How to burnish a leather edge (for a clean, professional result)

[@AnneloesF]

I followed your instructions of the water & beeswax method on a journal cover I had bought cheaply, that had unfinished edges. Your method worked like a charm. (I carefully beveled the edges with a pocketknife, which is sacrilegious, but it worked. And I used a wooden spoon as a beveler, which also wasn’t ideal, but worked too.) The journal cover has no more sharp edges, but now feels like a premium piece of craftsmanship. The edges are dark, smooth and shiny now. Thank you!

[@adrianfirewalker4183]

I've been making leather goods (mostly holsters) for about 20 years. Edges were the hardest part to get right. I'm glad you are showing people how to do it

[@aprilboyd328]

Really am learning a lot Parker. I’m 70 yrs old lady and just starting this process of leather crafting. I may have lots of question when I get stumped. Lol Hoping to purchase the Cowboy 3200 thanks to your great review. I hope they are scratching your back ( with cool products or sponsorship ) 🤭

[@simplyrise5217]

April B You're inspiring 👌👌👌

[@darielldaniell8679]

W.)

[@IMOO1896]

In all the tutorials I’ve watch no one except you has told the REASON to use the beveler, you did! Way to go, and thanks so much!

[@stitchdexholsters8283]

Hey Parker, Ive been doing this awhile, but I still like to see how others get the job done. I know this video was made back in 2017 so you may have figured this out by now but, if you will use distilled water on you edge it will reduce the chance of staining. It's my opinion that the minerals in normal water cause some of the discoloration. Nice work keep it up and congratulations on the Tandy gig!!

[@diamondxoxoxo]

Thanks a ton! Soo helpful. Will be doing a collection of bags for my BA fashion degree and I’ve got a few books and they mentioned a few items. I was totally confused on what they were for and if they were necessary. Your video have helped me understand and see their importance. Will be stocking up. Thanks again xxx

[@MountainFisher]

I found Elmer's glue watered down 4 parts water to one does a great job, finish with beeswax. Does hairy spots on the flesh side too, paste them nice and flat.

[@scottmangiapane]

Hey I just finished my first leather project and I wanted to thank you for all these videos, they've been a tremendous help. Keep it up!

[@BabySquirrelBeading]

Thank you for explaining this process and why. I just purchased purchased some quality leather and don't want to mess it up. I am having a hard time getting a clean edge from my edge beveller. My perfectly straight cuts are looking janky 😢 Big thanks from Nova Scotia 🤓

[@SniperWarrior18]

Gracias por los consejos eso me ayuda mucho a mejorar mi trabajo y el tiempo para hacerlos,

[@waytograce]

Thanks Parker, didn't know there was a Dremel slicker bit. Kool!

[@jamesjimmeyer7775]

Great video Parker. Ran into a little burnishing issue with my Tandy Pro Burnisher and this helped solve it. Thanks!!!

[@matthewmarting3623]

I came into this not expecting much, but that was absurdly helpful. I especially appreciate you explaining the rationale behind slicking (fiber matting etc).

[@whitandpark]

So glad to hear that, Thanks Matthew!

[@jalehz1228]

​@@whitandpark hi park, your video are greit. I need a hellp. Can you tell me, is it painting only way to do edges on chrome tan leather, and if it is. I see some people use lot of tehnics, some of them is to use heat on paint, after that burnish and again use heat... That proces they to 3-4 times, at the and they use beeswax? What are you think is that good way ? Tnx a lot for shae knowledg..

[@TheThreekeys]

“JANKY”! Totally sending this video to my friends to prove that this IS an adjective-most likely used by SKILLED and CREATIVE folks! 😃😃 (Good video!)

[@sethdecker5282]

Hey, big fan. I really appreciate your videos. They're very good, informative and easy to follow.

[@adearmas2003]

Good info. I just received a holster with edges not burnished from some other manufacturer. It was a dissapointment.

