The Secret to PERFECT Painted Leather Edges

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The Secret to PERFECT Painted Leather Edges
Painting leather edges is one of the more skillful tasks in leathercraft, and takes a bit of practice to do with an awl. However, getting a mirror finish on your leather edges isn't very hard once you get the edge painting down! In this tutorial we show you how to get mirror-like edge paint finish on any leather project using just one simple household item, and we also show you how to paint leather edges without any heat paddles or open flame. Happy leather crafting!
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[@bruxxcam2618]

Hey hey awesome video! I would like to add one thing that i learned from experience as a professional bag maker and designer for a big brand here in europe: don't use a heat gun or a fan. It can bow the paint over the leather or make a paint bulge or bubble and mess your project up- use a heat source that doesn't blow air. It is important that the heat doesnt go over 70°C so the paint wont overcook. U can even use your kitchen oven. It will allow the paint to go a bit deeper in the leather and give better results. My company uses a conveyor belt heater on 70°C and the process lasts for 3 to 4 mins. All the best!

[@JOHAN_PERJUS]

Thank you so much for sharing that info!

[@Joao.MC33]

Yeah, I was thinking the same. I usually use a soldering iron at a "low" temperatute.

[@steamgadget]

Over a year and a half ago I purchased some edge paints, green, red, and blue. I was so excited to try them out and after several attempts... they found themselves in the "box of shame". Now I am as excited to get them out as the first day I got them in the mail... Thank you.

[@heresyseed]

I watch a LOT of leather how to’s ,and like most of this community, am a fan of all the familiar brands but I just wanted to say thank you for sharing your insights and experience! You said something about getting into leather initially because you like solving problems with leather solutions… I completely identify with that, that’s my story too! I wish the very best for your continued journey!

[@marren12345]

If you're trying to save a few bucks, this edge paint is just acrylic paint. I looked up the MSDS (which confirmed it was some sort of acrylic based paint), but the cincher was using 91% isopropyl alcohol to 'soften' the sanded polymer - they aren't going to invent a new paint medium just for leather, and the only common medium that is alcohol sensitive is acrylic (btw, denatured alcohol is cheaper, more effective, and frequently easier to find than 91% IPA). You might have to add water and/or acrylic medium to whatever paint you're using to exactly replicate it, they aren't formulated for this use, but there's nothing magic about the leather-specific paint. It's just acrylic.

[@pequodexpress]

Thank you for this insight. By any chance, have you looked up the MSDS for Uniters?

[@steamgadget]

HA! That's. some great info. I'm into the whole msds secret eleven herbs and spices stuff. I think they might be using an acrylic medium meant for high flexibility such as something used in screen printing ink. Easy to find if you know where to look. I'm gonna have to look into this myself, thanks for posting this. You rock.

[@grimtt]

Yeah, i’m not a fan of fiebings edge kote because it’s so plasticky…

[@andrewlong5419]

If you look at leather paint, most say acrylic paint right on the bottle. No need to go super sleuth...

[@jaimefuentesv7369]

@@steamgadget estoy de acuerdo las pinturas acrilicas o para ceramica No de horno, son sumamente flexibles y las de serigrafía igual además de adherirse a casi todo

[@invictusbp1prop143]

Great info! I’ve found that if I have a big gap between the layers of leather in some spots, I’ll load up a smaller diameter awl with paint and running parallel with the edge, I just lay the paint in there to fill up that gap and let that dry first, before I do anything else…before even sanding the edge. It won’t always fill it completely, but it’ll save you a coat or two and a good bit of sanding.

[@traceyellison3357]

THANKS FOR SHARING SUCH GREAT INFORMATION, KEEP UP THE EXCELLENT JOB

[@andrettishields388]

Enjoyed how descriptive you went through into getting that shiny painted edges

[@baaska_kolbaaska]

Thank you for alcohol trick. Never seen this before.

[@lcrince]

Another great video! Thanks for the knowledge guys!

