Chris of WV Report post Posted July 13, 2011 Well, here I am again, with another newbie question... I'm trying to finish up a stamped belt (made for myself) and I'm having a slight issue. Now, before I tell you the problem, I want to make you aware of one simple fact... I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY ANYTHING ELSE AT THE MOMENT... Every time I've asked for help before, I've been told that I need to buy this that and the other, and while I truly do value the opinion of those who offered the advice, I just can't afford to purchase anything else at this time... So, maybe you guys can help me make do with what I've got? Ok, so here's the problem... I cut the strap, cased it, stamped it, let it dry, and then dyed it with Fiebing's Oil Dye (Dark Brown) applied with a sponge brush (because that's what I've got at the moment). I then finished the edges with water and a slicker (no, I don't have any trycanth gum, paraffin, or anything else right now). After letting it dry, I applied a coat of Kelly's polish and then buffed it off, burnishing the full-length belt at the same time. I then applied another coat of polish and buffed it out again, and the belt was almost shining. So, I tried it on. And this is what happened: So, I tried buffing it out (since I assumed, and am pretty sure, that it is just polish residue in the stamp cracks), and nothing happened... Some of it was removed, but definitely not as much as I had hoped for. If I keep buffing it (or buff it any harder), I'm afraid I'll start damaging the stamping. So, my questions are: 1.) How do I remove the residue without damaging the belt 2.) How do I prevent this from happening in the future (with the supplies I have on hand). Current Finishing Supplies: 1.) Kiwi Saddle Soap 2.) Kiwi Brown Shoe Polish/Dye 3.) Kelly's Brown Shoe Polish 4.) Fiebing's Dye, Medium Brown Thanks Guys! Best Regards, Chris of WV Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted July 13, 2011 For starters, I understand the meaning of not having the "where with all" to buy more "stuff". What you need to understand is this. "You cannot make a silk purse from a sows ear". My advice probably won't help you much right now but I believe it would have been better if you simply left the belt unfinished, I have done that and am wearing an every day belt that I never finished. The leather isn't as pretty but it develops a patina that only unfinished leather has. Your treatment of the edges is all wrong. I again understand the problem. The edges would be better if simply left alone. Shoe polish has it's place, a belt is not it. You will be wearing the polish on your clothes. Until you are able to buy some of the correct supplies just consider what you have available, what it or they can do. Consider all possibilities and move on from there. ferg Well, here I am again, with another newbie question... I'm trying to finish up a stamped belt (made for myself) and I'm having a slight issue. Now, before I tell you the problem, I want to make you aware of one simple fact... I CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY ANYTHING ELSE AT THE MOMENT... Every time I've asked for help before, I've been told that I need to buy this that and the other, and while I truly do value the opinion of those who offered the advice, I just can't afford to purchase anything else at this time... So, maybe you guys can help me make do with what I've got? Ok, so here's the problem... I cut the strap, cased it, stamped it, let it dry, and then dyed it with Fiebing's Oil Dye (Dark Brown) applied with a sponge brush (because that's what I've got at the moment). I then finished the edges with water and a slicker (no, I don't have any trycanth gum, paraffin, or anything else right now). After letting it dry, I applied a coat of Kelly's polish and then buffed it off, burnishing the full-length belt at the same time. I then applied another coat of polish and buffed it out again, and the belt was almost shining. So, I tried it on. And this is what happened: So, I tried buffing it out (since I assumed, and am pretty sure, that it is just polish residue in the stamp cracks), and nothing happened... Some of it was removed, but definitely not as much as I had hoped for. If I keep buffing it (or buff it any harder), I'm afraid I'll start damaging the stamping. So, my questions are: 1.) How do I remove the residue without damaging the belt 2.) How do I prevent this from happening in the future (with the supplies I have on hand). Current Finishing Supplies: 1.) Kiwi Saddle Soap 2.) Kiwi Brown Shoe Polish/Dye 3.) Kelly's Brown Shoe Polish 4.) Fiebing's Dye, Medium Brown Thanks Guys! Best Regards, Chris of WV Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris of WV Report post Posted July 13, 2011 (edited) For starters, I understand the meaning of not having the "where with all" to buy more "stuff". What you need to understand is this. "You cannot make a silk purse from a sows ear". My advice probably won't help you much right now but I believe it would have been better if you simply left the belt unfinished, I have done that and am wearing an every day belt that I never finished. The leather isn't as pretty but it develops a patina that only unfinished leather has.Your treatment of the edges is all wrong. I again understand the problem. The edges would be better if simply left alone. Shoe polish has it's place, a belt is not it. You will be wearing the polish on your clothes.Until you are able to buy some of the correct supplies just consider what you have available, what it or they can do. Consider all possibilities and move on from there.ferg@ferg: I realize that I'm not going to be able to put out "awesome" leather products right now... Firstly, because I'm still a beginner; and secondly, because I don't have all the right materials... However, I do desire to learn how to do things better and in a way that is more professional and pleasing to the