Gum tragacanth or arabic is used to smooth and shine the edges of natural leathers or colored leathers which have been vegetable tanned . In addition to waterproofing the edge, gum tragacanth or arabic will give an antique appearance to the edges of the leather.
HOW TO APPLY ERASER TO THE EDGE OF LEATHER?
- Using a brush or dye applicator, apply the eraser to the edge of the vegetable-tanned leather.
- Wait a few moments, then rub the edge briskly with a cloth or burnisher.
- Repeat the operation until the desired smoothness is obtained.
HOW IS ADRAGANTUM GUM OBTAINED?
Tragacanth gum is obtained from the sap of shrub species from the Astragalus family.
HOW IS GUM ARABIC OBTAINED?
Gum arabic is obtained from the sap of Acacia species.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ADRAGANTIA AND ARABIC GUM?
Gum arabic and tragacanth are obtained by the same process but do not come from the same sap . Unlike tragacanth, gum arabic is soluble in water : which explains why the gum is much more liquid. These two gums are applied in the same way, gum arabic gives a slightly darker result. 
HOW TO COLOR THE ADRAGANTE OR ARABIC GUM?
It is possible to color the gum with water-based dye (see the video). You can play with the intensity of the color by adding a larger or smaller dose of dye (do several tests beforehand).
CAN YOU APPLY GUM TO THE CRUST OF THE LEATHER?
Yes, this will allow the leather fibers to stick together (to prevent it from fluffing). Perfect for working on the crust side of belts. This technique can also be carried out on mineral tanned leather.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE FROM TOKONOLE?
We invite you to consult the guide on Japanese finishing eraser to learn more.
HOW TO WORK THE SLICES WITH A SLICE PAINT?
We invite you to consult the guide on working hot and cold leather edges (mineral or vegetable tanning).
