Acrylic Resolene Issue

[brandonw]

I'm new here and new to working with leather so please bear with me. I just finished a book slip with Fiebing's acrylic resolene, but I'm not very happy with the result. I used a wool dauber to apply the resolene yet I did not wet it beforehand, which may have been the source of my problem. The finish is cloudy and streaky. It just looks bad when the light hits it. Is there anything I can do about it at this point? Is it possible to remove this and apply a fresh layer or to apply something different to it? I attached a photo to show what the finish looks like.

[CrazedLemming]

I don't know about fixing a piece that's already streaky, but thinning Resolene with water makes it go on a lot smoother. Most people seem to recommend a 50/50 mix.

[Sona]

If you didn´t use it before, resolene is a little bit tricky.

Resolene is a glossy finish, that builds up a layer on top of the leather, so the aim is to apply very smooth and thin layers (multiple), so you don´t see any streaks of the applying process on the surface. Try to cut it 50/50 with water, I use a cloth wrapped around a sponge (cased, but not wet) and apply it with nearly no pressure in at least two layers. so apply the frst one, let it dry for at least half an hour, than apply the second one and let it dry for about a day, unless you need more layers. Works out fine for me.

[mlapaglia]

You can remove the resolene you have so far with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth. then let the leather dry, buff it, neetsfoot oil it. let it set 24 hours and then cut your resolene 50/50 with water and apply 1 LIGHT coat. Let dry 1 hour. Apply second LIGHT coat. Let dry 12-24 hours and give it a buff with a dry soft cloth. I rarely need to add a third coat. Too much or two thick and it will streak and crack on you.

[brandonw]

Thank you for the replies! I think my next dealing with resolene will be much more positive thanks to your collective advice. I'll try the rubbing alcohol on the case and try to refinish it.

[paprhangr]

I have used a air brush for applying Resolene to finish side, no touch = no smear of the dye

I don,t like the gloss it makes, only use it for sealing back of belts now

[NVLeatherWorx]

Just an FYI here, but if you do use rubbing alcohol to remove the current Resolene you are going to have to give the leather a little bit of Pure Neatsfoot Oil as the alcohol will remove some of the oils, waxes and other conditioners which could leave your leather dry and prone to cracking. And when using Resolene you should always apply it in light coats with a damp applicator, says it right on the bottle. And this applies to the application of any acrylic based finishing liquid. And don't every apply it in a circular manner as it will create a look that you just don't want.

[alyshae]

I use the 50/50 dilution and love it. I apply with a piece of sponge, and immediately after I whisk a dry end of the sponge very lightly and quickly, back and forth to even it out and pick up any thicker areas. Do two - three coats like that and I've never had streaking or tacky areas since I started. Works for me

[LCF]

I've only made a few pieces but I don't dilute resolene and it seems to work fine.I had an similar uneven effect once previously and just buffed it with a dry cloth before it dried fully and it evened out nicely.