gum tragacanth

[abn]

I've never ordered from Leather Unlimited, but I'm not sure I'd blame them over the quality of belly leather. Belly leather is the lowest-quality piece on the hide. It's stretchy, inconsistent, and weak.

Yeah, I'd agree with that. Belly from anyone is going to be about the same. Works great for testing out dyes or testing stamps or carving techniques, but I wouldn't use it for final projects.

-Alex

[esantoro]

I tend to agree with Luke, get a better piece of hide to work with it will save you time and effort and be more profitable in the long run. If I get a shaggy piece like that, I use Super Shene and a slicker to smooth it out. Works like a charm.

I need to make myself and friends some belts. I'm not interested in dyeing the leather, just oiling it and applying some kind of protective sealer. For my briefcases I only condition, oil, and waterproof.

What are some of the protective sealers I should use? Super Shene, Neat Lac?

Ed

[Michael Sheldon]

I don't usually use sealers unless I've painted the surface. Especially with strap-goods, where the constant flexing tends to leave visible crazing of the finish.

My favorite finish is Fiebings carnuba wax. It comes in a liquid, and you apply it much like car wax. Wipe it on gently leaving a visible film, them polish it off after it dries.

[CitizenKate]

Or try spraying on a wax finish and burnishing. Wax finishes are great burnishing agents. For flesh side burnishing, I made a burnisher from a piece of scrap MDF with a piece of veg-tan wrapped around the edge and cemented.

Kate