Help Please! Sealing An Autograph...

[chevvy64]

Perhaps Renaissance wax? As you would probably clean your boots anyway, it is used by the British Museum and countless others across the world to preserve many types of items from bronze statues to paper. The items are obviously not being worn but I see no reason why it can't be used and then just reapplied from time to time, when you are polishing your boots anyway. It should do no harm at all (as far as I know) and is trusted on valuable items for preservation. It is also waterproof, plus it can be used on almost any item, so if you buy it at least you probably can use it elsewhere.

[elf3]

So, get this. Digging under our counter I find some original Mop n Glo. Seriously. No one knew it was in there. Going shopping today so maybe I will stop at a craft store and get the Folk Art varnish, still torn between those 2. Will keep you posted!

[elf3]

I'm practicing with the mop n glo on the other boot. I feel like the mixture was super watery and I might have put it on too thick. When the 1st coat dries will it have a finish?

[elf3]

Well the 1st coat didn't have a finish. 2nd coat is drying now. The pen did not fade, just not sure if its actually doing any good as a finish! I will do some testing after it dries.

[elf3]

Update! I'm sorry it took me so long. Have been doing some wear and tear on the coated areas, I used both red and black sharpie. Both were lightened a lot by the mop and glo, and the black actually smeared. Hoping to get ahold of some clear varnish sonn, I miss my boots!

Here's a picture!

[Cyberthrasher]

Maybe if you tried heat-setting the sharpie first? I know that works for t-shirts and sharpie signatures. Just use a blow dryer on it and see how it goes.

[elf3]

I FINALLY got some acrylic varnish. I will heat set and try that tonight. I can't believe I started doing this 2 months ago....go me haha

[elf3]

I heat treated and sealed the test boot with 3 very thin coats of acrylic varnish. On the tester I did one thin coat, then waiting the 10 minutes as the bottle instructed, then applied the next. To distress, I used a damp rag to scrub for about 15 minutes straight. Here are my pictures...

Supplies:

Before application:

After application:

After distress:

[elf3]

I decided that this application will work for me. I put a thin coat on, then let it dry for about 12 hours (just wanted to be safe ) between the next coat. I think I did 4 coats total on the signature. I am thinking I will wear them for a while, then when I notice any wearing that is interrupting the signature, I will just add one more thin coat. I will probably add an additional one if I plan on wearing them a lot for a prolonged period of time. I just want to thank EVERYONE who has helped me with so many thoughts and suggestions, I hope someone finds this on their search in the future and it helps them

Final product:

[Cyberthrasher]

I just want to thank EVERYONE who has helped me with so many thoughts and suggestions, I hope someone finds this on their search in the future and it helps them

WOOHOO!!! There's a little bit of wear on it, but as far as anybody else is concerned, that happened before you sealed it

Glad you were finally able to get it taken care of. If you ever decide to take up leatherwork, you know where to find us!!