DIY Filler for Edges?

[BDAZ]

Most of my production items are glued, stitched and then wet formed with dozens of different forms. I make a number standardized products customized with the particular form required. Sometimes there is a very tight fit and the edges tend to separate slightly. I generally  don't use an edger, just edgepaint and burnish but it hasn't been a critical part of the process. I would like to improve the quality of the edges , especially where there is a small separation along the edge. I would prefer to have some type of filler  I can apply and then use a single coat of edge paint rather then multiple coats.

After researching I have seen a few possibilities but I am wondering if anyone has a personal favorite that would work as a filler, sand, burnish and then take Edgecote.

Thanks!

Bob

[immiketoo]

Pics would help diagnose what you're trying to achieve, but generally I try to avoid all gaps in edges that are glued before I start my edge finishing process.  If there is a gap, edge paint generally covers what I need it to with a little work.  If I really needed to, I may make a custom plug out of veg tan and fill the gap that way but that is fixing a problem that shouldn't exist.

[BDAZ]

What happens is that the glue may separate at the edge during the wet forming process due to the stress on the leather from the form. The result is essentially a thin crack that is to wide in places, to be filled by single application of edge paint.

Edge paint is one of those operations that has the potential to ruin a piece, and when I am rushing to complete a batch order, the fewer potential disaster steps, the better. A non drip paste which will not stain and is easily applied would be ideal.

Bob

[immiketoo]

Hmmm...I never use edge paint as a single application, so I don't know.  Maybe leather dust and glue?  What are you making?  And, I hate to ask, but are you hammering your seams?  You are pretty accomplished, so I assume you are, but trying to help find a solution...

 

 

[BDAZ]

This is production work so I am not looking for perfection, just good quality. I don't want to bill my time at $5 an hour heh heh. I am making cases for flutes. I cut top and bottom pieces from Wickett & Craig drum dyed veg tan, decorate then dry, tape my seams (faster than glue and no chance of smearing, etc), trim the edges straight and even if needed, then stitch. Next I wet the leather and insert specific forms and wet form. If the form is very tight, it will put stress on the edges and may cause the very edge to separate slightly as it dries. In typical AZ sun, a couple of hours later I have a rock hard case ready for edging and final finishing. (It rained today, first time this year!).

Sometimes the edge dressing fills the cracks and sometimes not. It would be simpler to have the right compound, fill in the cracks and then when dry, throw it on the belt sander, burnish with home made Trag, paint and ship it!

Bob

[immiketoo]

May sound silly but what about corn meal and super glue?  Or something similar?

[BDAZ]

To messy and risky. I'm heading for Home Depot and The Wood Store to look for something that may work. Good news that all my edges are black

[LetterT]

I know Giardini makes something they call Basecoat. They have 2 versions Semi-Dense and Dense, the purpose to provide better adhesion and fill in the empty space on the surface. I am afraid I can not say anything more, have not personally tried it but you can take a look at their site here:

https://www.leatheredgepaint.com/leather-edge-basecoat

 

Edited June 17, 2018 by LetterT

[BDAZ]

1 hour ago, LetterT said:

I know Giardini makes something they call Basecoat. They have 2 versions Semi-Dense and Dense, the purpose to provide better adhesion and fill in the empty space on the surface. I am afraid I can not say anything more, have not personally tried it but you can take a look at their site here:

https://www.leatheredgepaint.com/leather-edge-basecoat

 

Thanks! Checked out the video and ordered their sample kit. Looks promising, though more of an over coat and less of a filler. It will require two edge paints which I am trying to avoid.

I am in the processing and acrylic caulk, which looks promising and plastic wood which looks less so.I will post some pics once finished.

Bob

[garypl]

I just received the Giardini base coat product and it does fill small gaps nicely.  I posted a photo about one week ago of one coat on a raw edge showing the difference between treated and untreated.

Gary

Edited June 17, 2018 by garypl