Edge Kote, Edge Paint

[Diana Arabella]

Hello all,

A lot of us seem to have one common problem and it is Edge Coating. Currently, I am using Fiebing's Edge Kote and then I apply Fiebing's Tan Kote over it, to prevent edges from colouring arms. BUT, I still get stained hands when the place gets damp.

Would anyone, please, give a solution?

 

Thank you in advance,

Diana

[MonicaJacobson]

I never found a good solution for staining, and have since moved entirely to edge paint (from BuckleGuy). It doesn't bleed. It has its own learning curve (learning how to get it to adhere, etc.), and you may not end up liking it, but for me, the relief of not having anymore bleed problems (which ruined several projects), was greater than the learning curve. I use a fenice edge agent prior to the paint, as well. 

[Diana Arabella]

Thanks for the suggestion Monica!

Can I use it with any leather (also in ready made colours)?

Edited May 11, 2016 by Diana Arabella

[MonicaJacobson]

I've never used it with veg tanned leather (the favorite method for veg tanned is beeswax/paraffin), but I've used it on various chrome tans, since chrome tans are much harder. They don't really burnish, so edge paint has been the only option. I've used it on kidskin as well with good results. I bought one of each color (kind of an investment, it's true) so I could mix my own colors. 

Edges will take about as much time and effort as you have to put into them. My edges aren't the best, but the're a lot better than they used to be when I was trying resolene, gum trag, or saddle soap. 

If you do decide to get edge paint, here's the method that works for me (everyone seems to have their own method):

1. Start with trimmed, clean surface - the cleaner the surface, the better the edge. 
2. apply fenice edge agent (I bought a tandy branded fenice edge agent on ebay, but as they don't carry fenice anymore, you may have to look for another source). I like this stuff a lot. It's supposed to help with adherence, but it also hardens the edge, which is really helpful for soft chrome tanned leathers. 
3. apply two thin coats of edge paint, allow to dry in between coats. 
4. Leave it to harden for a couple of hours.

5. Sand with either 220 or higher grit - I usually use 1200 grit - sand and repaint until your patience gives out. Mine gives out pretty quickly, unfortunately for my not-quite-perfect edges.  

6. When your edge looks pretty good, use a wax and/or wax/paraffin mixture, and smooth it on with a heated iron of some sort. I use this with this tip. The wax lubricates the tip so that you can smooth it. If it's too hot, the edge paint will bubble and burn. I use a temperature controller because I have one, but it may or may not be necessary. 
7. After the wax hardens, you can burnish it with canvas or jean so it isn't sticky. 

[Diana Arabella]

Thank you for details.

I am working with half bovine full grain leather, so that means this method would work for me too.