Questions About Finishes

[Chavez]

Hello again!

Thanks to all your advice on this forum, I'm now getting better at leatherwork and, as I'm about to make a big order of leather tools, I would be very grateful if you could give me some advice about leather finishes.

So far I have been using evoo to oil the leather up, resolene to seal it and clear kiwi shoe polish to buff.

I am now considering using non-acryllic finishes to improve the look of my leather items and any advice on the following would be great:

1) Finishes: Carnauba cream vs leather sheen. What is the difference between these two? Do I understand correctly that I just need to apply them to my leather items to seal the leather and then re-apply in a few months? I.e. they are substitute for resolene but they have a tendency to wear off?

2)I am considering following options for aftercare:

Mink oil liquid

Mink oil paste

Saddle soap in liquid glycerine form

Saddle soap in cans (i presume that's hard form)

Is my understanding correct that these go over carnauba/leathersheen and need to be regularly applied to the leather goods? What are the differences between these products?

I am planning to make some wallets, belts, dog collars & watch bands with my next few hides.

Thank you again for all the advice!

Chavez.

[katsass]

Hello again!

Thanks to all your advice on this forum, I'm now getting better at leatherwork and, as I'm about to make a big order of leather tools, I would be very grateful if you could give me some advice about leather finishes.

So far I have been using evoo to oil the leather up, resolene to seal it and clear kiwi shoe polish to buff.

I am now considering using non-acryllic finishes to improve the look of my leather items and any advice on the following would be great:

1) Finishes: Carnauba cream vs leather sheen. What is the difference between these two? Do I understand correctly that I just need to apply them to my leather items to seal the leather and then re-apply in a few months? I.e. they are substitute for resolene but they have a tendency to wear off?

2)I am considering following options for aftercare:

Mink oil liquid

Mink oil paste

Saddle soap in liquid glycerine form

Saddle soap in cans (i presume that's hard form)

Is my understanding correct that these go over carnauba/leathersheen and need to be regularly applied to the leather goods? What are the differences between these products?

I am planning to make some wallets, belts, dog collars & watch bands with my next few hides.

Thank you again for all the advice!

Chavez.

Well, FWIW from the old grumpy guy; I don't use any of them listed. I primarily make holsters. I DO use an acrylic --- Mop and Glo (the floor stuff) mixed 50/50 with water and applied SPARINGLY!! Just two light coats, misted on is plenty. IMO folks tend to use too damned much of Resoline, Super Sheen, etc.on their projects, resulting in a plastic appearance. Follow the M&G with a light application of Kiwi neutral polish, applied and rubbed-in by hand only then buffed out nicely. The grain of the leather shows and maintains the FEEL of leather. JMHO. Here's a pic of a little 'enhanced pancake' holster (pattern compliments of Lobo Gunleather) finished as I indicate. Mike

[Chavez]

Thanks!

I'm cutting resolene 50-50 with water, but I'll try a different mix, say 1-2 or 1-3.

[katsass]

Thanks!

I'm cutting resolene 50-50 with water, but I'll try a different mix, say 1-2 or 1-3.

As said, use a REAL light coat --- or two at the most. Mike