sealing leather question

[MADMAX22]

Hey guys I was wondering when using feibings dye is it permissible to use some lexol to condition and then say a few passes of aussie wax to get a good seal. Is it really necessary to use tan kote or similer.

I just havnt had much luck with most of the sealers getting the results I want but if I just use lexol and aussie wax I get a great looking finish that is what I want to get but not sure how the longevity.

Thanks for your inputs.

[CitizenKate]

Hey guys I was wondering when using feibings dye is it permissible to use some lexol to condition and then say a few passes of aussie wax to get a good seal. Is it really necessary to use tan kote or similer.

I just havnt had much luck with most of the sealers getting the results I want but if I just use lexol and aussie wax I get a great looking finish that is what I want to get but not sure how the longevity.

Thanks for your inputs.

There are going to be a lot of different opinions on this, which is perfectly okay, but here's my experience...

When I use spirit dyes, I always follow the dye job with a Lexol conditioner treatment. There are lots of different conditioners out there that I'm sure are all fine to use. But I condition the leather after the dye job because the alcohol really dries out the leather, which I believe could shorten the life of the article if something is not done to replace the moisture that was lost during dying.

But Lexol alone will not seal the piece, or protect the dye job from fading or bleeding. For that you need a sealing finish. I have not tried the Aussie Wax, but wax in general typically does a very good job of sealing leather.

As an alternative, you may consider other finishes instead of the wax, such as Tan Kote, Satin or Super Shene, or even lacquer... it just depends on the results you want, and how you prefer to work. They all have different trade-offs to consider, how easy they are to apply, how well they protect the leather, what they look like once they're applied, etc.

Kate

[MADMAX22]

Thanks Kate, I fully understand and am glad for the different opinions.

My issue is that with tankote/ resolyne/ and super sheen is that when I use them they tend to crack even if ever so slightly when the leather flexes. Maybe I am using it in the wrong applications. I like using waxes and have found that aussie wax and snow seal are my two favorites and give very nice mellow finish. I just wanted more opinions I guess on whether they can be used as the sealer.

Totally agree with you on the lexol for the alcohol based stuff, it dries out the leather something feirce.

[TwinOaks]

Aussie wax does a pretty good job sealing it, but it is NOT a top coat or a sealer- it's a conditioner. Remember to thoroughly buff after applying dye, too. I've got to refinish a clutch purse I made because I forgot to buff it and it's getting an itty bitty amount of bleed through.

One of the members here did a waterproofing test and Aussie wax did very well.

Edited January 7, 2009 by TwinOaks

[esantoro]

LCI has a product that is distributed by Weaver. It is Tuff Cote and has a satin finish to it. THere is a similar product with,also by LCI and distributed by Weaver, that has a glossier finish. I'll have Tuff Cote later in the week to give it a try. Everything I've read about this product seems to suggest that it will do what you want. We'll soon see.

ed

[MADMAX22]

Cool thanks, will be nice to see what it can do.

[esantoro]

Cool thanks, will be nice to see what it can do.

Look at p. 216 of this linked PDF:

http://www.leathersupply.com/downloads/cat...mp;Supplies.pdf