[@luckysakonta3724]

Thank you Bro, mch appreciated. South Africa🇿🇦

[@ryanmcewen415]

So. For anyone who uses water burnishing and you're worried about water stains. Switch to distilled water. It doesnt leave mineral stains behind on the leather when it dries.

[@TwinklingMysticShot]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge, I really appreciate it!

[@marshall1265]

thank you so much with the using bees wax , it really made my edges look sooo much better and smoother.

[@flakron8798]

Позитивный мужик! Ни слова не понимаю по английски, но все равно смотрю с удовольствием - даже без русской озвучки можно много интересного узнать. Удачи тебе, друг!

[@cheaneysaddles]

Nice to know about that Tandy edge paint and tool for applying.

[@luizdca]

Could you make one showing the finishing in chrome leather ? Thank you. I'm from Brazil and just get started making my own leather projects.

[@sahar.crafts]

thank you for this tutorial! Can the saddle soap be replaced with something else? if so, what? or be removed from the process? Thanks

[@HarryStoneDotCom]

Tremendous video, thank you!

[@LanviLauri]

Wow! Thank you so much for showing different ways how to treat an edge! I don't know what I've been doing wrong but I haven't found a single video tutorial as good as this one about edge finishing before! Keep up the great work!

[@oodlesmallow8150]

New at the craft! Appreciate the video!!!!

[@grae7081]

From a foam store you can get denser foam that will not rap around the edge as much

[@TheLupulalb]

That Italian paint is a paint from Fenice, I use it and it is very good

[@canadianrockiesbushcraftal5182]

I personally like burnishing with an antler tine.. works really well.

[@charliebrown4593]

MERCI pour ces explications de la méthode traditionnelles de burnishing.

[@dragondee2nut2]

You're Godsent, brother! Thank you kindly for thoroughly covering all vital points and the detailed explanations are sooo sooo important--noob leathercrafters need to hang on to each and every single word like their lives depend on it. I hate how my edges keep becoming prickly only minutes after burnishing with cocobolo and tragacanth AND with acrylic edge paint. . . QUESTION: what should I do about the backsides of my pieces that have become almost like carpets? Would tragcanth and burnishing work? Maybe with water instead? Any help would be extremely appreciated. Thank you--and God Bless the hell outta you, brother!

[@hernandezz4912]

anyone know what size edge beveler he's using at 2:23

[@kelsimadd]

Did you get an answer to this? The link just goes to the Tandy site, not to the specific product.

[@ginoalexanderquispesalazar748]

Hola soy de PERU y me parece extraordinario los trabajas que realizas yo quiero poner un negocio de trabajos en cueros soy diseñados que me recomiendas para en pesar un negocio desearía tus consejos saludos

[@Seasickpanda]

Is it possible to burnish without putting the wax on at the end?

[@michaelshults7675]

Could one use very fine (2000 grit). sandpaper?

[@crypto_pinto2660]

Burnishing 8 oz leather is easy try burnishing 2 oz leather. That's where I'm having issues. Do I bevel the edges of 2 oz leather or do I leave it alone and just burnish it?

[@eagleviewhd]

Do you dye the leather first before burnishing it? Seems like using the wax on the edge would prevent the edges from dying correctly if you burnished before dying.

[@craftywanderings7122]

Great info here, thanks. Binge watching all your vids right now. Found you from your most recent video "5 things...to start selling". SUBSCRIBED! Thank you for your time, talent, and willingness to share your processes. CW

[@billba]

How do I prevent the dye coming off on pants?

[@duxallinarow]

That's exactly what I needed to know. Thank you.

[@Psa_200]

Nice tutorial

[@XX-mw1lz]

hello, do you think that the wood tool also works well for burning the corners of calfskin or just leather? thank you

[@Kirankarnati0007]

Could you please share the details of the burnishing machine you have on the side ? Not the Dremel... we are interested on it , if you could show a video using it ... thanks a bunch

[@rdanpauley1992]

Where do I get one of the wood burnishing attachment for my dremel tool?