eyes...I have no problem leaving a belt "unfinished"... My mentor is actually wearing a belt that he made as an everyday belt and it's unfinished, and to be honest, I kind of like the coloring it has taken on. However, I'm trying to put more time into learning how to actually dye and finish the belts. As I mentioned, the dye looks fine, to be honest, and did until I put the belt on my body. The spaces in between the stamps are still decent as well, there's just a lot of residue around the stamp lines themselves. As an example, here are a couple pics of a belt without stamps that I made using the exact same method just two days ago: Sure, it's not perfect, but definitely a bit better than the one from last night... As for the shoe polish, the Kelly's (according to the shoe repairman who sold it to me, who's been in business for 30 years) does not have enough dye in it to stain. I tried it on a naked piece of leather, and while it did polish it, it did not stain it, other than to give it the appearance of baby-butt... However, it does give it a polish, and I used it on a belt I sold to another another customer (who I work with) and I have checked back with him over the last couple weeks and he says there has yet to be any rub-off onto his clothing. So, that's not a problem (thus far) in this instance...So, thanks for your advice ferg, but my first question has yet to be answered... 1.) How do I remove the residue without damaging the belt So, I'll go ahead and ask, what's the best way to give a belt a glossy finish? Maybe I can get the shoe repair guy to add some of the fiebing's stuff to his next order for me, or see if he can get me any of the other stuff at a decent price... Edited July 13, 2011 by Chris of WV Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
particle Report post Posted July 13, 2011 Have you tried scrubbing the tooling with a dry, clean tooth brush (or shoe shine brush, as the instructions on the container probably recommends) to remove the excess polish? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted July 13, 2011 The brush sounds like a good idea to try. Only other way to get excess shoe polish out of crevices is with a tooth pick or something similar. You mentioned buying some supplies from your friend the shoe repairman. Trust me, that is not the best source for you. There are many suppliers listed on this site, visit them and do some shopping. I believe you will be surprised at what price points you can obtain some items. If you have a Tandy store anywhere close, visit it. Most Tandy's have free classes and a lot of the managers are very benevolent, especially when it may mean a new customer, even if down the road. Don't hesitate to get all info you can. ferg @ferg: I realize that I'm not going to be able to put out "awesome" leather products right now... Firstly, because I'm still a beginner; and secondly, because I don't have all the right materials... However, I do desire to learn how to do things better and in a way that is more professional and pleasing to the eyes... I have no problem leaving a belt "unfinished"... My mentor is actually wearing a belt that he made as an everyday belt and it's unfinished, and to be honest, I kind of like the coloring it has taken on. However, I'm trying to put more time into learning how to actually dye and finish the belts. As I mentioned, the dye looks fine, to be honest, and did until I put the belt on my body. The spaces in between the stamps are still decent as well, there's just a lot of residue around the stamp lines themselves. As an example, here are a couple pics of a belt without stamps that I made using the exact same method just two days ago: Sure, it's not perfect, but definitely a bit better than the one from last night... As for the shoe polish, the Kelly's (according to the shoe repairman who sold it to me, who's been in business for 30 years) does not have enough dye in it to stain. I tried it on a naked piece of leather, and while it did polish it, it did not stain it, other than to give it the appearance of baby-butt... However, it does give it a polish, and I used it on a belt I sold to another another customer (who I work with) and I have checked back with him over the last couple weeks and he says there has yet to be any rub-off onto his clothing. So, that's not a problem (thus far) in this instance... So, thanks for your advice ferg, but my first question has yet to be answered... So, I'll go ahead and ask, what's the best way to give a belt a glossy finish? Maybe I can get the shoe repair guy to add some of the fiebing's stuff to his next order for me, or see if he can get me any of the other stuff at a decent price... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris of WV Report post Posted July 13, 2011 (edited) Have you tried scrubbing the tooling with a dry, clean tooth brush (or shoe shine brush, as the instructions on the container probably recommends) to remove the excess polish? Duh... Why didn't I think of that? I use a toothbrush to apply the Kiwi (when I'm using it to stain/polish), so why couldn't i use it to remove extra polish/get into small cracks? Thanks particle! The brush sounds like a good idea to try. Only other way to get excess shoe polish out of crevices is with a tooth pick or something similar. You mentioned buying some supplies from your friend the shoe repairman. Trust me, that is not the best source for you. There are many suppliers listed on this site, visit them and do some shopping. I believe you will be surprised at what price points you can obtain some items. If you have a Tandy store anywhere close, visit it. Most Tandy's have free classes and a lot of the managers are very benevolent, especially when it may mean a new customer, even if down the road. Don't hesitate to get all info you can. ferg Hey ferg, Actually, it's cheaper to buy from my buddy, who is three doors down from where I work, than to pay the $10+ shipping it costs