Airbrushing Finishes

[ces]

I have just finished my first oak leaf carving using the lifting method on the inside curves. My problem is when dying and buffing, and finishing, antiquing or what ever you have to go back and relift everywhere. I guess I should have started out telling ya'll that this carving is on a checkbook cover and you will be responding to a real newby. Now for my question, what to finish the project with and would airbrushing be the way to go. And would the lifting hold up what with being shoved in and out of a purse? Any help and or advice would be greatly appreciated. Also if airbrushing is required for finishing what kind of airbrush kit would I need, I already have a compressor, thanks CHARLES.

[JLSleather]

If you want to spray a finish, I would go with the aerosol can. Fiebing's Saddle Lac is very good, though it should be put on over Tan-Kote (sprayed on by itself it can "burn" the leather). About $25 should get you both, the Tan-Kote and the 13 oz aerosol. The Tan-Kote is a more subtle finish, but not water-repellent. The other will shed water (and stains), but is more shiny, just so you know.

You could spray a top-coat ... but I wouldn't use the airbrush. Some of that stuff does a real number on the seals, and at the least is a pain to clean out. If you want to use the compressor, get a cheap automotive "touch up" gun and save it just for finishing.

Your "lifting" will be fine in a purse, I just don't put it on a wallet where it's going to be sat on repeatedly. Once the leather is completely dry it shouldn't be an issue.

Not trying to recommend a particular product OR brand, but I use both of those and never had any problems. Lots of people who use antique finish thin it with tan-kote, so if you've already done that I wouldn't bother to do it again.

For some other options/opinions, you might read what some of the folks said in this thread.

Edited February 18, 2010 by JLSleather

[ces]

If you want to spray a finish, I would go with the aerosol can. Fiebing's Saddle Lac is very good, though it should be put on over Tan-Kote (sprayed on by itself it can "burn" the leather). About $25 should get you both, the Tan-Kote and the 13 oz aerosol. The Tan-Kote is a more subtle finish, but not water-repellent. The other will shed water (and stains), but is more shiny, just so you know.

You could spray a top-coat ... but I wouldn't use the airbrush. Some of that stuff does a real number on the seals, and at the least is a pain to clean out. If you want to use the compressor, get a cheap automotive "touch up" gun and save it just for finishing.

Your "lifting" will be fine in a purse, I just don't put it on a wallet where it's going to be sat on repeatedly. Once the leather is completely dry it shouldn't be an issue.

Not trying to recommend a particular product OR brand, but I use both of those and never had any problems. Lots of people who use antique finish thin it with tan-kote, so if you've already done that I wouldn't bother to do it again.

For some other options/opinions, you might read what some of the folks said in this thread.

JLS, thanks for the info, I will have to order some of both as I like the idea of the shiny finish, I wonder what the results would be on something like a belt with the lifting technique, would the lifted areas stay lifted during normal wearing? Thanks again, CHARLES

[JLSleather]

Yep, the lifters will work on belts. I never use the things myself. Had a couple of them when I first started, mostly used just on handbags. Someone stole that set (and quite a bit of other stuff) and I have never replaced them.