Rubberlike Edge Coating, What Is It?

[Skald]

I have a Timberland wallet, which I have been using for the last 4 years or so. It's made out of really thin suede, and has this "rubberlike" edge coating, which seems really durable and strong. There isn't a single crack or other signs of "tear and wear" on the edges, even though the wallet itself starts to look very vintage (but fine).

My question is, does anyone know what might have been used for this? I can't seem to find any products that sound like the same thing - and I really would like to use that for some future projects, and not end up with something of lesser quality than this. Unfortunately, I can't get any photos of it to my computer, so I can't show any pics of it.

Edited May 7, 2011 by Skald

[TwinOaks]

Take a look at Fiebing's Duracoat.

[stelmackr]

...and has this "rubberlike" edge coating, which seems really durable and strong...my question is, does anyone know what might have been used for this?

I've been experimenting with some acrylic mediums and have a little PDF file on what I have found:

edge_finishes_for_chrome_tanned_leather.pdf

There is a particular acrylic medium (Clear Tar Gel) that does have a rubber like feel to it. All the acrylic mediums can be simply colored with acrylic paints (ie. black, brown) or left clear.

Bob Stelmack

www.pslac.org

[Jimnx]

This makes an interesting read http://www.bowndesigns.com/blog/2006/09/07/inking

[Skald]

Thanks for the input.

Fiebing's product is called "Dura Edge" it seems? Duracoat is that thing you cover guns and knives etc. with, if I am not all wrong?

Does anybody know if it works on these finer edges? On this wallet I mentioned, it's a matter or like 2 mm's of edge in total, including the suede (or nubuck?) and the nylon interior lining etc. So it must be much like silicone or something like that.

[TwinOaks]

oops!!!!

Yeah, dura edge.

Although, I bet duraCOAT on leather would be pretty resistant to damage!`

[Skald]

oops!!!!

Yeah, dura edge.

Although, I bet duraCOAT on leather would be pretty resistant to damage!`

Hahaha, I must try it sometime, at least on a scrap bit and see how it works - might be "the new black".

I'll try this Dura Edge anyway, next time I order stuff. It might very well be that I take time to make a proper folded edge anyway, instead of this weird one. But it have indeed caught my attention, that it have lasted this good over all this years. I had a iPod-case with a similar weird compound on the edges, and it was devastated and almost completely worn away after a little more than a year. Not very impressing.

[wvcraftsman]

I bought some of the dura edge to try. I haven't had it on anything long enough to tell how well its going to hold up, but so far so good. It comes with a big dauber as an applicator, but I've used cotton swabs when applying to smaller/thinner edges.

The more coats you put on the better it looks. Hope this helped in some way.

[Frogman Watch Straps]

I pursued something very similar a few years ago. I wasn't building wallets but watch straps so the edge is very small like the one you're wanting to do. I found a few companies that sell the machines that apply this coating. The machine's are a few hundred bucks and the raw material is reasonable as well. However, I ended up not going down that path for a few reasons. That stuff can cover up any imperfections but I really like to showcase the edges.....IMO this is an area where you can tell the beginners from the experts. Also, I think it somewhat cheapens the product in some cases. I've noticed a lot of mass produced items use this rubberized coating technique. Just my 2 cents.

[Frogman Watch Straps]

Here is a picture I found on the internet that shows the rubberized coating you're talking about. This is NOT one of my straps....and I'm not sure who manufacturers this one....but here you go:

Here is another one:

Edited May 26, 2011 by Frogman Watch Straps