10 Secret Tips for Perfectly Rounded Edges on Vegetable-Tanned Leather: Master the Art of Envy-Inducing Dyeing
The quest for perfect, rounded edges and envy-inducing finishes on vegetable-tanned leather has always been a hot topic of discussion. Today, let's introduce a "secret technique" that will set your leatherwork apart.
When attaching pieces of leather together, we often encounter unevenness or even a step-like appearance between the edges, which can detract from the aesthetic appeal of the leather item. So, what can we do in this situation? Today, we've invited a leather artist from Kowu Culture to answer the questions and share their expertise.
1-First, take a sponge applicator and dampen it with just enough water so that it's moist but not dripping. Then, evenly apply water along the edge to ensure it's uniformly wet. This not only helps to prevent dust but also makes the smoothing process more efficient.
2-Take our No. 1 sandpaper and sand vigorously until the surface is even.
3-Choose the appropriate edge beveler and bevel the edges, making sure to maintain the correct angle. Similarly, the flesh side of the leather also needs to be beveled to form a semi-circular arc.
4-Apply a layer of clear water again.
5-Use a suitable-sized burnishing rod with a groove to sand it into a rounded arc. Vegetable-tanned leather can be shaped when wet, so this step is crucial.
6-Thinly apply a layer of edge finish to lock in the shine created by the burnishing rod.
7-After the edge finish has dried, use sandpaper to remove all of the edge finish. Make sure to sand every area thoroughly, as any areas that are not sanded will directly impact the dyeing effect later on.
Tips: Our edge finish is glossy, so the sanded areas will appear matte. This contrast makes it easy to identify any spots that may have been missed.
8-The next step is dyeing. For dyeing, we recommend using a fiber brush for a more stable ink flow and to avoid fuzz.
9-After the dye has dried, use a burnishing rod to polish the edges until they have a uniform shine.
10-Finally, apply a thin, even layer of edge finish to lock in the effect. Once the edge finish has dried, the process is complete. The result will be very perfect.
