|
Finishing Edges One of the questions I'm most often asked is how to finish edges. 1. Use a sharp edger of the proper size. A dull edger just scrapes the edge, leaving it very rough and fuzzy and usually uneven. 2. I use a fairly coarse piece of canvas that I rub with a bar of glycerin saddle soap. Saddle soap must be reapplied fairly often. 3. Dampen the edge with water using a wet sponge and rub with the treated canvas until the edge is slick, smooth and burnished. That's it. There are however, a few things to keep in mind. Proper moisture content on the edge is important. Neither too wet nor too dry. Use friction and speed rather than just brute muscle power. Some leathers, such as chap leather, just will not slick up. Commercial edge slicking compounds have their place but I usually avoid them. If using one of these compounds, make sure the project is completely finished, including dying the edge, if needed, before applying the compounds as oils, dyes antique, etc. will not penetrate these compounds. |
||