HOW TO WORK LEATHER EDGES?
To achieve a perfect edge, the secret is first and foremost sanding!
Working the edges is often the last step, but also the one that requires the most time and precision. Edge work is essential for a beautiful finish. This step involves applying a liquid finish (paint) to the leather edge using an applicator pen. The final part of this operation consists of rubbing a beeswax block on the edge and buffing it with a cotton cloth.
Discover the different ways to work edges in this guide.
VEGETABLE OR MINERAL TANNED LEATHER
- Sand the edge with an abrasive sponge (medium-fine - 240 grit) or a sanding block. Always sand in the same direction, at a 45° angle to the edge and towards the grain side of the leather.
- Apply a light coat of edge finish with the tool of your choice: awl, roller pen, roller, or applicator pad... Beginner's mistake: applying too thick a coat = the dye will have more difficulty adhering.
- 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 dye (we recommend applying at least 3 coats - sand between each coat).
- Apply beeswax directly to the edge.
- Still in the same direction, smooth the edge with a creaser (heated creaser or hand creaser) or rub with a cloth.
DISCOVER OUR CARBON SANDING BLOCKS WITH SANDPAPER
Practical for sanding leather edges!
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE LEATHER SCHOOL >
HOW TO WORK EDGES WITH AN EDGE FINISHING GUM?
FOR VEGETABLE TANNED LEATHERS ONLY
Want to know more about working vegetable-tanned leather edges with an edge finishing gum: gum tragacanth, gum arabic, or tokonole? Consult our guides!
WHAT IS LEATHER EDGING?
An edger is a leathercraft/saddlery tool used to break the sharp edge of a piece of leather to make the edges more rounded. This is generally done on thick, vegetable-tanned leathers that are chamfered (to then work them with a finishing gum). The edging step must be performed before sanding the edges.
WHAT IS FILLER?
Filler is a colorless undercoat that allows you to achieve a beautifully rounded edge in a single pass. It is applied before the edge dye. It is suitable for all types of leather (mineral or vegetable tanned).
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Black
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Neutral
FOCUS ON COLUMBUS WAX
Do you know Japanese Columbus wax? It is much more than a standard wax, as it also contains paraffin. After some gentle sanding efforts and a little patience, this wax will bring shine to your edges and waterproof them.
Combined with Tokonole, it will make your edges even shinier and softer! The perfect Japanese combo! Tinted waxes, meanwhile, will give a marbled effect to your edges.
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HOW TO CREATE A DECORATIVE LINE (CREASE) ON LEATHER?
A creaser is widely used on mineral-tanned (chrome) leathers to create a decorative line (crease) parallel to the edge of the leather. A creaser, groover, or leather worker's creaser are more commonly used for vegetable-tanned leather (cold marking of the leather). The creasing should be done on both sides of your creation if they are visible (e.g., watch strap).
VIDEO: USING A CREASER
A leather creaser will allow you to achieve a professional finish, especially by smoothing leather edges (edge dye and beeswax).
WHAT HEATING POWER SHOULD I CHOOSE?
The heating power (potentiometer) should be adjusted according to the leather and your expectations (pronounced marking or not). We recommend letting the iron heat for 5 minutes before use and performing tests on leather scraps. To check if the iron is hot enough, you can tap it on the palm of your hand.
WHERE CAN I GET A CUSTOM HEATED TIP MADE?
Do you want to engrave (hot or cold) your brand name or a particular pattern? We advise you to contact specialized companies, notably: BFM - Tools and Machines for Leather. BFM will design your tool for cold or hot engraving/marking of leather.
LEARN MORE >
VIDEO: USING A HAND CREASER
A great alternative to the heated creaser: more economical but less practical.
WHAT IS A LEATHER WORKER'S CREASER?
This tool allows you to make a crease on the edge of the leather:
- Either with the technique of cold leather marking (like a creaser on vegetable-tanned leathers)
- Or with the technique of hot leather marking: heat the blade with a gas stove (video above).
DON'T WANT TO INVEST IN EQUIPMENT?
All our edge finishes have a 'matte' finish. If you want to give them shine, you can finish your work with a GLOSSY finish after sanding and coloring your edges.
OR
To buff and protect your edges, you can apply beeswax to them and then rub vigorously with a cloth to heat it.
*Edge finishes or edge dyes are acrylic finishes (they do not penetrate the leather but remain on the surface). Generally called edge dyes, they are actually "edge paints" (a misuse of language).
8 comments
DECO CUIR
Bonjour Albertini,
Pour la tranche, vous pouvez utiliser la Colorcut : elle se travaille aussi bien à chaud qu’à froid.
L’équipe Deco Cuir
Albertini
Bonjour
Je souhaite acheter un produit pour rénover des cuirs noirs et un produit pour la tranche du cuir.
Votre meilleure qualité
Que me conseillez-vous ?
Cordialement
Deco Cuir
Bonjour Anne-Marie,
Effectivement, vos commandes datent au minimum de 2022. Les teintures de tranches ne se conservent pas aussi longtemps, même lorsque le pot n’a pas été ouvert.
Vous pouvez toutefois essayer de les diluer avec quelques gouttes d’eau afin de les fluidifier.
L’équipe Deco Cuir
Anne-Marie D.
Bonjour,
J’ai acheté il y a quelques années un assortiment de flacons de teinture de tranche. Certains ont été ouverts, d’autres non. Mais tous se sont solidifiés. Ils sont stockés en température ambiante à l’abri de la lumière.
Comment puis-je les rendre liquides comme à l’origine ?
Merci de votre réponse
Deco Cuir
Pour travailler les tranches à chaud de vos cuirs nous vous conseillons les finitions de tranche COLORCUT : https://www.decocuir.com/collections/finitions-de-tranche-colorcut ou la Edge Kote de Fiebing’s : https://www.decocuir.com/products/finition-tranche-cuir-fiebing-s-edge-kote-118ml-marron-fonce-dark-brown
La finition de tranche Deco Cuir peut parfois buller (à base aqueuse) lorsqu’elle est travaillée avec le fer à fileter.
Deco Cuir
Dejoie
Bonjour, quels produits dans la catégorie “finition de tranche” peut on utiliser avec un fer a lisser? J’ai du mal à m’y retrouver.
Merci
Anonymous
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
Anonymous
Bonjour
Est ce que vous pensez qu’on peut se servir d’un fer à fileter sur du skai ?
Merci de votre réponse