I'm New Here, Here's What I Do.

[a2jacketpatches]

I make leather patches for reproductions of the classic A-2 Flight Jacket. There are thousands of designs so I'm always doing custom work along with some standard designs as posted here (if I can figure it out) These represent the Flying Tigers, AVG (American Volunteer Group) This unit opposed the Japanese invasion of China just before WW2. I've always been a history buff and artist, So I combine the two.

I'm looking for ultra thin strong leather supply if anyone can help with that. I use reclaimed leather when I find it thin enough in a thrift store or something, but most of these patches are done in sheepskin. Wafer thin, pigmented and sealed, in all colors, would be a dream come true.

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/a2jacketpatches/23rdPrototypes002.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/a2jacketpatches/AprilTigers017.jpg

http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/a2jacketpatches/CACWnew001.jpg

Edited June 20, 2011 by a2jacketpatches

[Ferg]

May I suggest you get a "splitter"? You could get the colors you desire by using an Air Brush.

ferg

I make leather patches for reproductions of the classic A-2 Flight Jacket. There are thousands of designs so I'm always doing custom work along with some standard designs as posted here (if I can figure it out) These represent the Flying Tigers, AVG (American Volunteer Group) This unit opposed the Japanese invasion of China just before WW2. I've always been a history buff and artist, So I combine the two.

I'm looking for ultra thin strong leather supply if anyone can help with that. I use reclaimed leather when I find it thin enough in a thrift store or something, but most of these patches are done in sheepskin. Wafer thin, pigmented and sealed, in all colors, would be a dream come true.

http://i872.photobuc...ototypes002.jpg

http://i872.photobuc...ilTigers017.jpg

http://i872.photobuc.../CACWnew001.jpg

[a2jacketpatches]

Thanks for the reply, I've got some airbrushes and pretty handy with them, I'll post a couple of jacket paintings. The thing is that I'm looking for a finish that can take a beating later, get soaking wet, cleaned up with a tooth brush etc. like factory finished stuff. My applied finish has come off when I do the weathering process. I use a paint specially formulated for airbrushing leather but always thought there must be something else available, I'm not crazy about the cova colors. My patches need to be folded, washed, squished, you name it, whatever it takes for them to look vintage. What would be as strong and durable as factory finishes that I can shoot through my guns?

May I suggest you get a "splitter"? You could get the colors you desire by using an Air Brush.

ferg

Edited June 20, 2011 by a2jacketpatches

[electrathon]

Very cool looking work!

Aaron

[WinterBear]

I'm not sure how thin you need, but Springfield Leather has kidskin in a variety of colors including two metallic colors (bronze and platinum). The kidskin is 2oz. It might work, but I'm not sure if the grain side is sueded or not, so I think you'd have to call them up or email them and ask.

Both Tandy and Springfield sell some sort of shoe and boot scrap, but that's a crap shoot as to what you'd get and the colors. However, most Tandy stores usually have a rummage bin of upholstery bits, some of which are large and if you're lucky you can find the colors you want. if you have one close. The local Tandy also has quite a bit of patent leather they get in odd lots, some of which is quite thin, and they get a lot of different colors in. You might see if your closest Tandy or Leather Factory does the same.

You might also see if you can find the manufacturers of purses in the region, or call the places that make custom cowboy boots, and see who sells their scrap. Sometimes they sell it through a local hobby store by 1 pound bags.

[Luke Hatley]

Fine looking work....

Check with.."WWW.Hidehouse Leather.com" they should have the colors and thickness that you are wanting.

[dirtclod]

Great job on the patches and air brush work !!

[Ferg]

Try these folks, they have many products. http://www.leathercoatings.com/clear.htm

ferg

Thanks for the reply, I've got some airbrushes and pretty handy with them, I'll post a couple of jacket paintings. The thing is that I'm looking for a finish that can take a beating later, get soaking wet, cleaned up with a tooth brush etc. like factory finished stuff. My applied finish has come off when I do the weathering process. I use a paint specially formulated for airbrushing leather but always thought there must be something else available, I'm not crazy about the cova colors. My patches need to be folded, washed, squished, you name it, whatever it takes for them to look vintage. What would be as strong and durable as factory finishes that I can shoot through my guns?

[Crystal]

Very cool!

Crystal

[particle]

WOW! Very cool stuff!! I'll start off by saying I know next to nothing about airbrushing scenes like you're doing, but have you tried any of the products designed for screen printing? A quick google search found this interesting thread.

http://www.t-shirtforums.com/screen-printing/t85337.html