inside of belt

[TomE]

So I've started making bridles out of single layer straps (9-10 oz) with the flesh side exposed.  Feedback from folks who make a living showing horses is that its important for the backside to be smooth and easy to clean.  Oiling and conditioning with a wax based balm didn't seem like quite enough, even for HO bridle leather with a pasted moss-back.  I read old threads on this forum about various concoctions, mostly stuff used for burnishing edges, to smooth the flesh side.  Then I found this water-based, flexible adhesive made by Fenice for creating a moss-back.  So far, I'm pretty happy with it but don't know how it wears with use.  I dilute it 50:50 with water, apply with a wool dauber, and use a glass slicker to work it into the fibers on the flesh side.  After 30 min, I apply a second light coat and wipe it smooth.  The pasted surface is smooth and not tacky.  It doesn't wrinkle when bent, which is different from the pasted back on HO bridle leather.  I think the adhesive penetrates several millimeters into the leather.  Probably can control this with how much is applied in the first coat.  Seems like an improvement over other methods I've tried. 

[Outfitr]

Dye then tokonole with glass slicker. Unfortunately I pretty much use a liner all the time which costs me about 4 hours of stitching on a belt but there's nothing like the look of nice hand stitching on a project.

[TomE]

On 3/10/2022 at 11:25 AM, Outfitr said:

Dye then tokonole with glass slicker. Unfortunately I pretty much use a liner all the time which costs me about 4 hours of stitching on a belt but there's nothing like the look of nice hand stitching on a project.

Agree that a liner is ideal. The bridle head piece, front, and nose band have padded liners. I am slicking the backs of the cheek pieces and throat latch. Have tried slicking with gum trag but think the penetration of the Fenice adhesive may improve wear. Still experimenting.