[@user-pd4lb2rb2t]

字幕もついてて素晴らしい技術をありがとう😊 自分の技術にするために精進します！！

[@alexscharoff5028]

Great vid,, great explanation like all of yours! I used your ingenious tip with the alcohol several times already and must say it works great! Thanks and greetz from Vienna/Austria.

[@someGuy561]

I like this alcohol trick.I don't know if it will work with the Eco Flo edge paint I use but I'll try it.Thanks for the video!

[@waylandvanzandt1561]

Wow I wish I would have seen this a month ago. I might be remaking my holster.thanks again and God bless.

[@christopherstrickland5675]

Nice! Thank you for sharing.

[@island66]

love your porducts, waiting on my hook

[@michaelwolf8781]

Very good. I gonna try that right away. 👍

[@rinaldyfaustino643]

Im such a fan of your channel. The passion on leather crafts and how you share knowledge. In regards to painting leather. Do you happen to have experience or knowledge on how to achieve a crackled effect? Please share some of your inputs and maybe make a video about this matter. Thank you.

[@chrisjames_official]

Interesting! Thank you

[@WeeGeordie]

Great vid. Thanks!

[@kennethnielsen3864]

Thanks for sharing.

[@bobbymoran1511]

Great Information

[@markb3129]

Great Tip, Thanks!!!!! ✌

[@giraffchen_]

@7:00 "Living on the edge" - well played, sir, well played.

[@twuuwttwu]

I just spent 30 minutes searching for edge painting videos. Nice timing! 👍😁

[@josheyrooney]

Amazing!!!

[@akintomideakintoye8972]

Thank you so much.

[@TheKandiO]

Beautiful

[@ebe-hero7052]

Nice Technique.

[@quadstardesign]

I've been practicing with burnishing the edge to a glass finish, waxing and then using a black magic marker. The results are really good so far. I need to see if the durability is there though.

[@joannahawkins7048]

Hi, I am practicing the same thing on a red Chanel purse. The edges are raw, then finished to a high gloss. Over the years, it has peeled in places. Do you have a technique or products you are willing to share?

[@aaronmelvin461]

Great video, thanks for the lesson. I’m pretty new to working with leather. Are there any books / videos you’ve done or recommend that deals with edging alligator to leather for backing/support? Also, what is the best leather to mate to alligator regarding weight, temper, & tannage? Thanks again!

[@MPtofly]

Oh... The alcohol trick at the end save life! (Literally saving my life time spending on edge finish)

[@V3leathercraft]

Edge Paint or Dyes... Which is the BEST...? THANKS for solving the 'peel off ' PROBLEM (as u always say😜)....🙏🏽

[@nathanarrowsuch5014]

Will this method work with acrylic leather paint ? Like angelus paints ? Love your work guys 👌🤓

[@laven111]

Would you do this before you bunis the edge ?

[@frank7106]

Thanks for the gum-ball Mickey! I usually get my edges really good but I am gonna give this a try. Especially sometimes like you say the leather in between does show like grain, so the multiple steps fills that in, good technique. Thanks again.

[@riccoratzo]

Would black shoe paste work as well for the edges?

[@theyoutubeist5726]

Could I use a hair drier for lower heat?

[@craigh3381]

Where do you obtain the leather cord for your handle making...thank you.

[@filcordo]

salut , comme la plupart de tes vdo celle là est intéressante aussi , seul bémol c'est la vitesse d'élocution !!! moi qui suis avec la traduction Google déjà pas fameuse , là je suis obligé de faire pause très/trop souvent pour pouvoir suivre tes explications !!!!! merci pour tout force et respect

[@audenhealey2643]

You don't apply heat after the final thick coat? And thanks for the video!!

[@_Napoletano_]

Do you know if angelus leather paint work as a substitute?

[@jordanwhite5470]

Can this work on chrome-tanned leather?

[@Jason-ky7qm]

So I may be wrong but doesn’t edge tote provide a glossy edge without all the work?

[@1traphouse]

Edge Kote comes glossy fyi anyone :) I was looking for a product that is actually not so glossy. Like how LV does their edges. But watching this video shows me that a light sand paper will make it matte. Thanks!

