La Maitresse Report post Posted September 4, 2013 Hey everyone, I was wanting to get some pointers as to what I should do before putting a finish on my leather (I have tankote, but am open to other ways). I haven't been able to find a specific answer to the whole finishing process (I know there are many). Right now I have the leather dyed, dried, and wiped off all excess that I possibly could. But I'm wanting to know if it would be a good idea to apply some type of oil to the leather for flexibility before putting the finish on. I would also love to know anyone's method of finishing their leather. Thanks! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
La Maitresse Report post Posted September 4, 2013 Meh, wow... I just found a completely different section that I somehow missed, I'm a noob on here. Any pointers are appreciated though! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Dwight Report post Posted September 4, 2013 You didn't say what the project was, . . . which could make a huge difference in what is used for final finish. But in answer to your main question, . . . yes, . . . apply oil before the final finish. The only thing one should ever do after the final finish is perhaps apply a wax / polish, . . . but again, . . . that is only like polishing a pair of shoes, . . . something done long after construction is finished. My personal favorite is Resolene. It's a water based acrylic finish that is fairly hard, . . . has a good gloss, . . . and can be easily applied. I use a cheap 1 inch bristle (pig hair) brush, . . . stay away from the nylon ones, . . . mix up the Resolend 50/50 with water, . . . wet the brush and begin applying the finish, . . . brush up / down / left / right / all different directions, . . . you use enough to work up a foamy froth on the leather, . . . hair side and flesh side. Once you get the froth built up all over one side, . . . go to the other side, . . . (oh yeah, . . . wear a latex glove on the non-brushing hand, . . . and keep your fingerprints off the outside, . . . pretty part of the project, . . . hold it by the buckle, the inside, etc.). Froth up the second side (for holsters, . . . I always do the inside first, . . . then stick my fingers in there to hold it). The trick is to keep brushing that froth until it literally goes away. Then hang it up to dry. It takes a bit of practice, . . . but it gives a really nice finish, . . . and you can do more than one coat, . . . just don't get carried away with it. There is a level that gets too thick and it will crack and break. May God bless, Dwight Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
