metallic finish

[candyleather]

Which is the better way for to get a metallic finished (old bronze, gold) after dye the veg-tanned leather? Thanks.

[CitizenKate]

I usually use metallic acrylic paint over the dye. You can antique and finish over it. I've also used a wax-based metallic product called "Rub & Buff", and gotten nice results from that. It comes in a slightly wider variety of metallic colors than the acrylic.

Kate

[Chitin]

If it's a carving, you can actually leaf leather. Use Satin Shene a little bit thicker than you would normally, then size and leaf like you would anywhere else, and seal again. It's a pretty neat effect, I use it a lot.

[Pip]

If it's a carving, you can actually leaf leather. Use Satin Shene a little bit thicker than you would normally, then size and leaf like you would anywhere else, and seal again. It's a pretty neat effect, I use it a lot.

I have used metallic acryllic inks, which work well, I apply before dying then antique wax over to give contrast to the design as some contrast is lost by the reflective properties of the inks, it works well. I am in the process of trying to get gold leave to adhere/stay, I have never used satin shene thanks for the suggestion.

Edited September 1, 2007 by Pip

[ClayB]

I am in the process of trying to get gold leave to adhere/stay, I have never used satin shene thanks for the suggestion.

Funny, I just happened to come across a site that gave detailed instructions on using gold leaf on leather yesterday. You can check it out here.

http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/Leather/Gilded.htm

[Beaverslayer]

Thats a very good tutorial Clay, thanks for finding and posting it.

Ken

[candyleather]

Thanks for your answers! I were referring to a metallic finised like these.

[CitizenKate]

That looks kind of iridescent.

Kate

[Pip]

Funny, I just happened to come across a site that gave detailed instructions on using gold leaf on leather yesterday. You can check it out here.

http://www.alleycatscratch.com/lotr/Leather/Gilded.htm

Thanks ClayB, just what the doctor ordered.

[Pip]

I get this effect from inks, overlayed with antiquing wax....... I know the design is very cartoon like and simple, but was for girl nextdoor whose camellian (mm thats not right) chameleon (still not) just died. The overall design is uv reflective due to nature of the inks I use, has interesting effects under blacklight.