[@Viking_Kong]

What is the durability of edge paint? I've stayed away from it because I've heard of issues with it peeling off over time. I've just gotten into the habit or using dye for the edges and then slicking it with Tokonole.

[@Corter]

i'm more of a burnisher myself too, as edge paint will peel off eventually while a burnished edge just needs some gum trag and a cloth from time to time. This stuff seems to be really good but I don't have multiple years use out of it yet! so I can't comment on long term wear

[@StuninRub]

@@Corter Edge paint will not peel off over time if applied correctly, it can crack and deform, but peeling is a sign that the paint was not applied correctly.

[@jaimefuentesv7369]

Cambia el carisimo Tokonele por goma CMC o goma de tragacanto. Estoy de acuerdo contigo ese, material terminará desprendiéndose es marketing para USA, En México no nos tragamos ese cuento.

[@moali4085]

Can you use a hair dryer as a substitute?

[@scottjcraig2]

What perfect timing, I just finished my first wallet. How do you topcoat or treat a tooling veg tan?

[@FablescorpionHandmade]

Olive oil, mink oil, carnauba wax, tan-kite, masters quick shine, leather balm with atom wax by fiebing’s

[@FablescorpionHandmade]

Tan-kote

[@bigfranksworld]

I quite possibly missed it, but you were going to say how your got the edge paint off the face of the leather if it rolls over the beveled edge. Can you tell me, or point me to the spot I may have missed in the video? Thanks.

[@Yesemapu]

Podrías decirme por favor qué clase de lija utilizas?. Gracias

[@jaimefuentesv7369]

Lija de agua 320 y 240 la de carrocería automotriz

[@mattphipps1368]

You mentioned using beeswax, could you use resolene or gum trag as a final layer and lightly burnish?

[@Corter]

Wax kind of fills in any micro pits in the end paint finish, like a car, which is why it works on edge paint. I don't think a liquid would do much and actually gum trag can dissolve some edge paints so be careful!

[@ilkbaharkunduzu1]

The edge bevelers have always V shaped blade. Is there any actual edge beveler that has round shaped ? There are some U shaped ones but they are for carving. What I am looking for a round shape after the cut. Many bevelers cut like 45 degree. Can you give me a brand name and a model?

[@gigidept]

Gonna try this on Giardini - any idea if it works w that brand?

[@laurabell4372]

Hi. Did you end up trying this with Giardini edge paint? Did it work? I use Giardini too and find it hard to get a smooth finish because it is quite a thick paint

[@pyazzie1]

Can you use this technique on Chrome tan leather

[@mikedegrazia]

You cant burnish chrome tan, only edge paint works..

[@user-mq4qk2ry8l]

How did you know I am waiting on the delivery of some edge paint and a roller!

[@folashade2472]

Pls what’s the name for an edge paint pls

[@cdgarcia]

Nice pun… “living on the edge” 😏😏

[@seetv61]

Sir! If you dry more with blower and leave it for few moments to be dry thoroughly, the leather edge would need less reputations of paint. Being an painting artist I can guess.

[@bbrachman]

As I was learning leathercraft, my mentor (on video) use a Tokonole burnish, Fiebings Edge paint and beeswax technique to get 'glass'. Easier. No sanding (except before the Tokonole). I have been doing it 'his' way ever since. This technique is fine but a lot of work. Thanks Eric! (and Kaleena?)

[@Corter]

interesting! any time I've ever burnished under the paint, the piece has come back within a year with the corner peeling! this way hasn't seen any peeling at all for me, I wish it was that easy!

[@bbrachman]

@@Corter Eric. That is probably why you do your burnishing this way. My work is a hobby at best. I do give away some stuff. So the things I make are never under as much use or abuse as your finished pieces. I should do a test piece and just keep in in my pocket to see what happens. Happy holidays!

[@maynardconde.2954]

Hi! What's the number of the sanding paper, Sir, please?

[@ThisIsChrisWebb]

320 grit

[@mikedegrazia]

And 600 on the last pass...

