What liquids to use for the finishing process??

[LINDSAY]

Hey everyone well as ya know I am new at all of this but I am making a large purse or bag, that a laptop can fit in. I am using 5-6 oz double shoulder , and I have seen a few threads on the steps of how to finish and seal it. (Just the liquid steps) But each seems different. I want it not to shiny but something that is really going to wear good. It will be traveling to Ireland for a couple weeks and I am sure many more uses after that. So if anyone could give me the basic run through of the steps it would be greatly appreciated

[TwinOaks]

Hi Lindsay,

There's several options, and it all boils down to what you like. That's why there's so many different opinion.

One of the most traditional finishes is just a good oiling.

After that, come options like Leather Balm, Tan Kote, Bag Kote, and Neat-lac....and derivatives.

Some finishes will shine more than others, but most will depend on the amount of buffing and elbow grease.

The last 'class' of finishes are acrylics. They tend to completely seal the leather's pores, and some folks frown on them because they impart a "plastic" feel to the leather.....well, it IS acrylic....These include Resolene, Supersheen, and Satin sheen.

Good luck in your project.

[LINDSAY]

Hi Lindsay,

There's several options, and it all boils down to what you like. That's why there's so many different opinion.

One of the most traditional finishes is just a good oiling.

After that, come options like Leather Balm, Tan Kote, Bag Kote, and Neat-lac....and derivatives.

Some finishes will shine more than others, but most will depend on the amount of buffing and elbow grease.

The last 'class' of finishes are acrylics. They tend to completely seal the leather's pores, and some folks frown on them because they impart a "plastic" feel to the leather.....well, it IS acrylic....These include Resolene, Supersheen, and Satin sheen.

Good luck in your project.

So if i wanted to use a light stain would I oil then stain or stain then oil? Sorry I am so new @ this stuff just wanting to learn the right steps:) Thanks for your help:)

[TwinOaks]

Honestly, I don't know. I don't use stains, nor neatsfoot oil. I'd suggest doing some reading in "dyes, finishes, etc...", but I see you've already done some of that. I'll check w/ the search function and see what I can dig up.

Incidentally, will this laptop bag be tooled or just plain leather?

[hidepounder]

So if i wanted to use a light stain would I oil then stain or stain then oil? Sorry I am so new @ this stuff just wanting to learn the right steps:) Thanks for your help:)

Hi Linday,

When you say stain, I assume you are talking about a light color coat over the entire piece. An antique finish, say. That, you would do after oilng. If you are talking about using a dye....then that should be done before oiling. Before you you dye, oil or antique, you should clean the leather with oxalic acid. This will help to remove and dirt or oils from handling which can affect how the the final color comes out. Really, we could use just a bit more info in order to better answer your questions.

Bob