lionfly Report post Posted August 13, 2014 Does anyone know of a good article or video on the differences between the wide range of leather finishes? Tan kote vs. Super sheen vs. all the others? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
89cherokeelimited Report post Posted August 13, 2014 I liked this video. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ClaireAshton Report post Posted August 14, 2014 Have a look at Ian Atkinson on YouTube, he has one just on finishes including the ones you mention. Claire Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Studio-N Report post Posted August 14, 2014 Leather Sheen = Super Sheen = satin sheen = acrylic. Resolene = acrylic. Leather Balm = carnuba wax. Tan Kote = resin NeatLac = oil and wax lacquer Tan Pro finish = cellulose lacquer Gum Tragacanth = starch saddle soap = Glycerin Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LNLeather Report post Posted August 14, 2014 can't remember where I got this......... Neat-Lac Has a lacquer base and is very durable and clear, it is waterproof with a glossy finish. It is ideal for leather items receiving a lot of hard wear, especially outdoors. Clean brushes used to apply it in Neat-Lac thinner or cellulose thinner. Tan-Kote This finish is waterbased. It is clear, with a semi-waterproof finish that applies smoothly and will not streak, with a non-shiny finish. It can also be used to thin antiquing stains, not only that, but small amounts of Spectra Shade dye can be mixed with it to colour-tint the finish. The only drawback, though a minor one, is its liability to become spotted and stained if subjected to prolonged periods out in the rain. A big plus is that you can clean your brushes in water. Super Shene This is a water-repellent acrylic and when dry has a high-gloss finish. It is hard-wearing and flexible and can be applied to the majority of leather items. Leather Glow This is actually a very light antique stain and when it dries it gives a semi-gloss finish to the article. It is useful too for accenting tool impressions and knife cuts. Water can be used to clean your brushes. Hi-Liter This is a stain very similar to Leather Glow but is much, much darker and will dry to a semi-gloss finish. It is the perfect medium for almost all stamped designs and for enhancing tool impressions and knife cuts. Make sure you don't waste time cleaning your brushes in warm water, otherwise they go stiff and tacky. Carnauba Cream This is a water-based leather conditioner. It's full of natural waxes (carnauba is a yellowish wax from the Brazilian palm), and when dry, polishes up to give a nice sheen. It's most suitable for smooth, plain leather surfaces. Though it can be used on carved leather, that necessitates using a stiffish brush over all cuts and impressions after it's dried. Neither will it enhance carved or stamped designs as the two finishes above. You'll also need to use warm soapy water to clean your brushes. Edge Kote You can get this in brown or black and it's primarily used to finish off the edges of belts, handbags and any other item not having a laced or turned edge finish. You can if you so wish use it to dye the backs of belts or any other item without a lining leather. It's not the most penetrating of dyes so you'd be better to first dye the edges with a black or brown Pro Dye to ensure a solid base for it. Rinse out your brushes immediately before washing in warm soapy water. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lionfly Report post Posted August 14, 2014 Thank you all so much. What a treasure trove of information! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