[@S.Womack346]

What is the edging tool called. The thing that looks like a mascara brush?

[@nephisanchez8818]

Excellent!

[@DebbiePike77]

I have a dremel but what is the part called?

[@Roper121]

Nice work

[@nestanmamulashvili3207]

Hello. Wipe it with water and then wax? What is the third liquid?

[@ricosuave4275]

What if you want to dye the leather? Will the beeswax edge prevent the dye from sticking?

[@jrodriguez1374]

I'm not the OP, but yes, the beeswax will prevent the dye from sticking. You want to dye it before you burnish

[@cadillacescalade1]

nice video - pls. what kind of thread do you recommend/? nylon or polyester

[@stefanfourie8919]

Nice Video. I am making navy leather menus for a friend. What technique will work,making 60 menus.Leather not as thick as leather in video.

[@simplyrise5217]

0:56 What's that attachment product code on the dremel? I'm enquiring from New Zealand 😁 thanks in-advance bro.

[@katyafransheskahernandezsi6519]

I don't think Dremel makes those. They are usually third party, so you have to be careful which one you get, or they could ruin your Dremel tool. That said, they usually can be bought through ebay or Amazon.

[@RonMack07]

thank you for the tips, I'm just getting into leather working

[@mrkeggjr]

Awesome information thank you for the great vids!

[@mewmew8909]

When you use edge paint, are you supposed to burnish that? Like before or after using the edge paint?

[@donkeywhistler]

before: so burnish smooth, edge paint seals like a clear nail polish.

[@gabrielboyd941]

Does dyed veg tan get burnished?

[@daniellebaker5250]

I do very small projects, like 4.5 inches tall tooled ponies. Its 2 tooled sides cemented together, but the edges are always lumpy. Thick leather so it stands by itself. What to use for many crevices like the jaw and belly?

[@Qaiserooo]

Please comment on burnishing edges of chrome leather

[@doriankoelmans8287]

if you were to dye you veg tan leather. which step would you do first, dying or burnishing the leather? thanks!

[@petrino]

what about complex edges? like a stamped maple leaf?

[@LL-lh4tm]

Great instructional video! What size edge beveler did you use?

[@alec1575]

Thanks man, I’ll put this to use on my axe sheath.👍

[@mattivirta]

i vjust think learn leather work ,i have buy cocobolo and have 30W motor this, but i no found anywere trafalgant or saddle soap in thailand, can i use only water and beeswax at edge ? i made own 3D printed leather titching clamp, and add thingiwerse this files can printing out own clamp. i has cutting out template woman bag but all stay my worktable longtime i think no can burnish leather edege because i no have saddle soap,trafalgant etc edge paint. need burnish next all parts but no sure how make.

[@gitumapius4206]

kindly in our kenya in AFRICA we do have that bunching technology AND LEATHER AT large ..can supply me with it

[@cpickell1987]

Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@glomdi]

does this work for chrome leather?

[@helgamal]

Ты красавчик! Спасибо за информацию и лайк конечно!

[@rogerd.hardin7156]

What type of wood in your opinion makes for a better burnisher?

[@amkii2]

Where did you get the slicker that fits on your dremel? What a great tool! Thanks for the super helpful video!!

[@alec1575]

Amkii2 you can buy them on amazon or you can make your own easily, here is a KZbin video that shows you how to make one kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3uVnmRprpyNjNU I hope this helped even tho it was 3 months after you commented.

[@RavenWindrunner]

I've been trying my hand at making leather watch straps. I'll cut to the right width, but then when I hand burnish the leather the width changes, getting smaller. How would I avoid this? The leather is often only 2.5-3mm (6-7oz) thick and often also bends easily as I try and apply pressure. I've been beveling and then finishing with water, and beeswax.

[@wedgetailleather]

Nice one, those water stains on natural leather have ruined a piece or two in my workshop for sure! For things like bridal leather or Latigo, water doesn't absorb real well for slicking because of the wax in the hide. For that, I like using tallow fat in a piece of canvas or denim to slick down the fuzzie bits (warmed gently with a lighter first). Then give it a shine with beeswax using either a wood slicker or a piece of denim.

