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

[@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 🤓

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!)

[@jamesjimmeyer7775]

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

[@waytograce]

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

[@sethdecker5282]

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

[@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.

[@adearmas2003]

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

[@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

[@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..

[@SniperWarrior18]

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

[@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!

[@luckysakonta3724]

Thank you Bro, mch appreciated. South Africa🇿🇦

[@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

[@marshall1265]

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

[@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!

[@cheaneysaddles]

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

[@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!

[@charliebrown4593]

MERCI pour ces explications de la méthode traditionnelles de burnishing.

[@TwinklingMysticShot]

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

[@oodlesmallow8150]

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

[@TheLupulalb]

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

[@HarryStoneDotCom]

Tremendous video, thank you!

[@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.

[@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.

[@LL-lh4tm]

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

[@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?

[@grae7081]

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

[@canadianrockiesbushcraftal5182]

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

[@duxallinarow]

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

[@cadillacescalade1]

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

[@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

[@helgamal]

Ты красавчик! Спасибо за информацию и лайк конечно!

[@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.

[@michaelshults7675]

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

[@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

[@Seasickpanda]

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

[@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

[@RonMack07]

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

[@AtmosAMB]

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

[@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.

[@nephisanchez8818]

Excellent!

[@Roper121]

Nice work

[@mrkeggjr]

Awesome information thank you for the great vids!

[@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

[@gitumapius4206]

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

[@S.Womack346]

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

[@Qaiserooo]

Please comment on burnishing edges of chrome leather

[@cpickell1987]

Fantastic video! Thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@alec1575]

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

[@rdanpauley1992]

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

[@billba]

How do I prevent the dye coming off on pants?

[@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?

[@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?

[@doriankoelmans8287]

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

[@nestanmamulashvili3207]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@strawsofftheneurodivergent4221]

Great tutorial, thank you!!

[@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.

[@rogerd.hardin7156]

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

[@igotinspired8499]

Спасибо

[@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.

[@andneomatmj23]

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

[@NemoVir]

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

[@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.

[@chrisz.9974]

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

[@petrino]

what about complex edges? like a stamped maple leaf?

[@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;)

[@LaLaLaReina]

To focus the camera better, cover the item's back with your hand so more of the screen is near and the camera can switch focus. I didn't see any part of your finished edge lol but regardless, it was a nice tutorial, very informative. Thanks!

[@whitandpark]

Thanks for the tips!

[@DebbiePike77]

I have a dremel but what is the part called?

[@Cesar_III]

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

[@caveman2261]

I love your info on Wickett and Craig thanks! Can you burnish oil tanned, bridle leather,chromexel, latigo just like you do veg tan? Thanks for your help!

[@Smajtastic]

Some yes some no. In short, no, yes(Bridle is really jsut finished veg tan), sort of but doesn't finish as nicely as normal veg tan, Depends how far is from chrome tanned but with all the latigo I've come across yes you can.

[@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.

[@mohadhassan5458]

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

[@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.

[@gabrielboyd941]

Does dyed veg tan get burnished?

[@vincentgalura7697]

Thank you Im learning keep it going

[@filipinalifeinamericarosel2857]

Cool, new tips

[@onTOPtheROCK]

Any suggestions for burnishing non veg tan leathers?

[@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?

[@tahirgarayev6224]

Does this method fit also to chrome tanned leather?

[@glomdi]

does this work for chrome leather?

[@lucastaberna55]

thank you

[@synwannleathercraft8506]

How can I make saddle soup

[@miltonjasso5843]

thanks alot !! GREAT information

[@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.

[@synwannleathercraft8506]

What if i want to see the adges same natural

[@DeanO]

Keep the video's coming

[@whitandpark]

Will do! Thanks for the encouragement Dean

[@tonyherrera1916]

Dean O ,,'. .,,. , ., ., ,, . ., ..

[@christinapreston9750]

What brand/model sewing machine is that? Are you using a walking foot?