Help with edge coating

[Lneal]

I just made my first belt, and I thought it would be nice if I put a liner on it. I thought it was coming out ok, until I messed it all up with the edge coat! I tried a dobber and it was to fluffy and got on the liner, and then a small brush, and apparently I'm to uncoordinated for that. I'm sure I need more practice and patience and any other advice you might have. Thanks

 

[plinkercases]

I got my first direction from the Stohlman books and use a piece of 1/4+inch felt cut into a /12 inch strip then tapered a little on the business end. After a few passes the tip gets a nice contour which takes the edge coating just around the edge and follows the edge contour nicely. with a little practice it is very consistent. Then when done I let the end harden, cut it off and ready to go for the next time. I will post some pics as I am about to do some edging.

[MADMAX22]

I dont do edge paint myself but if you burn the dauber some it will get rid of the fuzz and make it more controllable. 

I use those 1" foam brushes that you can get at hardware stores. Harbor freight has them very cheap and Ill grab a 100 or so when I am down that direction. They do pretty good for dying as well. 

[Lneal]

Thanks, I'll try both of those ways

[Ferg]

Try this tool and you will never look back.

I use it every day. In fact, I have three different tools, this is the best.

 

Ferg

Edited July 20, 2016 by Ferg

[Lneal]

Thanks, I'm going by Tandy today and I'll check it out

[cowboycolonel]

Go to your local paint store and ask for some sample daubers.  They're made of sponge rubber and the paint shop has them by the thousands.  Cut a piece of about 3/8 wide anda use it until it gets hard, then trim off the hard part and get back to work again.  My guy gave me a dozen about a year ago and I think I have five or six left.  They're great, and don't cost anything at all.  They paint guy might even give them to you.

[thefanninator]

I've been using the Tandy edge paddle for a while now. Best tool I ever bought at Tandy. I use it with Fenice edge paint.

 

https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/craftool-stainless-steel-edge-paddle

[bikermutt07]

You may want to try thus technique. It works well for me.

Whatever tool you're using use your hand against the edge of your table for a guide.

...

[Tugadude]

I use "hard" tools for edge coating.  Tried brushes and didn't like them.  The Tandy roller is excellent but I have good luck with metal spatulas and even popsicle sticks.  The really skinny wooden coffee stir sticks are decent too.

I think it is like a lot of skills, use what works for you and once you develop the knack for it, it just flows.

[ConradPark]

Tugadude - agreed! I use cotton buds. I cut off the cotton bud on one end and use the plastic stick to apply the edge paint. These are not only cheap, but has the added benefit of being easy to wipe clean if the edge paint dries too fast. I also apply the edge paint in a 'rolling' motion, rather than stroking - and found that this works fine with me.

[Tugadude]

Cotton buds would be Q-tips over here on the west side of the pond!  I agree they should work great.

[Ferg]

The Q-tips would be shot and lose cotton before you got around a wallet I'm afraid. (Just kidding)

I realize many folks are trying to do leatherwork as cheaply as possible if for no other reason than the fact they are just beginning their fabulous journey with leather.

When I was beginning, almost 65 years ago, I wanted to buy the best tools I could possibly afford. 

When learning to do edge painting, spend $20 to $25 for a tool that is made to work perfectly for this application and save yourself a million dollars worth of aggravation.

Ferg

Edited September 20, 2016 by Ferg

[Tugadude]

The Q-tips are used for the stick only.  The original poster described how he removes the cotton swab first.  I've heard other folks getting good results from round pencils and/or plastic pens.  Whatever gets it done.

[Ferg]

Note my two words inside Parenthesis.

 

Ferg

[RockyAussie]

12 hours ago, ConradPark said:

Tugadude - agreed! I use cotton buds. I cut off the cotton bud on one end and use the plastic stick to apply the edge paint. These are not only cheap, but has the added benefit of being easy to wipe clean if the edge paint dries too fast. I also apply the edge paint in a 'rolling' motion, rather than stroking - and found that this works fine with me.

Another tip, the cotton bud plastic is something I've used in my watch bands for the pin to go into. They are easy to cut with a sharp knife. For edge coating I use a bit of 3/8" green sponge foam cut to shape at the tip and a stainless egg cup. A belt length with practice will take about 20 seconds with practice.