Fenice Edge Paint

[Ferg]

I have been doing quite a lot of experimenting with this product. There are several different edge paints on the market. I began with Fenice because it was readily available to me. Basically most seem to be relatively the same.

Close grain leathers are the easiest to make a nice rounded edge. Open grain/soft leather, is more difficult.

I done some edges following directions of several folks who have used the edge paint with less than desirable results. Most require you to apply anywhere from 5 to 10 applications, waiting to allow them to dry between coats. That is very time consuming and costly if you are trying to make something for sale. I used the rounded portion of a very good solder iron with a temperature controller to smooth the edges between applications. It is okay but takes too long.

Fenice has a product called "GLOSS EDGE AGENT". It has the consistency of water but is real sticky. I applied one coat of it to a two layer kangaroo and Italian cow hide and one coat to a two layer with kangaroo and upholstery leather.

Allowed them to dry for about 15 minutes. I used one of my modeling tools with somewhat of a curve to the tool end, and "slicked" the surface of the AGENT with it until there were no bumps or dips in the edge. Probably took 5 minutes of little pressure. I then applied one coat of GLOSSY EDGE PAINT PLUS, this is slightly heavier in consistency than standard. Allowed to dry for 20 to 30 minutes, used the modeler again. Required little work. I then applied one more coat of the same "GLOSSY EDGE PAINT PLUS". Left to dry overnight, it has a beautiful edge.

I tried applying with a fine bristled artist's brush to apply the AGENT, that worked for me. As I mentioned it is like water so brushing it on was easy. I bought the little stainless steel edge tool from Tandy to apply the paint. That is a piece of cake.

Without the AGENT as a first application the paint wants to run around a curve and puddle, definitely diminishes that problem. I believe the Agent being less than completely dry when applying the finish paint helps to keep the paint consistent in depth without running over the edges. I also waited just 25 or 30 minutes for the first coat of finish to dry before applying the second. Directions says a couple hours if I remember correctly.

The FENICE product is a good product. You have to shake the bottles for several minutes and then set them down to allow the bubbles to disappear before application. Heavy product collects in the bottom of the finish coat bottles. If you do not shake well, consistency of the product is not there.

Photo included is the tight leather.

Forgive me for the poor photo. Difficult to capture with light reflecting off that gloss edge. lol

ferg

Edited August 29, 2015 by 50 years leather

[rlpullman]

That's a nice finish Ferg. Where do you get the gloss edge agent?

[thefanninator]

Thanks for this post Ferg. I've been using Fenice for over a year now and have some pretty nice edges. They took way too long. I stumbled across this thread the other night and today I bought some Gloss Edge Agent at Tandy and after one short test I have the best edge ever and in fewer coats. A little light sanding with 400 & 800 between coats. I also bought the edge paddle, it works great. I was using a scratch awl.

Edited September 23, 2015 by thefanninator

[MonicaJacobson]

Buying the Gloss Edge Agent Asap. I've been at my wit's end with soft leathers. Thanks, Ferg!

[thefanninator]

Monica, so far it's great. Seems to help a lot with the seam line between two pieces of leather. If this didn't work I was about to try some Giardini.

[nrk]

if not mistaken, Tandy's 'Leather Edge Paint' is the same Fenice product?

I use it on all applicable projects - it's really good. Usually I go with a first layer, let it dry, then sand to get smooth edge, and then a second finish coat.

Beautiful edge paint.

[thefanninator]

if not mistaken, Tandy's 'Leather Edge Paint' is the same Fenice product?

I use it on all applicable projects - it's really good. Usually I go with a first layer, let it dry, then sand to get smooth edge, and then a second finish coat.

Beautiful edge paint.

Yep, that's correct.