treq10 Report post Posted May 5, 2016 I'm making belts with W&C English Bridle. The flesh side is already very smooth, but I have noticed that over time it can start to come loose. Is there any way to finish these in such a way that the flesh side will remain intact over long periods of time (years even?) I have seen Ian Atkinson use Tan-Kote to finish the flesh sides. What does this do? Is this recommended here or are there better methods? Lastly, should the flesh side finishing be different on tooling/veg-tan leather vs. a finished leather like English Bridle or Traditional harness? Thank you so much for your help! -Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OLDNSLOW Report post Posted May 5, 2016 I don't know if it is right or wrong, what I have been doing even if there is a smooth finish is to take some gum trag and get that side super smooth then use tan-kote, although I may start to use resolene. Would like to hear what other do to finish up a belt. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gigi Report post Posted May 8, 2016 I don't know either if it is the best solution: I am using Fiebing's Aussie conditioner for the flesh side of the leather, buff the excess: it is like a water resistant finish, makes the leather flexible. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LumpenDoodle2 Report post Posted May 9, 2016 I use the gum trag for the more 'loose' flesh side, and aussie conditioner for the rest. Works for me. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bob21804 Report post Posted May 9, 2016 I've been using Bag-Kote mostly. I bought some Tan-Kote also, but haven't tried it yet. Also, I've gotten a better/more even finish when I spray it on with my airbrush, than wiping it on. I usually spray a light coat, let it sit several seconds then wipe very briefly, just to mat down any loose fibers. I'm quite new to leatherwork so others may have a better method. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bgl500 Report post Posted May 11, 2016 A lot of times on the flesh side I rub in saddle soap mixed with some water so it's like a paste. I rub it in with my fingers and then burnish the area with a piece of canvas. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mongo Report post Posted May 11, 2016 Most of my holsters are lined, but on the backside of a billet of a western gun belt, I coat it with bag-kote and burnish it a little. Some of the cowboy shooters I compete with have some of my leather from 10 years ago and they are having no problems. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
