Edge paint VS Burnished edges showdown!!!

[immiketoo]

The great debate about how to finish edges lives on!  I used to be a diehard traditional edge guy.  Now I am not so sure.   For discussion purposes, one has edge paint, one is normal.  Which is which?

[ABHandmade]

If I understood correctly, first photo - paint, the second - the traditional edge treatment. I'm right?

Both edges look amazing. The only question is which option is more stable and will last longer?

[KingsCountyLeather]

I’m with @ABHandmade. They are perfect!

I like the top edge the best. Can you tell us the process you used here please?

[immiketoo]

I don't have a lot of experience with the edge paint, but I would guess it will be the more resilient of the two.  Its stood up well in my destruction testing.  I really like the look of the traditional edge, but the edge paint is growing on  me.  I just wish it wasn't so much work.  

Process:

glue and hammer edge for good bond.  Bevel with your choice of beveler.  Edge coat companies say leave it square but I don't like that look.  Apply coat one.  Let it dry and then sand it smooth.  You will see leather through the paint at this stage.  Apply coat two.  Let dry.  Look for indentations and bumps.  Sand smooth.  Repeat until the surface is perfect and apply final coat.  How many depends on your prep work but for me its no less than three, sometimes four depending on how aggressively I sand.

5 hours ago, ABHandmade said:

If I understood correctly, first photo - paint, the second - the traditional edge treatment. I'm right?

Both edges look amazing. The only question is which option is more stable and will last longer?

You are correct.

[noobleather]

1 hour ago, immiketoo said:

Process:

glue and hammer edge for good bond.  Bevel with your choice of beveler.  Edge coat companies say leave it square but I don't like that look.  Apply coat one.  Let it dry and then sand it smooth.  You will see leather through the paint at this stage.  Apply coat two.  Let dry.  Look for indentations and bumps.  Sand smooth.  Repeat until the surface is perfect and apply final coat.  How many depends on your prep work but for me its no less than three, sometimes four depending on how aggressively I sand.

Thank you Thank you! I am finishing off my second and third belts (one for my next door neighbor and one for a friend) and this info was very helpful.

Your work is of great quality and inspiring 

[Tugadude]

Great work on both versions.  You didn't mention using any heat on the edge paint, so if that is true, this example shows that you certainly don't HAVE to use heat or a special tool to get superior results.

BTW, a clear lacquer could be used over the "traditional" edge to give it some more wear-resistance.  

[immiketoo]

I always put a finish on my edges, once they are complete.  I usually apply it with the final coat of finish for whatever item I am building.  Ive even put it over the edge paint with success.  A lot of folks have said to use heat with the edge paint, but I don't see the need for it really.  Then again, everyone has their own way of doing business

[KingsCountyLeather]

Thank you for explaining your process. I used fiebings tan kote paint on a satchel and it feels tacky and rubs off against the leather. I’m not sure what finish I could use to cover the paint? I have ordered Giardini paint to try out for the future.

[immiketoo]

I always finish with Bee Natural RTC.  Then I may apply Tan Kote for the luster.

[Bolt Vanderhuge]

I tried edge coat for a bit then went back to dye. It is easy to work with and as you show, the results can be very nice. But what I did not like was that when I went to apply my finish the edge coat would soften back up and sometimes endup on the front or back of the holsters. When I was trying dip finish the bucket of finish would have black swirls on the top of the liquid right after pulling the holster out.