Slicking The Inside Of A Holster

[Jeff L]

I have seen products like Mitch Rosen's Leather lightning and some others. Is there a good way to slick down the inside of a holster, using normally available products, without causing breakdown or loss of retention?

[IngleGunLeather]

Gum Trag works.

[Jeff L]

I will try that... Thank you Sir.

[particle]

To clarify, are you referring to -A- smoothing the interior of the holster to make it slick, without the fuzzy or sandpaper'ish feeling on the inside? Or are you referring to -B- minimizing and/or eliminating the grippy/tacky feeling that comes after applying an acrylic finish coat on the holster?

-A- Prior to applying your finish coat, brush gum tragacanth on the interior of the holster and work it into the fibers with your fingers, then a burnishing stick of some sort to smooth it out and polish the interior.

-B- After your finish has fully dried, rub your finger in a little neutral shoe polish and rub down the interior of the holster as best as you can. This will go a long way towards eliminating the tacky feeling of the acrylic finish. I've also quickly applied a little silicone spray on the interior which helps too, but wax is probably better. After wearing the holster for a few days, skin cells, dust, lint, etc. will quickly coat the interior of the holster, eliminating the tacky feeling on its own.

Edited July 16, 2013 by particle

[SooperJake]

To clarify, are you referring to -A- smoothing the interior of the holster to make it slick, without the fuzzy or sandpaper'ish feeling on the inside? Or are you referring to -B- minimizing and/or eliminating the grippy/tacky feeling that comes after applying an acrylic finish coat on the holster?

-A- Prior to applying your finish coat, brush gum tragacanth on the interior of the holster and work it into the fibers with your fingers, then a burnishing stick of some sort to smooth it out and polish the interior.

-B- After your finish has fully dried, rub your finger in a little neutral shoe polish and rub down the interior of the holster as best as you can. This will go a long way towards eliminating the tacky feeling of the acrylic finish. I've also quickly applied a little silicone spray on the interior which helps too, but wax is probably better. After wearing the holster for a few days, skin cells, dust, lint, etc. will quickly coat the interior of the holster, eliminating the tacky feeling on its own.

Eric, do you apply wax to the exterior to eliminate the tacky feel of the acrylic also?

[particle]

Eric, do you apply wax to the exterior to eliminate the tacky feel of the acrylic also?

Very rarely. I dilute my finish 50/50, so it's not usually very tacky feeling once it dries. But, if I'm bored, I might take a few extra minutes to wax the exterior. I don't personally like the smell of the Kiwi neutral shoe polish, so I don't use it unless I really think it needs it (or I'm REALLY bored...).

[Jeff L]

Thanks Guys, I tried the neutral kiwi stuff on the interior and it seems to be giving the desired results. A smoother draw on a new holster without a loss of retention.

[silverwingit]

I prefer Bag-Kote over Gum Trag by far. It yields a smoother, tougher, more moisture-resistant seal, especially if I give it a good rubdown with a glass slicker or length of polished antler. It holds pretty well even after wetting my unmolded holsters. That gives me a head start towards final sealing even before I stitch one closed. It's then easy to reapply Bag-Kote and re-slick those inner areas that are accessible after forming. Those that are unreachable are still 75% slicked from the pre-wetting application.

One thing you don't want inside your holster is anything that will attract or hold moisture.

Edited July 22, 2013 by silverwingit

[malabar]

I started using Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner over a year ago and haven;t looked back. Esy to apply, creates a nice smooth finish that protects the gun. It's great all the way around

tk