Leather Finish Question

[Pandabean]

Looking to start a small project hopefully tonight and was wondering how best to finish 1mm thick Soft Goats hide? Basically I am wanting it to have a waterproof coating so it doesn't go all soggy when wet as it will be exposed to the elements.

How would it look if it was done with hot/warm wax and whats the best way of applying this? Im not looking at dunking it in a pan of the stuff. Any pictures would be appreciated also.

The other option is I still have a tub of acrylic resolene which I know is waterproof to an extent.

 

[sasquatch]

Neutral shoe polish?

 

[g4ghb]

hot wax will darken it considerably and will make it hard and less flexable. Nikwax would be a good choice if this is for your bottle bag project

 

[Runestone]

I've used leather Nickwax (the rub on kind, not the spray) on a leather shoulder bag I made and it seems to hold up fine in the rain, though I've not used it out in a total downpour yet.

You have a craigdons shop near you. they had some on offer last time I was there. Not sure if this is still the case though as it was a while back.

Chris

 

[Pandabean]

Thanks. I will see if I can pop into Inverurie Craigdon later this week and have a look. So its the rub on nickwax for leather boots? I have some spray but I think its for the suede type boots. Which probably wont be any use.

I had thought the beeswax would darken it but I wasn't sure how much of an affect it will have on the stiffness of the leather, but yes you are right it is for that project. Got an idea from somewhere on how to make it and attach the strap without D-rings.

 

[g4ghb]

yup, the nikwax that comes in a large 'shoe polish' type tin. rub it in with a thin cloth so that the heat from your fingers makes it melt a little so it soaks in nicely. It will give a mat to 'silk' finish depending on the leather but if you want it shiny you can always go over it when dry with std shoe polish

 

[blacktimberwolf]

I vouch for sno-seal, used it for a couple of years now on a lot of leather things exposed to the elements,..... bush hats, boots, gloves, sheaths & pouches.....It even waterproofs split leather....it protects from the sun as well as the wet.

 

[Black Sheep]

Use the rub on Nikwax, put it on liberally then warm it with a hairdryer

Works a treat.

Richard

 

[Pandabean]

Now to find the hairdryer. Not that its mine.

 

[blacktimberwolf]

If it's sunny no need to use a hair dryer.

 

[Pandabean]

Hmmmm not so much sunny but very windy. Not sure if that would work though

 

[blacktimberwolf]

On second thoughts, you had better stick with a hair dryer, didn't realise you were so far north.