[@whitandpark]

That's smart! We'll try that out

[@chrisz.9974]

Should I burnish if I'm doing a box stitch?

[@synwannleathercraft8506]

How can I make saddle soup

[@patriciamiller6883]

Would you use this burnishing method for 2 layers of leather glued together for a strap? The edges are real light and the leather is a medium tan. I'm new to this and I am not sure if I need to do anything with those edges. Thanks for the great videos you produce. I've learned a lot so far.

[@AtmosAMB]

Hello. Nice work. If I use solid saddle soap is it the same?

[@Isaki-qp6io]

Thanks for the video. I hava a question. Is there any way to burnish the edge without rounding the corners ? Some tome i see in a store that sell leather belt their edge are not rounded t like the way we do, and i kind like it. I've been trying to burnish without using edge beveler but it just dosen't work well. I wish you could know some tecnic to make a square finished edge.

[@NemoVir]

Concerning the Dremel, do you use the low or high speed?

[@philipgoetz8681]

I have some thin split leather where the underside is so fuzzy it looks like fur. I can't bevel it because the individual hairs of leather just bend under the beveller, and if it cuts anything, it pulls more hairs free from the leather, so the edge looks just the same after being bevelled. Burnishing does nothing, because, again, it rips out new hairs from the leather faster than it can push them down. Also the leather is too thin; it buckles when I try to burnish it, and I end up scratching off the existing topside finish with the burnisher. Any suggestions how to work this leather?

[@rreyesleather]

Maybe your leather is chrome tanned leather, not veg tan leather?

[@Cesar_III]

And for the rest of the leather, what kind of finish, paint, color, bright do you use?

[@onTOPtheROCK]

Any suggestions for burnishing non veg tan leathers?

[@tahirgarayev6224]

Does this method fit also to chrome tanned leather?

[@drengskap]

Thanks for the tips, and also for introducing me to the word 'janky' - I've never heard that before ;-)

[@whitandpark]

haha use it wisely;)

[@sandrakealy446]

Hey Parker! What brand Cylinder sewing machine is that in the background? Do you love it and is it worth the money to buy on? What is the purpose of it?

[@durrwooddude]

I love your videos, they have helped me learn this new craft!

[@andneomatmj23]

Dan you update tools from description, because some items are not available? :)

[@richardgorton2498]

Where does one find the burnisher for the dremel tool?

[@igotinspired8499]

Спасибо

[@strawsofftheneurodivergent4221]

Great tutorial, thank you!!

[@mohadhassan5458]

What about 10 mom thick edges , How to collr them , make them look neat ....

[@synwannleathercraft8506]

What if i want to see the adges same natural

[@vincentgalura7697]

Thank you Im learning keep it going

[@rishu590]

what we call that roller one?

[@woodsmansfinest3814]

Awesome videos!

[@whitandpark]

Thank you!!

[@Tsam291093]

Thank for sharing

[@deepdiver849]

Hi there Thank you for this fantastic video! I had a few urgent questions. Will a mini 12 watt drill be sufficient for burnishing small projects such as wallet and leather jewelry / accessories? I was told a 12 watt mini drill with 16000 rpm is too weak, and was recommended the 135 watt mini drill.I don't see why a 12 watt won't work for burnishing small leather projects. Mind you I don't live in the states, so I may not have access to some products. Also what can I substitute saddle soap for? Thanks a million again for the great tips

[@whitandpark]

Human Tales I would think so, it’s worth a shot! You can sub out the saddle soap for gum tragacanth. Or other slicking compounds. I know there are a few out there but I’m really only familiar with saddle soap and gum trag.

[@Arch1301]

Where to buy that drill ?

[@bfsur]

which drill do you use?

[@filipinalifeinamericarosel2857]

Cool, new tips