How to Finish Leather Edges (Burnish & Dye) - Beginners

Here is my process of finishing edges on vegetable tanned leather projects. This is not the only way or the "correct" way to finish edges. There are many different methods and products available to achieve a slick, clean edge. Most of these processes are my personal preference and work well for me, but do some experimenting and find out what works best for you. Below is a short list of tools and products that I use and will help with this process. I will also add a short list of my order of operations for this method. Thank you all for watching and for your support! Please subscribe to the channel for more videos like this and feel free to drop video recommendations in the comments!

Tools and products I used in this video:
- Leather (Obviously)
- Sand paper ( I also use a dremel but it is not required. I use P 120 grit sand paper but use what works well for you)
- Edge beveler ( I use a very inexpensive edge beveler with interchangeable heads, from Tandy)
- Canvas cloth ( Denim will also work well)
- Wooden slicker
- Water (If you have issues with staining then try distilled water)
- Glycerin saddle soap
- Fiebings Pro Dye
- Q-Tips for applying dye to edges ( regular daubers work too)
- Tan Kote
- Sheep skin pad (for applying tan kote)

Order of Operations:
1. If you are gluing multiple pieces of leather together, then make sure the edges are glued together well and trimmed flush.
2. Bevel the edges, front and back.
3. Sand the edges ( I start off with a dremel and finish sanding by hand after. You can sand by hand the entire time if you dont have a dremel or sanding wheel)
4. Apply water to the edge and then rub glycerin saddle soap on the edge.
5. Using canvas cloth, rub the edge back and forth to generate friction and begin the slicking process.
6. After using the canvas cloth, allow the edge to dry slightly and then finish burnishing with a wooden slicker.
7. Allow the edge to dry completely
8. Apply desired color of dye to the edge using a dauber or Q-Tip. Apply at least 2-3 coats of dye, depending on color and desired look.
9. Allow dye to dry at least one hour
10. Apply Tan Kote to the edge to remove any excess dye pigment and to seal the edge.

Visit my website to shop products I have built or to read my story on starting this business!
https://girtyleatherco.com/

Follow me on Instagram to see more content and finished product pictures!
  / girtyleatherco  

#leather #handmadeleather #leatheredges #leathercraft #leatherwork #edgeburnishing #howtoleather #leatheredges