What Am I Doing Wrong?

[JoelR]

I seem to be putting much more time into my edges than I think I should be. I burnished the edges on a belt last night. When I was done, the edges had a nice shine to them and were smooth. However, this morning, after the leather had fully dried, the edges have lost their luster and feel scaley. I do not believe I am over wetting the edges, but I assume there is something associated with the final drying that is causing the problem. Anyone have any thoughts or insight?

[Ferg]

I seem to be putting much more time into my edges than I think I should be. I burnished the edges on a belt last night. When I was done, the edges had a nice shine to them and were smooth. However, this morning, after the leather had fully dried, the edges have lost their luster and feel scaley. I do not believe I am over wetting the edges, but I assume there is something associated with the final drying that is causing the problem. Anyone have any thoughts or insight?

A little more explanation as to how you done the burnishing. What products did you use? etc.

ferg

[JoelR]

A little more explanation as to how you done the burnishing. What products did you use? etc.

ferg

Sure. I dye the edge first. Once dry, apply tap water to the edge, allow to set for a few minutes and then rub with a burnishing stick (from Tandy).

[bison]

Hi Joel,

Dying should happen close to last. Bob Park has a great tutorial on burnishing the edges. Just do a search for it on this site. I found that the key is to follow his steps using the glycerine soap, saddle soap, etc. It doesn't take a lot of time to get a great burnished edge that way.

Dave

[Spinner]

It definitely sounds like the edge it too damp. Aside from checking out Bob's article (which is awesome) it sounds like you're adding too much water. I let my articles dry completely then start the burnishing process.

You really only want the edge fibers to be very lightly dampened, dipping your finger into the water/saddle soap and rubbing on the edge is all you need. The moistening agent is simply there to help slick the edges and prevent burn marks from the burnisher friction.

Less water will also help the burnisher you are using. Being made of poplar or maple (have seen both) and not finished or burnished themselves combined with the wide grain on them allows them to soak up a portion of the moisture on the edge.

This will slow down the burnishing process and break down the spring wood of the burnisher faster. Rosewood (Cocobolo), Delrin & Aluminum burnishers that are made properly don't have this problem.

Whew...long story short: try it with less water and add a slicking agent like saddle soap or a drop of liquid dish soap to the water and apply lightly with your finger.

[terrymac]

I'll guarantee that if you will follow Bob Park's method, you will get the edge you want.

Terry