Beeswax as only finish on dyed tooling leather?

[MonkeyBusiness]

Hello to all you fine people on Leatherworker.net! I've been poking around this forum for awhile now and there are some seriously knowledgeable people here, so I figured this was the place to ask a finishing question.

Does anyone have experience with using only a natural Beeswax based product as the final finish on dyed tooling leather? I make dog collars and am trying to use the most natural, eco-friendly products I can find on them.

So far I've used the Skidmore's conditioner and waterproofer on a couple of collars after dying them. They look, feel and smell great, but will this finish last? My concern is that the dye might rub off with use.

I've used Eco-Flo Satin Sheen in the past, but I'd really rather not use it anymore. I'm hoping to stick as close to nature as possible!

[CitizenKate]

Does anyone have experience with using only a natural Beeswax based product as the final finish on dyed tooling leather? I make dog collars and am trying to use the most natural, eco-friendly products I can find on them.

So far I've used the Skidmore's conditioner and waterproofer on a couple of collars after dying them. They look, feel and smell great, but will this finish last? My concern is that the dye might rub off with use.

I've used Eco-Flo Satin Sheen in the past, but I'd really rather not use it anymore. I'm hoping to stick as close to nature as possible!

Welcome to Leatherworker!

Bee Natural leather finish is one product you may want to consider. I've used it for years, and it's the only thing I put on for a finish. I've used it on top of spirit dyes, water-based dyes, and antiques, and haven't had any problems with the dyes coming off (except on the spots where I missed with the wax). As far as how long it holds up... for something like a dog collar, I would probably wax it maybe once a year. Just like you would do with a pair of leather shoes or boots.

Kate

[sandycreek]

Hello,

My personal preference for a finish is Sno Seal (made by Atsko) Not sure of the exact mixture but the MSDS lists it as greater than 65% wax and less than 35% mineral spirits. I've personally used the stuff as long as I've been wearing workboots (give or take 15 years) and never had a problem with it. Just reapply as needed. (It smells great too!)

Thanks

-Aaron

[shaylajade]

Welcome to Leatherworker!

Bee Natural leather finish is one product you may want to consider. I've used it for years, and it's the only thing I put on for a finish. I've used it on top of spirit dyes, water-based dyes, and antiques, and haven't had any problems with the dyes coming off (except on the spots where I missed with the wax). As far as how long it holds up... for something like a dog collar, I would probably wax it maybe once a year. Just like you would do with a pair of leather shoes or boots.

Kate

Oh man. I just posted a tearful post in 'how to do it' about this topic.

Kate, which water base dyes do you use? Is it the Eco-Flo Hi-lites by any chance? I am so desperate to find a finishing product that works that I would literally move mountains at this point. Do you use the Bee Natural on your products that will be used out or run the risk of getting wet?

Any insight would be much appreciated! Below is the link the my original thread.

http://leatherworker.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=16196

Edited April 21, 2009 by shaylajade

[MonkeyBusiness]

Thank you so much, Kate & Aaron!

I've ordered the Bee Natural Leather Finish to try. It says on the item description that it leaves a bit of a shine on the leather. I'm hoping this is true because the Skidmore's left a dull, waxy finish - which isn't too shocking considering it's mostly Beeswax

I'll definitely keep the Sno-Seal in mind if the Bee Natural Finish doesn't work out.

Thank you guys so much for your time and expertise!

-Rilee

[badger]

Rilee,

Let the Skidmore's dry naturally for half an hour after rubbing it in and then give it a brisk rubdown with soft cloth, old T-shirt, whatever.

It'll glow beautifully.

Badger

[electrathon]

Bee Natural RTC is a good product. Just make sure that when you put it on do not be stingy. Apply a wet coat fast, then smooth it out. When it starts getting sticky, leave it alone. Use two coats. Let it dry. For a non-toxic product, it is very durable.

[CitizenKate]

I've ordered the Bee Natural Leather Finish to try. It says on the item description that it leaves a bit of a shine on the leather. I'm hoping this is true because the Skidmore's left a dull, waxy finish - which isn't too shocking considering it's mostly Beeswax

You can get a more satiny finish by buffing a little more lightly. For a more glossy finish, put on some extra, and buff it longer.

My personal preference for a finish is Sno Seal (made by Atsko) Not sure of the exact mixture but the MSDS lists it as greater than 65% wax and less than 35% mineral spirits. I've personally used the stuff as long as I've been wearing workboots (give or take 15 years) and never had a problem with it. Just reapply as needed. (It smells great too!)

Hi Aaron, that sounds like something I'd like to try. Where do you get it?

Kate

[MonkeyBusiness]

Thanks so much, guys!

-Rilee

[McJeep]

Let the Skidmore's dry naturally for half an hour after rubbing it in and then give it a brisk rubdown with soft cloth, old T-shirt, whatever.

Sooooo I can use their waterproofer right over top of the dye coat with no neatlac or any of the other sealer stuff? Still trying to get a grip on what different products actually do and don't wanna do the equivalent of putting furniture wax on an unsealed wood surface

[MonkeyBusiness]

Okay, so I received the Bee Naturals Leather Finish yesterday and have run a couple of tests with Eco-Flo dye in Black and Canyon Tan.

The verdict so far? This stuff is great! I followed Kate's instructions and it left a nice shine on the leather with minimal effort. It took quite a bit of elbow grease to achieve a similar effect with the Skidmore's.

It also lent a nice depth to the dye, which Skidmore's didn't seem to do.

Fingers crossed that the finish holds up under reasonable conditions

-Rilee

[KenE]

Bee Natural RTC is a good product. Just make sure that when you put it on do not be stingy. Apply a wet coat fast, then smooth it out. When it starts getting sticky, leave it alone. Use two coats. Let it dry. For a non-toxic product, it is very durable.

Hello,

I'm looking for a "one product" solution to sealer/finish/protector for leather motorcycle seats. Does the Bee Natural RTC add enough oils to the leather to keep it relatively waterproof, but still allow conditioner/treatment later on? Some other people seem to like adding Neatsfoot after dyeing. Would the RTC product take the place of this?

Thanks,

~Ken

[UKRay]

Skidmore's produce a Biker Edition beeswax waterproofing product that is ideal for finishing and waterproofing either natural or stained bike leather.

I have been using it for over a year now and no complaints. It goes on really easily and seals the surface properly. Best of all it can be re-applied as required and doesn't need to be stripped off before re-applying. It dries to a nice expensive looking sheen - not a high gloss finish.

Just my opinion, but please be aware that I'm the UK importer of Skidmore's products and supply them through www.barefootleather.co.uk

I wouldn't want any misunderstanding here!

Ray

Edited October 10, 2009 by UKRay

[crissy]

hello everyone,

may I ask about this topic? the skidmores leather product, dose this method of tooling, drying, oiling, drying, antiquing/dyeing, drying, then the grand finale the 6OZ SKIDMORES BIKER EDITION BEESWAX LEATHER WATERPROOFING CREAM can go on the leather as the final step for like a belt? as well as the above mentioned items?

thank you

I look forward to this possibility of no longer fighting the finishing stage of my projects.

crissy