certain limitations.

Plus . . . just before you quit on the shield . . . go over the back with 2 or 3 or 4 more coats of 50 / 50 resolene and water . . . that valley between the shield and helmet will allow lots of water to hit the back of it . . . and you don't want water to go in the back and ruin the rest of it.  

Resolene in several coats on a product that does not flex . . . is the next thing to waterproofing . . . good stuff.

May God bless,

Dwight