[@avashnazari3131]

Thank you

[@ionutdutu6558]

Just imagine doing that on a belt!!! OMG that would take 3 weeks 🤣

[@legendarycustomleathers8387]

As somone that owns a company and uses alcohol burning for edges... I feel this way will be my new goto... Thank you for this

[@andreatthatsme]

Holly smoke Batman... 😯😲😳😳😳😱 Thank you 😊 I seriously didn't know this trick. Oh and "E", do you have a link to the - nylon tape - you said Weaver has? I tried searching for it but nothing pops up. I need some. Do you know how to make - Rolled Leather Dog Collars? Ty.

[@blackwingvisuals5017]

Seen nail polishes used in the past too!

[@rishadwasif290]

Nice work. Please make a leather duffel bag tutorial

[@silentblackdisc]

Why not paint the edge then bevel for a cleaner look?

[@user-ec7ku4jr7i]

Ok so after struggling to find this mythical “like glass” edge burnishing techniques for quite some time I stumble across this video. I figure, hey, I have some edge kote in natural, what’s the harm in trying it? I followed the technique, did one more coat than the video (I had more divots) and then wiped the alcohol on….this is sorcery! It has to be! I could see my reflection in the edge and it didn’t fade! Blown away. Thank you Sir and Ma’am. Happy new subscriber.

[@jaimefuentesv7369]

Lo siento pero es borde sintético el acrílico es un polímero de síntesis

[@deaveedis6295]

Will 70% alcohol works?

[@Corter]

It might! give it a go

[@deaveedis6295]

It worked!

[@insederec]

Dumb question maybe. Why not just dye tokanole and burnish to glass? Seems about as much work and won't peel off.

[@wasteddude9387]

No disrespect intended, but we may not agree on the process as much as I would have liked to. For instance, I would have liked at least a synopsis of your reasons for completely avoiding popular balms such as bee’s wax, Gum Tragacanth, or Tokonole in seeking a desirable surface shine. I cautiously differ in opinion from your observation of a “shine” upon completion of your suggested burnishing process. I believe the popular balms I mentioned produce a more reflective result while your methods seem to produce a result more accurately described as an ambient glow. With all due respect, I would appreciate you sharing your perspectives on the use of traditional burnishing reagents, the comparative logic in choosing a particular burnishing method, and a philosophical tidbit regarding the choosing of either a high-gloss reflective finish or a softer ambience-focused finish. I am sincerely interested in your responses. Thank you.

[@mehanik57]

Спирт работает со всеми красками

[@jaimefuentesv7369]

No hay 7 tipos de solvente desde acetona hasta alcohol pasando por tinher aguarrás etc.

[@mehanik57]

@@jaimefuentesv7369 Добрый вечер. Вы меня не поняли. Это я вам написал, что спирт работает со всеми красками. Сам так пользуюсь. И не нужно ни каких растворителей.

[@ryanmcewen415]

This is way too much work for production leatherwork. I dye my edges and then Tokonole my edges. Finish them with resolene and you're done!

[@vannorden782]

Please, russian subtitles!

[@tom3784]

Johnny Weaver mid atlantic wrestling

[@robertsalmon6893]

More money in leather then paracord?

[@pijnto]

Way to complicated , much simpler methods to achieve the same result , to do this on a full length belt you would have to charge $1000

[@arturweidmann]

If you burnish the edges before paint you have a best result

[@Corter]

The edge paint peels off when I burnish first :/

[@arturweidmann]

@@Corter Right. My edge paint is more dense.

[@jaimefuentesv7369]

@@Corter ahí está el truco ..sospeche que se despegaba, es acrílico sobre colágeno corneo estratificado y curtido con..... Cromo? O Mangle?

[@tommygamba170]

Edge painting an 2x4 is super easy. That's like 18-22oz of leather. The real example should be on an 1--2oz.

[@stevestikihutable]

Great technique, thanks for sharing. One note, it’s difficult to listen to “upspeak” for any period of time. A voice coach could prove valuable.

[@vmarc4682]

Thank you. Upspeak and crummy music will cause me to leave a video every time. Wise up presenters.

[@joseluismartinezaguilar8562]

Very poor method

[@mikedegrazia]

Why dont you teach us then, o great meistro...