Newbie needing help with finishing leather

[DrLight]

 

Hi, 

I've just finished my first leatherwork project. I do costuming mostly not "real" leather work holsters etc.

However I was wondering if anyone could give me advice on finishing this project.

The belt is a combination of 3.5mm thick cowhide shoulder leather dyed black, and veg tanned shoulder dyed black - the veg tanned leather is approx 4mm thick. 

The designs were cut using a laser cutter (hence the belt being in 3 section as the max length cut on the laser is 500mm,

The whole thing is meant to look very steampunkish - hence the brass bolts and screws.

 

What would people recommend for a finish for the belt (Belt2) and the holster (Holster & HolsterInner).

By the way - the holster is for a nerf maverick - I'm planning on doing some better toy guns or using a 3-d printed gun for the next project.

 

 

 

 

 

[Mark842]

I'll jump out and ask this even though I won't be here to see the reply, important to know none the less. What type of dye was used, water or alcohol based?

[DrLight]

I have no idea as it was bought dyed - the due penetrates through the entire leather though.

The belt has a somewhat shiny finish, while the hide I used has a more dull not quite waxy feel

[JerseyFirefighter]

So you bought some drum dyed leather that was struck all the way through? I'd put a dye or edge coat on the edges (before or after burnishing..different strokes for different folks). From everything ive always read you wouldnt need to put a finish on leathers that are already stuffed with waxes and oils, however I always throw a coat of two of 50/50 resolene water mix just to be on the safe side.

[DrLight]

Thanks very much. I'm new to all of this and so it gets a bit confusing