What Finish Should I Use?

[DLC]

Hi guys. Great resources here, wish I'd stumbled on this site years ago.

So I'm making cuffs and collars, most of which I dye with Fiebing's dye or Eco-Flo dye but some use Eco-Flo paint. I've spent hours researching and reading but am still confused about how to finish them. I need a waterproof, flexible, and highly durable finish, preferably something that will give it a nice glossy sheen. I've been using Tan Kote, but have had issues with the dye starting to rub off as I apply it, even after letting the dye dry overnight. Yesterday I picked up some Fiebing's aerosol Leather Sheen but haven't experimented much with it, though it doesn't seem to give the glossy coat I'm looking for. Also considering trying their Saddle Lac, but the product descriptions aren't giving me a very clear idea of when to use one finish over another...

Could someone give me a rundown of the pros/cons of different finishes? (Or point me in the direction of such information)

Sorry if I'm missing a pinned thread somewhere but I've done quite a bit of reading on here without turning anything up.

[TwinOaks]

Dip it in a pan/pot of MOP-N-GLO, and hang to dry, blotting any runs/drips off. Mop-n-glo is an acrylic wax...so is Resolene, which is marketed for leather. Dipping it will give you the best penetration without disturbing any other layers.

You can also thin it with water as you see fit.

Do some test pieces first, of course.

[DLC]

Thanks, I'll give that a go tomorrow. Right now my method is wet the leather with a sponge then apply the dye with a dauber. Are there any other steps I should take to get a nice consistent color?

[TwinOaks]

If you can, get an airbrush. Or set up a place to dip dye. I prefer the airbrush for things that I want to vary the shade. Of course, some types of dyes won't work as well in the AB, so you might stay with a dauber or sponge method. You just need to experiment a bit and see what works best for your work. After application of the dye you should be buffing to remove any loose dye particles. Then you should seal the leather.

[Cyberthrasher]

Don't freak out if you get a little dye coming up as you apply your finish. A little bit is normal. But, you should buff the HECK out of it before you apply your finish to remove any loose pigments. Once your buffing cloth is coming up clean with vigorous rubbing, then you can apply your finish. At this point I put VERY light pressure on my applicator (usually just a rag or sponge) to get a base coat on that will protect the dye.

[electrathon]

I think your issue is more with the eco flow you are using than it is with the finish you are using. If you have read much here you have likely seen that eco flow has little respect in the leather world. If I was going to paint a picture to hang on the wall I may get some eco flow. But for durability I would get Fiebings dye. Dip your item in it (do a few tests first and you likely will have to dilute it). For a shiney finish try atom wax.

Aaron

[Davm]

With the Fiebings dye, I still get rub off or runs if the leather gets really wet. How do I seal the dye on a belt that is worn outdoors in the rain so the dye doesn't blled out and stain my pants?

[Chief31794]

Clear Lac is a great sealer, very water resistant, for real protection I use Fiebings Aussie, it is Beeswax based, I put it on liberally, then heat it with a hair dryer until it liquifies, then buff off the excess. It is for outdoor use in rough wet weather and has a nice mellow glow.

Chief

[eireman72]

Clear Lac is a great sealer, very water resistant, for real protection I use Fiebings Aussie, it is Beeswax based, I put it on liberally, then heat it with a hair dryer until it liquifies, then buff off the excess. It is for outdoor use in rough wet weather and has a nice mellow glow.

Chief

Second to Chiefs comment, on both parts. Though I will admit that I am a huge fan of Fiebings Aussie and use it for a lot of my projects.