Edge paint

[charon]

Maybe one of you minds sharing the secret of good clean edge paint with me? I spent the last two weekends trying to figure that out myself and the only thing I learned is how hard it is to peel that stuff off my edges once I screwed it. I'm working a lot of thin leather (1-2 oz) and sometimes it's hard to seal the gap between the 2 sewn pieces by just burnishing it. So I thought I'd give edge paint a try. I tried Giardini black and Fiebings Edge Kote all wit hthe same result: I't wobble and wonky and far from a clean, smooth surface no matter how many layers I apply. What I did is the following:

Glue the pieces together - sad them plane - bevel the edges round - (optional) burnishing - apply edge paint (I used a pencil, one of those edge paint appliers that look like paddles and a scratch awl). Firstly there's no way to get a clean line between the leather  and the edge paint, you always get more down at one point and less at another so the line is always wobble. And on top of the edge ... it's a total mess. I'm currently at work and cannot attach any images, but I'm sure most of you can imagine what I'm talking about. I read that you can use a modified french soldering iron for the cost of a small house to heat treat it but seriously that's ridiculous for that price, they can't be serious...

I also read you don't need to heat treat the Giardini stuff but I can't do it (apparently). Most of the youtube tutorials you find use some 9-10oz unbevelled leather, maybe it's easier with that but for the thin leather I use with a round bevelled edge it's impossible (at least for me). So if anyone has that magic trick to get it look nice please have a heart and share the information. I hate throwing stuff around my workshop but we had a lot leather flying around recently... 

[immiketoo]

Are you using the applicator tool that looks like a cone?  I bevel and slick my edges before applying edge coat, but I sand them lightly after slicking to give the edge paint a place to stick.  Its easy to get a clean edge using the applicator.

 

[Ferg]

I don't slick the edges, I do sand the edges. I apply a coat of clear sealer, let it dry overnight, sand with 600 grit, apply the first coat of finish, sand it until I see no shiny areas, then apply a second coat of finish. No hot tools or anything. I have three or four applicators. The cone shaped one is by far the easiest and best to use IMHO.

Ferg

[charon]

Thanks Mike and Ferg for your suggestions.I didn't use the applicator that looks like a cone but the sharpened pencil I normally use has exactly the same shape. I tried applying it with or without slicking and the problem is not that it's not sticking, the problem is that from the bevelling I have a half round shaped edge and I can't figure out how to get a straight edge line at the border. Also, whenever I raise my applicator the paint forms a drop-like shape that's hard to get rid of so the top of my edge is wobbly as well. I'll post a picture when I get home...  

Edited May 14, 2018 by charon

[immiketoo]

You need that applicator as it has grooves cut in it.  You can lay down a perfectly straight line with it easily.  A pencil will just smear it around.

 

[KingsCountyLeather]

@immiketoo is right. Your problem is the applicator. 

[immiketoo]

2 minutes ago, KingsCountyLeather said:

@immiketoo is right. Your problem is the applicator. 

And by applicator, he means the tool, not the person applying it

[Mattsbagger]

2 hours ago, immiketoo said:

You need that applicator as it has grooves cut in it.  You can lay down a perfectly straight line with it easily.  A pencil will just smear it around.

 

Yep that cheap little roller tool from Tandy works very well.

[GoldenKnight]

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.com/itm/292384444955

I bought a few of these. Just like one I got from Tandy on sale, but here it is less $$ and in various colors.  Probably the same maker. The only downside is the 1 to 4 week delay on delivery.

Edited May 14, 2018 by GoldenKnight

[KingsCountyLeather]

4 hours ago, immiketoo said:

And by applicator, he means the tool, not the person applying it

Who said so?