Finish

[1Man]

Hi,

So, my approach to dying/finishing my holsters is to apply neatsfoot oil/dye/acrylic resolene (in that order). I wait sufficiently between applications to make sure each application has dried before proceeding. But, I happened upon someone who had a Milt Sparks VMII on them the other day and really admired the finish that they put on their holsters. I'm sure there's some trade secrets in this but, does anyone know how they finish their holsters? Maybe they are using the same standard process and it's all in the leather but, I doubt it. Seems like there's something else that they are doing that I just can't put my finger on.

Any ideas?

[esantoro]

Hi,

So, my approach to dying/finishing my holsters is to apply neatsfoot oil/dye/acrylic resolene (in that order). I wait sufficiently between applications to make sure each application has dried before proceeding. But, I happened upon someone who had a Milt Sparks VMII on them the other day and really admired the finish that they put on their holsters. I'm sure there's some trade secrets in this but, does anyone know how they finish their holsters? Maybe they are using the same standard process and it's all in the leather but, I doubt it. Seems like there's something else that they are doing that I just can't put my finger on.

Any ideas?

It might be as simple as neatsfoot oil and then Tuff Kote (from Weaver).

ed

[Shorts]

Can't speak for any other holster maker, I use Resolene.

[1Man]

OK, well, if it's not a product in particular, is it how the product is applied? Is there a buffing process before the acrylic or final finish is applied or is there an additional buffing after the final coat is applied. I don't know. I just won't forget how smoooooth that leather felt.

[Shorts]

OK, well, if it's not a product in particular, is it how the product is applied? Is there a buffing process before the acrylic or final finish is applied or is there an additional buffing after the final coat is applied. I don't know. I just won't forget how smoooooth that leather felt.

Top coat can be applied by dauber, airbrush or dipping - it's totally up to you. I airbrush everything and dip small pieces, but will be switching to dipping entirely.

As for buffing, I do so before dying, after dying and after top coat.

[1Man]

Well, most of my stuff is black. And with black there's just about no way to screw it up except to not put on enough. I'm definetly going to be buffing more between applications. I think that might make a difference.

Has anyone actually seen a Milt Sparks holster in person to know what I'm talking about?

[Shorts]

Well, most of my stuff is black. And with black there's just about no way to screw it up except to not put on enough. I'm definetly going to be buffing more between applications. I think that might make a difference.

Has anyone actually seen a Milt Sparks holster in person to know what I'm talking about?

I own a Sparks holster. I build my own holsters. I cannot picture what it is you're talking about.

Do you want high gloss? Satin? How about a picture of what you're looking at and trying to achieve the look of.

[1Man]

I own a Sparks holster. I build my own holsters. I cannot picture what it is you're talking about.

Do you want high gloss? Satin? How about a picture of what you're looking at and trying to achieve the look of.

It's not really the appearance that I'm trying to replicate. I think I can acheive just about anything I need to there. It's really all in the feel and texture of the leather. Buffed out acrylic just doesn't feel the same as the finish on a Milt Sparks. Does this make sense? Maybe it's just the difference between a quality piece of leather.

I did just read a little bit on their website in the FAQ section about maintenance. They mention the use of Angelus Lustre Cream for Black and Cordovan. And, they recommend Renaissance Wax as another option.

Have you ever used either one of these products and could you tell me what the results were?

Looking at their website again, the finish almost looks like a patent leather.

[SOSHorses]

So you guys are air brushing the Resolene? I have been wondering what was the best way to apply the finish without having brush marks or bristles in the finish. Since it is kinda thick it tends to pull the bristles out of my brushes.

[Shorts]

It's not really the appearance that I'm trying to replicate. I think I can acheive just about anything I need to there. It's really all in the feel and texture of the leather. Buffed out acrylic just doesn't feel the same as the finish on a Milt Sparks. Does this make sense? Maybe it's just the difference between a quality piece of leather.

I did just read a little bit on their website in the FAQ section about maintenance. They mention the use of Angelus Lustre Cream for Black and Cordovan. And, they recommend Renaissance Wax as another option.

Have you ever used either one of these products and could you tell me what the results were?

Looking at their website again, the finish almost looks like a patent leather.

Ok.

I can't attempt to guess, I have no idea. You should contact Mr Kanaley and ask You think it looks like patent leather? That's pretty slick and glossy.

I have not had the opportunity to use the products they suggest so I can't comment on the results.

[Shorts]

So you guys are air brushing the Resolene? I have been wondering what was the best way to apply the finish without having brush marks or bristles in the finish. Since it is kinda thick it tends to pull the bristles out of my brushes.

Dip or airbrush yield great results for me. When I tried the dauber I got streaks galore and the Resolene kicked my tail

I also use full strength so I know what you mean about thick. Kinda reminds me of milk.

[ABC3]

1Man;

I own 5 or 6 of the Milt Sparks holsters & I can see what you mean. The finish it seems to me is in the order of Bag Kote. More of a satin finish. The leather is soft which leads me to think that would be neatsfoot oil. What gets me is the way Tony ends up with the perfect edges he has. He must have a trick to burnishing. All of this is from an untrained eye so don't take it as gospel.

SOSHorse;

I too use the cheap 1" brushes for my finish coats and find that the bristles do come out. So I have gone to using a sponge and the finish is much nicer. Still thinking about the "air brush".

[1Man]

1Man;

I own 5 or 6 of the Milt Sparks holsters & I can see what you mean. The finish it seems to me is in the order of Bag Kote. More of a satin finish. The leather is soft which leads me to think that would be neatsfoot oil. What gets me is the way Tony ends up with the perfect edges he has. He must have a trick to burnishing. All of this is from an untrained eye so don't take it as gospel.

SOSHorse;

I too use the cheap 1" brushes for my finish coats and find that the bristles do come out. So I have gone to using a sponge and the finish is much nicer. Still thinking about the "air brush".

Hallaloujah!! I'm not crazy! There definetely something different about the finish on their holsters. I did send them an email by the way to see if they would give me an idea of what they are doing. We'll see what happens..

As for the Acrylic, this is the method I use and it works well. Use a 1" foam brush to slather the acrylic on. Both inside and out. Use a thin coat on the inside since it's hard to get back in there. Let the acrylic work it's way around for about a minute and then use a moist sponge to come back and smooth it out and pick up the excess. I usually opt for about a 4"x4" square and dip the sponge in some water and ring it out. Then I'll sort of smack the surface of the holster in different directions to get the excess off without leaving streaks. If you push too hard, then you'll inevitably leave streaks and want to hurt yourself. Let it dry and come back with another coat using the same technique. Rinse off the sponge every couple of strokes to keep it from becoming saturated with acrylic.

Not exactly a science but it works for me and I've been able to avoid the streaky acrylic issue. I think the trick with acrylic is to use a damp sponge to work it around and once you get it to the point that you like LEAVE IT ALONE. If you keep going as the acrylic get's tacky, then you're just going to make a mess and you mine as well just soak your sponge, wipe it off, let it dry and try it again.