The Leather Element: Leather Firmer Comparison

In this video, Chuck compares how leather firmer performs across different types of leather. As you can see, results vary depending on the leather's weight, whether it's dyed or left natural, and whether you're using veg or chrome tan.
For more supplies and project inspiration, visit weaverleathersupply.com
Leather Firmer: www.weaverleathersupply.com/p...

[@internationalleatherclub]

Very helpful to see how the firmer doesn't affect dye adhesion (around 07:09), at least in higher-quality leathers. Thanks for sharing that detail, this is another cool product that can open up new product opportunities

[@BillyBlaze7]

Always top notch information from you brother Chuck. You are a treasure to the leather crafting community, and a hell of a cool guy all around. I hope you know how much you are appreciated. You are one of a kind my friend.

[@williammrdeza9445]

Thanks for running the experiment Chuck. Great information and another tool for the tool box for future projects.

[@1a1u0g9t4s2u]

The timing of this is perfect. I have a pet project that has been sitting on the kitchen counter waiting for me to start. This was the last missing bit I needed to educate myself to make the project work. I'll let you know how it comes out at the next live stream. Thanks for sharing.

[@mattbrown2793]

Good idea, that’s interesting to see the finished results. Keep making great videos!

[@MichiganCustomCraftworks]

Just the video I needed to see @chuckdorsett. I have a customer that I'm making magneto covers for their tractor and will come in handy on the jig you made up the mold.

[@crystalhenington7222]

This is wonderful! I must have some! Thanks Chuck!

[@taylerm92]

Thanks for doing all the testing and use cases so we don't have to, Chuck. You always go the extra mile.

[@F0XD1E]

Looks like good stuff. Thanks again, Chuck!

[@AzraelThanatos]

One thing that would be useful for newer crafters and some older ones is more proper uses of stamps and getting the best impression out of them. It took me a while to work out how to use them cleanly, and there's only a few that I use, but I keep getting tempted to get more of them from time to time...big ones I end up using are a set of flag stamps that I've used on passport covers

[@tedyearta2637]

Thank you so much for this information.

[@paulregner5335]

While I'm a way off from tackling an armor project, this was an excellent and informative video. Thank you!

[@bobchronister3429]

I will have to give it a try

[@ryanblystone5153]

Thank you

[@MaxRichardson-jd5rc]

Chuck, I enjoyed your video using the stiffener for the veg tan. I use a lot of acrylic colors and would like to ask if the stiffener can be used after the acrylics have been applied. Thank you for everything you do for leather workers. Max

[@grannybeasley3392]

Thanks Chuck, great video. First time I've heard of this product; I'm sure I'll be getting some in the future. Can this be used for food grade items? For example to make a sandwich tray, charcuterie tray, water bottle, etc. And can you burn (pyrography) after formed or before. I'm assuming any stamping would be done before using.

[@brianhudson3619]

To kind of piggy back on this, especially the water bottle what happens when the piece gets wet after the firmer has been added? And how does it affect any kind of top coat going on after the firmer? All in all, seems like it's a pretty good product!at have to pick some up for some armor I'm working on! Thank you, Chuck!

[@ferguscosgrave7510]

Thanks

[@maddawgnoll]

Didn't know this existed. Looks like it could be a game changer

[@wyvern_Cal]

Thanks for the help getting set up right Chuck. One question is that I like to do thin leather wallets, so the hardener would make edges firmer to sew on. On completion a wallet would need some folding and cash stowage flex. Would this product work for that, if lightly applied ?? Maybe on commercial colored leather it would be a "firm but flexible" coating, but on 2mm veg-tan be too hard to fold on the canter line. Thanks again for your great technique videos, I need and save those ideas.

[@brianlee1319]

I just received the firmer this afternoon. I tried it on a couple of holsters and now just waiting for them to dry. I dipped one and used a dauber on the other. I've got another question though. The weight of the leather I used for the holsters is a 9-10 oz. Would I be better off used saddle skirting. I've made my own for cowboy action shooting, but one is already not holding its shape. Thanks.

[@JD-pc6so]

Hey Chuck, would this work for making tap off then waterproof? Or not needed? Just waterproof?

[@ralphmorro5239]

Does the firmer shrink the leather ? If there is some flex in the use, will the firmer soften, if so, how much. Will dampness or wetness effect the stiffness?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

We will do a follow up video on some of the questions we are getting!

[@michaelserrell3796]

Can this be used on leather motorcycle saddle bags if i paint both sides?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Yes, you should be able to use this.

[@Gunn4u]

Would leather firmer be ok to use for a dice cup or perhaps a flask cover?

[@WeaverLeatherSupply]

Hi there! Yes, it should work just fine for those projects!

[@Gunn4u]

@@WeaverLeatherSupply Thank you so much

[@richardkatzman1215]

Chuck, I bet your wife will be happy you not using your oven to cook your leather anymore. I bet it really smells up the house when you’re cooking leather. I tried to use the oven to try the cooking process and I thought my wife was going to kill me! Never did cook the leather. Glad Weaver has a Firmer.

[@pauljuhl7937]

Looks a lot easier than baking, and won't make the kitchen smell funky.