Burnishing Question

[snubbyfan]

How I do it. I start out with sanding.

Then burnishing. This is a different holster.

[Chief Filipino]

Thanks Snubby!

6. if you're using anything but beeswax or paraffin, sand with 400 grit, again taking care to sand the grain and flesh in a straight line — you're just knocking the sheen off and finding divots and high spots you may need to carefully re-sand with 240

Well that didn't work.... Nuttish what do you mean by #6. What do I do if I am using beeswax?

6. if you're using anything but beeswax or paraffin, sand with 400 grit, again taking care to sand the grain and flesh in a straight line — you're just knocking the sheen off and finding divots and high spots you may need to carefully re-sand with 240

[Chief Filipino]

Has anyone ever tried: 1. Water and canvas 2. Gum Trag 3. Bees' wax? If so what were your thoughts on that?

[Nuttish]

Well that didn't work.... Nuttish what do you mean by #6. What do I do if I am using beeswax?

I mean you cannot wax and sand to get a progressively smoother finish. In my experience, you're committed to wax the moment you apply it. I've never had much success burnishing with wax so I can't give any insight into doing It well. All I know is I get lovely results with wyo Slik. The only wax I use is a mixture containing carnauba wax and that's over a final finish.

I just trained someone to help deliver a large number of belts and refined my process to make it easier and more efficient. We're getting better results using cut sections of cloth backed sanding belts. They last longer and don't clog as easily. Start with 240, then 400, then first burnish with Wyo Slik and canvas. The leather will be thirsty for the first burnish and it's the most tedious step. Sand all the gloss and crocodile scales out with 400. Use 240 where necessary. Burnish - this will be super quick if you did it right. Keep going if you want. We're stopping to add acrylic at this point.

[Chief Filipino]

Thanks for the advice. I'd love to see the finished product!