to ship liquids... I may pay an extra dollar or two compared to somewhere like Springfield (where I actually have an annual gold membership) or Tandy, but I ultimately save on the shipping costs, since I can walk right over there. Plus, he's a small business (literally a little storefront on the corner) and I like giving him all the business I can... Unfortunately, the nearest Tandy store is 300 miles away... Not much help to me I'm afraid (although I may be visiting both the stores in Houston, TX next month when my girlfriend's family and I go there to sing at a campmeeting)... Best Regards to you Both, Chris of WV Edited July 13, 2011 by Chris of WV Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ramrod Report post Posted July 14, 2011 chris - when you can buy some more stuff, consider buying some atom wax from tandy. i use it to put a shine on all of my goods (well, the ones that i want a shine on, anyway). i really like this wax. goes on easy and lasts for a long time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris of WV Report post Posted July 14, 2011 Hey Guys, Well, I used a toothbrush, and it definitely did remove some of the excess junk... Not all, mind you, but some. So, I'm going to get an actual shoe shine brush (or a stiffer toothbrush) and go to town on it... I also found some glycerin soap (which I had for another project) and used it to reburnish the edge, which made it a lot more smooth... Still not the prettiest, but it'll work, since it's just a personal belt for me... I did remember one thing I did differently this time... I cleaned the belt with some saddle soap (which may have been a mistake, come to think of it), and I'm wondering if that's what the majority of the residue is from... The more I use that stuff the less I want to, lol... But, I just found out today that I'm getting a little bonus on my paycheck this week, so that means I'll be able to afford some stuff... I know I'm going to order some Gum Tragacanth from Springfield, as well as some Leather Balm and Leather Sheen... Anything else you guys might reccomend? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ferg Report post Posted July 14, 2011 Personally, I would forget the Tragacanth. I cannot upload a pdf from Bob Park on burnishing edges. Name of file is "Finishing Edges .pdf" You have most of what you need. ferg Hey Guys, Well, I used a toothbrush, and it definitely did remove some of the excess junk... Not all, mind you, but some. So, I'm going to get an actual shoe shine brush (or a stiffer toothbrush) and go to town on it... I also found some glycerin soap (which I had for another project) and used it to reburnish the edge, which made it a lot more smooth... Still not the prettiest, but it'll work, since it's just a personal belt for me... I did remember one thing I did differently this time... I cleaned the belt with some saddle soap (which may have been a mistake, come to think of it), and I'm wondering if that's what the majority of the residue is from... The more I use that stuff the less I want to, lol... But, I just found out today that I'm getting a little bonus on my paycheck this week, so that means I'll be able to afford some stuff... I know I'm going to order some Gum Tragacanth from Springfield, as well as some Leather Balm and Leather Sheen... Anything else you guys might reccomend? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted July 14, 2011 Bob's tutorial is available via link from this website. Go to the "How do I do that" section and look for his tutorial- his member name is Hidepounder. If you've got wax build up in the crevices, you can pick out some of it, but why not just melt it? Then take a brush to it. And with your bonus money, get a bottle of Mop-n-Glo. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris of WV Report post Posted July 14, 2011 Bob's tutorial is available via link from this website. Go to the "How do I do that" section and look for his tutorial- his member name is Hidepounder. If you've got wax build up in the crevices, you can pick out some of it, but why not just melt it? Then take a brush to it. And with your bonus money, get a bottle of Mop-n-Glo. Hey TwinOaks, Do you mean Mop-n-Glo, like the regular floor cleaner? What can it do, and how do I apply it and finish it? Thanks, Chris Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TwinOaks Report post Posted July 14, 2011 Yep, floor polish which is ....acrylic wax......$5/ 32oz bottle Fiebing's Resolene....acrylic wax......$5 / 4oz bottle Cut 50/50 w/ water, spray (works best) or wipe on, let dry, buff, add second light coat, let dry, use as is or add additional coating of neutral shoe polish. Don't build up a lot of it on the leather- just a spray or wipe. Thank you Katsass for the formula. It seals the leather and after an initial 'tacky' feel, kinda smooths out so there's no plastic feel to it. I did my leatherman case 3 years ago w/ resolene and except for the damage from rubbing on a bucket (aerial bucket truck), the leather looks just as good as back then. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris of WV Report post Posted July 14, 2011 Yep, floor polish which is ....acrylic wax......$5/ 32oz bottle Fiebing's Resolene....acrylic wax......$5 / 4oz bottle Cut 50/50 w/ water, spray (works best) or wipe on, let dry, buff, add second light coat, let dry, use as is or add additional coating of neutral shoe polish. Don't build up a lot of it on the leather- just a spray or wipe. Thank you Katsass for the formula. It seals the leather and after an initial 'tacky' feel, kinda smooths out so there's no plastic feel to it. I did my leatherman case 3 years ago w/ resolene and except for the damage from rubbing on a bucket (aerial bucket truck), the leather looks just as good as back then. Well, I will definitely have to give this a try... Thanks to both you and katsass for the information! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
