Go To Sleep Fuzzies!

[thekid77]

Hi friends,

I am finishing the top edge of a dice cup and have dyed it, applied saddle soap and rubbed it, then tried slicking with gum trag...i followed Bob Park's tutorial, but it seems like I just can't get all the fuzzies to lay down...

I have read all the posts on burnishing, but nothing seems to work...can anyone offer any advice? Thank you ))

[immiketoo]

Dude, you gotta post pics so we can see what you're dealing with.

[Spincycle]

I'm gonna say slicking after gum trag is what's causing the fuzzies. Having said that if your not using vegtan that could also be your problem. I basically use Bobs method but slightly modified. This is what works for me, starting from raw edge: 1) egde bevel if desired 2) wet edge with water, slick. Use smooth plastic like a sharpie if you don't have a slicker) 3) rub glycerin bar soap into edge 4) lightly slick again for glass finish 5) apply edge sealer 6) (optional) gently rub parrafin wax along edge and slick with fingers or synthetic fabric like pantyhose.

Tips:

-slick and apply product in one direction only for entire process

-apply dye before starting if possible. If not apply after gycerin slicking and before sealer. I find it lifts the glycerin a bit. You can re-apply glycerin after dye but it will rub off color onto your soap and slicker.

-apply sealer in the same direction as slicking.

I started using bobs method but found that the saddle soap didnt really do anything for me. I dropped it and am more than happy with the results. Let us know how it turns out

[thekid77]

Hi guys, thanks for the replies...

Mike, I would have posted pics but my phone hasn't been cooperating with me lately..

Spin, i'm sure it's vegtan, and forgive me if i'm mistaken, but I was under the impression that I was supposed to slick after applying the gum trag??

Forgive me, but how do I slick in one direction only?? I thought slicking was what burnished the edge and was accomplished with a back/forth motion with elbow grease??

Thank you for the advice friends, and for

your patience...i'm a newbie

[Spincycle]

Gum Trag is a finish top coat type product. You want to use it to finish off the edge by sealing it. You can slick by rubbing in both directions if you like, it's up to you. It all depends on the level of quality your trying to achieve. As your probably starting to notice there are very few hard and fast rules in this hobby. Try different methods and see what suits you best.

[PutnamLeather]

I was having the same problem for a while with the trag, soon as I swiched to saddle soap everything started working out a lolt better

[thekid77]

Thank you, Spin and Putnam, I will continue to experiment. I really appreciate your advice!!! :DDD

[Sylvia]

Kid: If you have an especially fuzzy back side (leather back side, that is) ... you have to Prep it before any slicking method. I use a belt sander and sand those big ol' fuzzies down so it looks a lot like suede... THEN and only then do any dye and slick method.

Edited January 3, 2013 by Sylvia

[dirtclod]

I guess i do mine different than anybody. Most of the time i do my burnishing after i come in from the shop setting on the couch watching TV. I use a wet sponge to dampen ( not wet but damp ) the edge and the use a piece of deer antler to burnish with and finish up up a piece of cardboard off of a cereal, cracker, or beer box for the final polish. Sometimes i go back over it with antler piece after it has dried. Oh i do use paste saddle sometimes on a dyed black piece sometimes it makes all the difference in a good burnish. Like others have said try em all and use what works best for you.

[thekid77]

Thanks Sylvia and Dirt, this is definitely a great learning experience!!! Much appreciated, thank you for sharing