Leather newbie seeking answers about watch bands

[doingmahresearch]

Huh, oily and waxy finishes are not good for watch bands? What types of finishes would be most suitable?

Also, if I embossed a pattern into the back of the strap (like people like to stamp their logo on the back, but this' be a pattern that'll cover the entire back of the strap) would it hurt the durability / comfort of the strap?

 

Thanks!!

[RockyAussie]

10 hours ago, doingmahresearch said:

Huh, oily and waxy finishes are not good for watch bands? What types of finishes would be most suitable?

Also, if I embossed a pattern into the back of the strap (like people like to stamp their logo on the back, but this' be a pattern that'll cover the entire back of the strap) would it hurt the durability / comfort of the strap?

 

Thanks!!

As to the finishes I agree with Mike and as to what is suitable I could only say ones that are not oily and waxy are easier. In the watch band pictures of mine above you see one that has a red back and on that one I embossed a line pattern onto the entire back surrounding the logo. I have done many various patterns and the reason I do this other than looks is that I don't like sweaty watch bands and this helps the air keep the band dryer and more comfortable to wear. To save you a lot of experimenting try .25mm as your line thickness if you are getting plates made for the impression. The backing leather is best on this with a firmish veg. The lines will make it more flexible.Below see a picture of one pattern version which allows a space for the holes. Regards Brian

Edited July 17, 2017 by RockyAussie
forgot something

[doingmahresearch]

Thanks for the advice!

Hm, so backing Horween Chromexcel or Dublin would be hard since they are both waxy/oily?

Also, for the embossed back patterns, can I infer that embossing an asymmetrical pattern (e.g. waves or contours) will not be good as it'll cause the band to stretch in an imbalanced way?

[RockyAussie]

3 hours ago, doingmahresearch said:

Thanks for the advice!

Hm, so backing Horween Chromexcel or Dublin would be hard since they are both waxy/oily?

Also, for the embossed back patterns, can I infer that embossing an asymmetrical pattern (e.g. waves or contours) will not be good as it'll cause the band to stretch in an imbalanced way?

so backing Horween Chromexcel or Dublin would be hard since they are both waxy/oily? In regards to good adhesion to backing (stitching can overcome this a bit) and edge coat if applied to edges for durability. Not hard to do just not such a good idea. As for asymmetrical I have only ever done symmetrical but I doubt if there would be any significant difference to stretch but that may depend on the construction method used. I have only ever done bands with fillers to enhance the profile but I guess that would also give more resistance to stretching..