Resolene Question

[lightningad]

When is the appropriate time to add the resolene?

Before or after stitching?

I need to apply it but having only used it once, i am unsure when to slap it on!

Also this bag will have suede rolled edges around the bag opening, and i dont think the resolene should touch the suede (or is it okay to use on suede?).

Should i apply leather balsam before resolene or after?

thanks

Adam

[DoubleC]

Hi Adam. The appropriate time is before stitching. You use it 50/50 with water in light coats when all forms of coloring are done except antiquing. For antique you apply the resolene first as a resist, let it dry well, antique, let it dry well and then add more resolene. On the suede if it touches it, it will probably peel right off. I apply my leather conditioning after the resolene but some people apply a conditioner first. I hope this helps, Cheryl

[Dwight]

Resolene is a water based acrylic FINISH.

You can put it on before stitching, . . . your stitches will stay the color they are on the spool.

You can put it on after stitching, . . . your stitches will yellow slightly, . . . heavy on the slight, but noticeable to most people.

If you stitch first, . . . the resolene will also help protect your stitches as it will also put an acrylic finish on the outside of them.

Anything you put on over resolene is wasted product, as resolene seriously seals, finishes, protects, and insulates the leather from further incursions by other products. Any product that will do anything to the leather after resolene, . . . must first attack and dissolve the resolene.

I have found my best results in a 50/50 mix with water, . . . brushed on with a cheap bristle brush, . . . I put enough on to get a small "lather" of suds, . . . then keep brushing until there are no bubbles left.

Resolene is NOT for suede, . . . and I have ruined suede with it. Very carefully use it on the edges where the veggie and suede come together, . . . it will seal that joint, . . . but you really need to practice that trick before doing it on a customer's piece.

I use the tip of my brush, . . . lightly moistened to apply resolene to the edge of suede. It will harden the suede and make it just plain ugly if you get it on the wrong place.

May God bless,

Dwight

[Geneva]

Dwight is correct. Anything applied to Resolene after the Resolene is dried is useless. I use an old wash cloth to apply Resolene then rinse it out after using it. Apply before starting the project and let it dry. I have never reduced the strength of Resolene. That's my 2 cents.

[lightningad]

thanks everyone, very useful info.

The one time i used it, i did a 50/50 dilution, and applied it with a sponge. End result was fine.

How well does it work if the leather has had conditioners applied beforehand? My worry is that any wax/oil based treatment may prevent the resolene from not adhering properly.

adam

[Dwight]

FWIW, . . . I've never been much of one to mess with conditioners, etc. The tanned leather that is on the commercial market is a prepared product, made to be used in a similar manner as lumber in a lumber yard.

You buy it, . . . cut it, . . . fit it, . . . stain or dye it, . . . finish it, . . . and use it.

If you have a product you want your customer to be able to use for a long time, . . . one light coat of neatsfoot oil, . . . followed by a full day for it to dissipate into the leather, . . . apply your finish and you are good to go.

I really believe that a lot of the "stuff" shown and done to leather products is kinda like the makeup applied to many of the "stars" of TV and the big screen. They paint and powder themselves up to where they look good, . . . but they only vaguely resemble their original selves.

May God bless,

Dwight

[lightningad]

kinda like the makeup applied to many of the "stars" of TV and the big screen. They paint and powder themselves up to where they look good, . . . but they only vaguely resemble their original selves.

having seen a few of them without the makeup, its probably better that they do use it!

I don't go in for lots of goo either...just usually give the leather a quick once over with a Leather Balsam cream. I just wanted to be sure of how the resolene would react if there was something already on the leather, because you do sometimes get leathers that have been pre-treated with oils or waxes, but you don't always know what they are exactly.

adam