Leather finishes

[abn]

All good points, Kate. Thanks for adding your comments.

[joel_in_bhm]

I just started experimenting with Fiebing's Leather Balm with Atom Wax. So far, I love the results.

Anyone have any information good or bad about this product?

I dont know exactly what it does, but it says that its a finish albiet not waterproof.

I dont want to make something and finish it with Leather Balm with Atom Wax and turn and inferior peice over to someone.

thanks....

[stelmackr]

Neutral Shoe polish

[abn]

I just started experimenting with Fiebing's Leather Balm with Atom Wax. So far, I love the results.

Anyone have any information good or bad about this product?

I dont know exactly what it does, but it says that its a finish albiet not waterproof.

I dont want to make something and finish it with Leather Balm with Atom Wax and turn and inferior peice over to someone.

thanks....

Joel,

I've used Leather Balm w/ Atom Wax and I think it's one of the nicest finishes available. It produces a really nice, soft satin shine that's water resistant (but not waterproof).

I switched over to Satin Shene (an acrylic product) early on because I was tooling leather and found that Leather Balm w/ Atom Wax loaded the designs with gunk. Satin Shene works well with smooth leathers and those that have been tooled or carved. (But don't let that deter you -- if you're getting good results with Leather Balm, stick with it. It's a great product.)

Now, to your question about waterproofing. I think all the finishes mentioned in this poll have about the same level of water resistance, but none are waterproof. I've heard that Montana Pitch Blend is about the best product out there for waterproofing leather. I seem to recall a fellow on another forum talking about how he used this product on the boots he wore as a lumberjack in the Pacific Northwest, and how he always had dry feet. But frankly, I think that may be overkill for your regular old leather product, like a wallet or wristband.

I think I've exhausted about all I know on the above two products. Anyone else able to chime in?

-Alex

[joel_in_bhm]

Thanks....

I was worried because I read something that said it was not a true finish.

But, with what you said and people using just neutral wax, I think I will try Balm and some neutral wax.

[Johanna]

I like Leather Balm with Atom Wax, but if you're not really careful, it will gunk up carved pieces. It is not the ideal finish for things that will be expected to get wet. It is water resistant, not water proof. You cannot beat black Leather Balm with Atom Wax if you do biker gear restoration and cleaning. You apply it, and then buff it until your elbow cramps, and it will make the leather look brand new, without staining any of the hardware. I never had a biker complain about it running in the rain (probably because of the heavy drum dyed leather most commercial saddlebags are made out of) and I've never had a problem with the finish cracking or leeching on belts and other personal items intended to flex. I do think it allows Neatsfoot and other preservative oils to penetrate better over time, and some leather is more thirsty than others. I don't finish things with plain Lexol after I've used any antique, ever, because it will likely bleed. Lexol (or I personally like Dr. Jackson's Hide Rejuvenator) can be used for natural leathers that aren't going to be exposed to weather, but without a sealant coat, the piece will be succeptible to water damage, whether it's spotting or extra markings. Neutral shoe polish is another good "water resister", but not a substitute for a sealant finish over antiqued and, sometimes, spirit or oil dyed leather. For carved leather that isn't expected to flex much, spray Neat Lac is quick, easy and pretty, and effective, just make sure you have good ventilation and that you don't spray "runs" into your work. Mist it evenly in light coats, because two applications is better than one sloppy one.

Johanna

[abn]

Leather Balm with Atom Wax... is not the ideal finish for things that will be expected to get wet.

I think Johanna's right about the above point. After I claimed that Leather Balm was water resistant, I went out to Fiebing's web site to verify and found the following product text:

"Leather Balm With Atom Wax is a specially formulated liquid wax finish for coloring, softening and polishing articles of smooth leather. Can be buffed to a rich, soft, velvety lustre. Leather Balm with Atom Wax is not a water resistant top finish." (http://www.fiebing.com/product.asp?typeID=8)

Interestingly, Fiebing's only applies the "water resistant" tagline to its acrylic-based products.

[abn]

We now have over 500 members and only a handful have weighed in on their favorite finish... If you have a preference, please vote! And for anyone who has a "special formula," please consider sharing it here for the benefit of those who maybe haven't tried it yet!

Thanks! -Alex

[Art]

Hi abn,

My favorite finish is Pecard's. My second is Bag Kote.

Art

I've used a number of different leather finishes, but would be curious to know which one is the darling of this forum's readers.

Your vote (and any additional comments) would be appreciated!

-Alex

[Patrice]

I never tried neutral shoe polish, but i'm planning to use it in a near future.

For my LARP gear (bracers, belts, armors pieces) I carve them, apply 2 coats of neat's foot oil, let them dry between each coat, then apply 2 coats of Leather balm with atom wax, let them dry, and finally, applied a coat of acrylic resolene. It give me a great resitant finish!

I must say that larp gear is expose to rain most of the time including combat and action in water

I always advice people that even if the leather is coated with wax and acrylic finish, if they jump in water, i cannot garantied that the leather will be waterproof

I would like to know what should i use to waterproof my products?

Edited January 30, 2007 by Patrice