Surface Texture And Wax

[Vianeth]

I have a leather corset I bought that I am trying to replicate. It was moulded in beeswax and I'm trying to figure out the technique that was used. I have the base red color matched very close (angelus paint), and I know that black antique finish was used as well (not fiebing's, this corset was made in new zealand and they dont use fiebings). My fiebings antique finish is not very compatible with the beeswax/parrafin. If left in the wax too long it starts to float off the leather. When I buff the leather afterwards to remove scratches, the antique is somewhat rubbed off. Should I try acrylic resolene as a sealant before I dip onto the wax?

Here is what I'm trying to replicate:

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/Odahia/007.jpg

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/Odahia/010.jpg

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/Odahia/011.jpg

Here is my first attempt dipping in beeswax:

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/Odahia/009.jpg

http://i628.photobucket.com/albums/uu8/Odahia/008.jpg

I pretty much have one shot to get it right. The wax must be hot enough to infuse the leather and make a thin surface layer. If it's too cold it wont infuse, and makes a thick surface layer which is a pain to remove and ruins the color. I used a rough washcloth to buff the scratches out and a soft tshirt to polish. I would like some advice on refining my technique to match the corset that I have, and what I could do to preserve the antique finish underneath. Thank you .

Alicia

[Billsotx]

I don't have any experienced with what you're doing but going on what you describe I'd have a heat gun (on low power) or a hair dyer (on high), just in case it started to setup on me. An extra hand or two wouldn't hurt. I melt wax into leather straps all the time with this method. A lot of times I'll heat the strap before I start. Right now here in South Texas you can just lay it out in the sun for awhile to get started.

There's probably someone here that's done what you're asking and hopefully they'll jump in here. Good luck and if you find time report back how it came out. Leather clothes are cool, esp. frilly under things (fringe, hair, feathers) ... ;-)

[Sylvia]

Hi. This is probably way too late to be of much help but I'll throw this out there for future projects.

I notice on the original piece, the leather has a wrinkled texture. I recently made a belt for my husband that ended up with similar texture. I "caused" the wrinkles by rolling the belt tightly toward the skin side before I added any finish. My intent was to straighten the belt from it's packaged state. The wrinkling was quite by accident but I do think it made an interesting texture.

Now don't go critiquing my work... It was my first piece back to leather working after many many years... I had no edgers or a slicker yet. LOL!

At any rate, I hope this helps!