HOW TO WORK THE SLICES OF A LEATHER?
To have a perfect slice, the secret is above all sanding!
The work on the slices is often the last step but also the one that requires the most time and precision. The work of the edges is essential to have a beautiful finish. This step consists of applying a liquid finish (paint) to the edge of the leather using an applicator pen. The end of this operation consists of rubbing a block of beeswax on the edge and polishing it with a cotton cloth.
Discover in this guide the different ways to work the slices.
VEGETABLE OR MINERAL TANNED LEATHER
- Sand the edge with an abrasive sponge (medium fine - grain 240). Always sand in the same direction, at 45° to the edge and towards the grain side of the leather.
- Apply a light finishing coat on the edges with the tool of your choice: awl, rollerball pen, applicator roller... Beginner's mistake: putting on too thick a coat = the dye will have more trouble sticking.
- Wait several minutes for the dye to dry, then lightly sand the edge with a fine abrasive sponge (400 grit).
- Apply a second coat of edge stain (we recommend applying at least 3 coats - sand between each coat).
- Apply beeswax directly on the slice.
- Always in the same direction, smooth the slice with the simple fillet (threading iron or manual fillet) or rub with a cloth.
HOW TO WORK THE SLICES WITH A FINISHING GUM?
FOR VEGETABLE TANNED LEATHER ONLY
Would you like to know more about working the edges of vegetable-tanned leather with a finishing gum: gum tragacanth, gum arabic or tokonole? Check out our guides!
WHAT IS ABAT-CARRER LEATHER?
The edge trimmer is a leather goods / saddlery tool that allows you to break the sharp edge of a piece of leather in order to make the edges more rounded. These are usually thick leathers with vegetable tanning that are chamfered. The edge trim step must be carried out before sanding the edges.
WHAT IS THE BOMBEUR?
The bomber is a colorless undercoat that allows you to obtain a beautiful curved slice in a single pass. It arises before edge dyeing. It is suitable for all types of leather (mineral or vegetable tanning).
HOW TO MAKE A DECORATIVE LINE (NET) ON LEATHER?
The threading iron is widely used on mineral tanned (chrome) leathers to make a decorative line (thread) parallel to the edge of the leather. The formoir, the rainette or the leatherworker's net iron are used more for vegetable tanned leather (cold stamping of the leather). The net is to be done on both sides of your creation if they are visible (eg watch strap). 
VIDEO: USING THE THREADING WIRE
The threading iron will allow you to obtain a professional finish, in particular by smoothing the edges of the leather (edge dye and beeswax).
WHAT HEATING POWER TO CHOOSE?
The heating power ( potentiometer ) is to be adjusted according to the leather and your expectations (pronounced marking or not). We invite you to let the iron heat up for 5 minutes before use and to test on leather scraps. To find out if the iron is hot enough, you can tap it on the palm of your hand. 
VIDEO: USING THE MANUAL THREADING IRON
A great alternative to threading iron: more economical but less practical.
WHERE TO HAVE YOUR HEATED MOUTHPIECE (CUSTOMIZED) MADE?
Do you want to make an engraving (hot or cold) with the name of your brand or a particular pattern? We advise you to get closer to specialized companies, in particular: BFM - Tools and machines for leather. BFM will design your tool for cold or hot engraving/stamping of leather.
LEARN MORE >
WHAT IS THE LEATHERWORKER'S NET IRON?
This tool allows you to make a net on the edge of the leather:
- Either with the technique of cold stamping the leather (like a former on vegetable tanned leather)
- Either with the technique of hot stamping leather : heat the blade on a gas stove (video above).
YOU DON'T WANT TO INVEST IN EQUIPMENT?
All of our edge finishes have a 'matte' finish. If you wish to give them a shine, you can finish your work with a GLOSS finish after sanding and coloring your edges.
OR
In order to shine and protect your slices, you can put beeswax on them then rub briskly with a cloth to heat it.
* Edge or edge-dyed finishes are acrylic finishes (they do not penetrate the leather but remain on the surface). Generally called edge dyes they are actually "edge paints" (misuse of language).
2 comments
DECO CUIR
Bonjour Patrick,
Le fer à fileter ne pourra pas être utilisé sur du simili cuir pour effectuer un filet : étant donné qu’il y a du plastique dans sa composition.
Cependant, vous pourrez utiliser votre fer pour lisser les tranches après avoir déposé une finition de tranche (« peinture »).
L’équipe Deco Cuir
Patrick Le moing
Bonjour
Est ce que vous pensez qu’on peut se servir d’un fer à fileter sur du skai ?
Merci de votre réponse