Fiebings Leather Balm With Atom Wax

[Jazznow]

Hello Guys,

I have a little question about finishing products.

Until now, i always used Resolene or similar products after dyeing and/or antiquing my leather products. I always feared, that especially the Antiques coulded  be harmed  by water (rain) or rubbed off by frequent use.

i dont know exactly what Resolene and Co consists of, but after the use the leather seems to feel more "plastic" (i think this describes it well). So maybe you know products, that protect as well from water and rubbing off but are more natural. 

I read some time ago, that Fiebings Leather Balm with atom wax can be used to finish leather products. Would it match my needs? 

I'm of course interested in any other products you may recommend. 

Many Greetings,

Jazznow

Edited September 6, 2010 by Jazznow

[abn]

There are two drawbacks associated with Leather Balm with Atom Wax. (1) Its finish isn't as water resistant as the acrylic products like Resolene. (2) It tends to load stamping -- i.e., leave some residue inside stamped designs. Leather Balm is great for smooth leathers -- leaving a beautiful satin finish -- but I wonder if it's really what you're after in this particular case. However, I don't want to discourage you from giving it a try!

[mugwump]

i've always used an old toothbrush, (or go to the $.99 store and stock up), to clean the top surface if 'stuff' get's into the grooves... besides, if you get a bunch of the 'cheapies' you can modify them by cutting the bristles to the length you need to attain the desired stiffness of the brush.

eric

[Spinner]

Try a coat of Aussie wax on top of the Resolene. It helps cut the plastic-y shine and feel a little and adds another layer of protection that is easy to renew.

[Jazznow]

Thank you all. You helped me a lot. 

I Will give a try on the Balm and will also try the Aussie Wax. 

Another little question: When i use this acrylic finishes like resolene: Does it block out care products/maintenance products like shoepolish or leather fat? I would think so, because the surface seems to be sealed. Am i wrong? If not, how can i take care for my leather products? 

Greetings,

Jazznow

P.S. please excuse, if i use some wrong words. If you dont understand something i will try to explain better.

[abn]

Resolene will certainly slow down the absorption of conditioning products, like neatsfoot oil, etc. However, it won't completely block them... They can still be used to keep the leather flexible and in good shape.

[douglais]

It's specifically stated in a Fiebings information sheet I have that Atom Wax is not considered a waterproofing product. I used it for years on my helmets, and it left very noticable water stains after a helmet was caught in a sprinkle. I tested lotsa products at home, and read a lot on this forum, and I now use Resolene. I resisted that for years, wanting a more natural product, but finally gave in. Great suggestion to put a coat of Aussie over it...I'll try that.

The absolute best I've tested is Sno Seal, but y'need to heat up the leather to get it to soak in, and the product is very thick, so I'd think it would also need to be warmed up to thin it out if you want some real control over your application.

Daggrim

[MADMAX22]

I agree with the sno seal type stuff for the natural protection. You can use a hair dryer or similar to get it to soak into the leather. I also made my own formula that I like which is parafin, bees wax, and some neatsfoot oil. It looks very similar to sno seal and does a great job of weather proofing as much as something natural like that can.

[King's X]

Rawhide uses a 2 (wax) to 1(resolene) mix for his edges? Give it a try on a small tooled piece? Can hurt to experiment.

Good luck

[Bob Blea]

Hello all,

I have a question about Leather Balm w/Atom Wax that I'll bet maybe someone on this thread could answer: Anyone know what I could use to thin Leather Balm w/Atom wax? I've got some I wanted to use but it's thickened up from sitting. I was guessing it might be water based just from the smell, but I don't know. Has anyone tried thinning it?

Thanks in advance,

Bob

[jeeperaz]

Hello all,

I have a question about Leather Balm w/Atom Wax that I'll bet maybe someone on this thread could answer: Anyone know what I could use to thin Leather Balm w/Atom wax? I've got some I wanted to use but it's thickened up from sitting. I was guessing it might be water based just from the smell, but I don't know. Has anyone tried thinning it?

Thanks in advance,

Bob

Many people thin it with water.

[Bob Blea]

Thanks jeeperaz, I tried it and it worked!

[VStew]

Hello, I made leather gun sling and put Fiebings Leather Balm with Atom Wax without really thinking about it not being water repellent…would I be able to put a coat of resolene (or anything else) over top to make it repellent?