What Should I Apply To Leather For Burnishing?

[CloudySky]

I have a drill press and a burnisher attachment. I want to burnish the edges of leather for watch straps. What compound should I apply to the edge of the leather for a nice finish? Where can I buy it? Thanks!

Edited January 31, 2013 by CloudySky

[BondoBobCustomSaddles]

For the best finish on a piece, there is a tutorial by Bob Park here on the web sight. You can't so any better than that.

Bob

[dragonworks]

now this is what i do, maybe not the right way.......dob the edge with lil water, burnish lightly, then i apply edge kote from tandy leather supply, burnish till its uniform. then buff till it shines, shines, shines. then i'll rub the edge on my beeswax blosk and buff forever till it absorbs. gives you a nice clean slick edge thats waterproof from sweat and whatever it may be submerged in. hope this helps buddy and have fun with it.

[Cyberthrasher]

I use bob's method with some tweaking. For your burnisher, sand the leather first until it's smooth and shaped, then rub it with glycerin soap (I use saddle soap) to lubricate it for the burnisher.

[electrathon]

I use bob's method with some tweaking. For your burnisher, sand the leather first until it's smooth and shaped, then rub it with glycerin soap (I use saddle soap) to lubricate it for the burnisher.

This is exactly how I do it. Very fast, easy and it works great.

Aaron

[Cyberthrasher]

I have a few other steps, like start the sanding on lightly moist edges with 150 then move to 400 before hitting the burnisher. Then I dye, finish, then rub in some beeswax with canvas or denim. This is my new routine and I'm happy with it right now. Gives me a nice slick and shiny edge.

[CloudySky]

Wow, these responses are great! Thanks guys.