Does Clear-Lac Crack And Flake Off For Anyone Else?

[Sam Made]

Ive been using Bob Parks method to finish the edges of my wallets for some time now because the result is simply unmatched by anything else. The only difference is I skip the paraffin wax part and just sand in-between coats of clear-lac. The edges come out smooth and polished but that only lasts about a week of normal wear. After a week or so the clear-lac begins to crack and separate itself from the leather ruining my edges. Does anyone else have this issue with clear lac or am I doing something wrong?

[TomG]

Not to be a SA or anything, but considering the Bob Parks method DOES produce great results, why change it?

I've never used Clear-Lac for edges, but considering it's a pretty hard substance, I'd kind of expect this. If you apply it to a flat, thick surface, like a holster, belt, etc, flexing is spread across the entire width. Here, you are laying down a very, very thin width and flexing it or rubbing it. I can't see it not cracking.

[Sam Made]

Not to be a SA or anything, but considering the Bob Parks method DOES produce great results, why change it?

I've never used Clear-Lac for edges, but considering it's a pretty hard substance, I'd kind of expect this. If you apply it to a flat, thick surface, like a holster, belt, etc, flexing is spread across the entire width. Here, you are laying down a very, very thin width and flexing it or rubbing it. I can't see it not cracking.

I changed it because i didn't find a difference in result when i used paraffin wax to polish before applying clear-lac. I see that your specialties are belts and dog collars. what products do you use for your edges? Thanks -Sam

[TomG]

I use Edge-Coat after all my burnishing is done and everything is dry and set. After that dries, I buff it smooth with a soft rag and apply 2 or 3 very thin coats of 50/50 Resolene, letting them dry between coats.

To my knowledge, I haven't had any cracking.

Thinking back, I did use Saddle-Lac as a top coat at one time and found that some of the softening products I used on the flesh side made it flake off in chunks if I didn't spray it on at the right time in my sequence - ie: before any oils or softening crèmes to the flesh side.

[rmr]

I have had the same problem with the clear-lac. Looks great for a while then cracks. I use Bob Parks method - except now I don't apply the clear lac at the end

[Sam Made]

I use Edge-Coat after all my burnishing is done and everything is dry and set. After that dries, I buff it smooth with a soft rag and apply 2 or 3 very thin coats of 50/50 Resolene, letting them dry between coats.

To my knowledge, I haven't had any cracking.

Thinking back, I did use Saddle-Lac as a top coat at one time and found that some of the softening products I used on the flesh side made it flake off in chunks if I didn't spray it on at the right time in my sequence - ie: before any oils or softening crèmes to the flesh side

thanks! i tried the resolene and it gave it a nice sheen. defintely have to let it dry before applying each coat or the previous coat will clump up into little bits. (thats what happened when i got impatient.