Comparing Edge Finishes

[garypl]

I have acquired 3 types of edge finish paints and decided to do a comparison of the three.

I painted 3 edges of a piece of 7-8 oz unfinished veg tan using Fiebings Edge Kote, Angelus Acrylic Edge Paint and Giardini MaxMatte Edge Paint.  I thinned the Giardini with about 20% water and the other two I used right out of the bottle.

Picture 1:

 

Picture 2 is the Fiebings Edge Kote.  I applied two coats of each type paint using an edge roller, sanding lightly between coats with 400 grit wet/dry paper.

 

Picture 3 is the Angelus paint:

 

Picture 4 - Giardini paint:

 

I let the paint dry overnight, then took a clean cotton cloth and vigorously rubbed each edge to see how much paint rubbed off.  See results in pictures 5, 6 and 7:

 

The Fiebings had the most paint come off on the cloth.  I noticed that the Fiebings paint felt dull and slightly coarse, while the Angelus and Giardini both felt smoother and almost like plastic.

Next I applied a coat of my leather dressing to each edge, allowed it to dry for a few minutes, then buffed with a clean cloth.  The results are shown in the next 3 pictures:

Fiebings 

 

Angelus

 

Giardini

I was surprised to see how much of the Angelus paint rubbed off, while the Fiebings and Giardini both had very little rub off.  All three edges had a dull luster after buffing.  

In my opinion, the Giardini worked the best.  It gave a durable, smooth finish and I liked the glossy look.  I would not apply any type of finish over the panted edges.  Next I would choose the Angelus paint, followed by Fiebings.  The Giardini was the most cost effective at @$38 delivered for 1 liter (and it can be diluted with 20% water).  It will probably last for many years at the rate I use it, assuming it doesn't gum up from age!

I am interested in hearing from other leather workers who may or may not have had similar results using any of these paints.  Hope some folks find this information to be useful!

[JD62]

     Thanks for the comparison. I've been on the fence with the Giardini and this helped me over!

[garypl]

You're welcome JD62!

[RockyAussie]

Thanks for posting such useful comparisons. I would like to see a comparison with the Giardini as against the Fenice range. One thing that I have found some trouble with is the tendency for a crack line or hollowing to show up in the middle of the edging when applied thickly which can be difficult and time consuming to smooth back out. Regards Brian

[garypl]

Brian - I have not tried the Fenice, but may have to buy a small bottle.  I also am going to see how applying heat with a tool works on the different edge finishes to smooth them out.  I'll post results and pictures when I do.

[Matt S]

Thanks for this comparison, Gary. I'm looking for something to improve on the Edgekote -- i find it's too shiny, doesn't fill very well and takes an age to dry thoroughly. I have a small bottle of Fenice on the way and Norsol, a brand I have only recently come across. I will compare them with Edgekote and post the results.

[garypl]

Hi Matt - thanks and I am interested in hearing about the Norsol - first I have heard of this brand! 

[OLDNSLOW]

Was the Listerine used in any of the testing?(jk) Just wanted to clarify!

Thanks good job, looking forward to more testing!

[garypl]

 

6 hours ago, OLDNSLOW said:

Was the Listerine used in any of the testing?(jk) Just wanted to clarify!

Thanks good job, looking forward to more testing!

Thanks - I use the Listerine when I make a bottle of wetting solution - I read somewhere that it helps prevent mold.  Not sure if it works, but doesn't seem to hurt anything, so I'll keep adding a splash to my solution!

[RockyAussie]

For many years I have used a different named solution (Ares (Italia)S.r.l.) which I believe to be Fenice by a different name. I have generally used it by applying coats and ironing in with a shaped tip soldering iron that I have temperature controlled via a light dimmer switch housed in a box. Picture of iron shown below. It became a bit of a problem here in that the supplier went to needing orders of 10 or more litres at a time and the price per litre by the time it hits here is like $70.00 per litre. Be that I have mixed my own pigments into the clear AR 6350 for years and duller if wanted as well it is difficult to work out effective alternatives. Another re branded product (OMAC) I think is Giardini I have tested in some colours and found that it hollowed out when put on flat leather and sometimes even appeared to get a split line crazing down the middle.I am interested to hear other users experiences with these various edging products. At present I am thinking of doing more trials with the Giadani but will need to look for a good supplier first. Thanks again for starting such a valuable subject thread.