What tools are needed for applying leather edge paint?
When it comes to selecting leather edge painter, many people get confused. What are the most popular tools out there? Firstly I will show you the whole process of applying paint to a leather edge. Later, you will read a sum of the leather edge paint tools.
A whole process of applying leather paint to an edge
Step 1 Sand the edge
The first step of applying leather edge paint is usually to sand the edge down so that it’s completely flat. We can start with 150 grit sand paper and then use 320.
Tip: The choice of sandpaper is up to the leather itself(uneven or relatively flat). And then we can finish it off with a rough piece of canvas cloth.
So, here we can use a burnisher set up with 150 grit wheel on it for the initial sanding(recommended if there are lots of leather pieces to do).
After that, we will move over to the sandpaper for 320 grit. (Tip: hit it in the same direction through out the sanding process.)
Take the canvas cloth and run the fingers up and down the corners just to push them in towards the centers of the edge. Now we will have all the edges turned in.
Step 2 Apply the paint
Use a craft tool roller pen or another applicator to apply a thin layer of leather edge paint, for the first round. It’s easier if we use a awl. Wait until the paint is completely dry. It’s better to let the edge paint perfectly combine with the leather fiber.
Tip: Do remember to clean the roller pen head while the paint is still wet. It will always bring consistent results.
Step 3 Crease the edge (optional)
Now we can use a hot edge creaser to crease the edge for both sides. Apply heat to the painted edge using a hot edge creaser tip to bond the first layer of edge paint to the leather and prevent the paint from being able to be peeled off the edge later.
Also, this can smooth down the edge paint to be evener.
Step 4 Burnish the edge
Dry and burnish the edge so as to round of the edge and make the paint limit clearer. Simply use a canvas cloth to burnish the exposed edge.
Step 5 Sand again
Sand the edge to be smooth. Now we use 400 grit sandpaper.
Step 6 Second coat of the paint.
Paint the edge again by using a roller type applicator. The paint should be applied to make the surface a bit thicker than previous.
Step 7 Rub it.
Now check the work. If there is any spills below the edge, we will need some natural rubber. Simply rub it over the paint. Done.
Step 8 Sand the edge again
Using an 800 grit sandpaper.
Important! Repeat step 2-8 until you’re satisfied with the results. Repeat the painting and sanding steps several times. Normally it needs three or more layers of paint to have a smooth edge.
Step 9 Rub the edge with paraffin wax.
Now the edge is finished, which is the final top finish for the edge.
Step 10 Smooth the wax. Use a hot edge creaser with a lower temperature to melt and smooth the wax.
Step 11 Burnish the finish. Burnish the wax layer using a canvas cloth until it get as shiny as you want.
Done. The result should be very smooth and shiny.
Note, if you want a matte finish, don’t need to apply the wax, and instead, you should use a 1000 grit sandpaper to finish and clean with a damp cloth to finish off the edge.
Now you can easily know the leather edge painters for your perfect edges
To sum up:
- Sandpaper
- A craft tool roller pen or applicator
- An edge creaser
- A canvas cloth
- Natural rubber
- Paraffin wax
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