Difference Between Hi-Lite Stain And Gel Antique

[venator]

Sorry for the newb question but the search didn't help much. What's the difference between these two? How do they go on differently? What's the difference in finished look?

Thanks folks

[NVLeatherWorx]

The Hi-Lite stain goes on with either a sponge or you can apply it with a dauber; it is a deeper penetrating formula and their story is that it will highlight certain elements of your designs, reality is that it just stains the leather and that is it. The gel antique should be applied with a piece of sheep's wool and with a circular motion; once you have applied the antique you want to immediately wipe off any excess and then let it dry overnight. Regardless of which one of these you use you need to be aware that due to these products being water based they will run and you will get some serious rub-off as you continue through the finishing process; sometimes even afterwards. You will also find that even after you have sealed the leather with an acrylic sealant you will still get water spots and runs if the item gets wet; that is why you won't find very many of using the water based products.

There are plenty of videos on the Tandy website and their Leathercraft Library (and books as well that are specifically written about the Eco-Flo product line and how to use them) that explain some of the tricks and tips that will help you use these products better if you stick with them.

[TwinOaks]

The primary difference between the two is that antique is thicker than hi-liter. If you need to make LINES darker, then the hi-liter is the better choice. When I've used it, I apply with liner brush, both for precision and to limit the amount that gets applied.

The run off, rub off issues mentioned above will have a LOT to do with the method of application. PROPERLY done, it will not stain the leather, merely darken the tooled areas. To do that, you have to seal the rest of the leather prior to applying either hi-liter or antique. Then, after application and wipe off, you seal the hi-liter/antique, then seal the whole thing. Take look on Youtube for "antiquing leather", and pic the vid by Keith Valley Saddlery. It's one of the best explanations (with video) of the process.