Cjrademaker Report post Posted January 30, 2017 I make tooled desk blotters, fairly simple, single piece of veg tan with a tooled border. I am having trouble getting them to lay flat on their own, sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't and there is a little bump raised off the desks, presumably from slight stretching while tooling. I'm thinking I just need to start adding some sort of rigid backing. Anyone do anything like this? Thoughts on materials that would attach well and last? I would like to just do two pieces of leather but I do not want to double the materials cost. That would make them prohibitively expensive. Id like to keep it as a single piece if anyone has any suggestions on how to get the leather to behave without a backing. More detailed notes on process for the curious, 8/9 oz herman oak Cut to size and ensure squareness Wet with a wide mist spray bottle Mark, swivel, bevel, tool border Bevel and sand edges Dry Oil Stain with Feibings Antiques Dry Burnish Edges Put between two heavy flat things for as long as turnaround times allow. Airbrush clearcoat Put between two heavy flat things again if i've got time Remove from heavy flat things and be frustrated by that slight but persistent bump along the edges. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sceaden Report post Posted January 31, 2017 I haven't done one of these but you could maybe try bag stiffener with a light lining leather. https://www.tandyleather.com/en/product/bag-stiffener Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MADMAX22 Report post Posted January 31, 2017 Do you tape the back when you tool them? I usually use the blue painters tape. It helps prevent the leather from stretching as you tool it. Once done let it dry on a flat surface then remove the tape. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
