Using soldering iron on edges of leather

[the gafer]

Can any of you guys explain how and why some folks use soldering iron on the edges of leather I just use a slicker on the thick leather but on the thin pig skin my edges are rubbish would this be a good method of using a hot soldering iron???

[the gafer]

Anyone know ?

[MonicaJacobson]

If you mean any kind of heat application on edges, you may mean edge paint. I'm not sure what other method you'd be thinking of, but it's most often used by people who use the creaser, as a final step with wax over edge paint. 

 

 

[the gafer]

That's the method I have never done it could someone explain the steps ?

[MonicaJacobson]

There's some previous discussion you can find on the forum in these three threads:

I'm sure you can find more if you use search option with a couple of different keywords. 

[the gafer]

Thanks Monica I am looking to buy some paint right now 

[the gafer]

Is this the stuff I need

 

[the gafer]

Or any of these

[gary]

Probably more like

http://www.leatheredgepaint.com/leather-edge-paint/

 

 

[RockyAussie]

What Gary recommended should be ok but for about many years I've been using Ares (Italia) S.r.l. For black mosty LC/ZCD and The clear I mix my pigment in to give me the colour range I need I use AR 6350 Neutro denso lucido. (see link)http://www.aresitalia.info/ares/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=136&Itemid=172&lang=enThese are I believe the same as the Fenice paints as available from Campbell Randall in the US. They also have a temperature control soldering iron I think. I have used a 80 watt soldering iron with a groove I ground into the tip for about 20 or more years. This is just something I worked out for myself as I had not seen or heard of these filituse things until recently. I have always just used a light dimmer switch that I build into a wooden box to temperature control. They last for generally 5 to 10 years at a time. My method roughly goes depending on the thickness and leather etc like so. Get the shape sanded in first and sometimes heat away the fuzzy bits with a paint stripper gun. 2- Two coats of edging. If really rough sand a bit with foam sanding block.3 - Run the iron groove down the down the edge pulling in toward the centre from both sides and one down the middle to get rid of any peaking or grooves. 4 - Give a grey scotch brite wipe over if still a little rough. 5 - Finish of with 2 or three coats of edging. 5 wax polish. When the edge is thick it will take more work and more coats and when thin less.

[gary]

Don't take my post as a recommendation. Just trying to help by pointing in a more appropriate direction. I don't use any of the Fenice type edge paints so can't give an opinion on any of them.

 

[MonicaJacobson]

I've been using the buckleguy paint (http://www.buckleguy.com/leather-edge-paint/) paint for six months or so and like it. I haven't used any others, so I don't know how it compares.