Dyeing & Finishing
Leather Finish
A top coat that seals colour, adds sheen and gives light water resistance.
Leather Finish · schematic
| Type | Wax-based |
|---|---|
| Volume | 120 ml |
| Sheen | Satin |
| Water resistance | Light |
| Drying time | 20 min |
| Applicator | Cloth or sponge |
| Base | Wax and resin |
|---|---|
| Volume | 120 ml |
| Sheen | Satin |
| Water resistance | Light |
| Drying time | 20 min |
| Compatible processes | Top coating |
Overview
A leather finish is the top coat applied after dyeing to seal the colour, protect the surface and set the sheen. Wax-based finishes give a warm satin glow, resin-based finishes are harder and glossier, and water-based finishes are the easiest to clean up and the lowest in odour.
You apply it thinly with a cloth, sponge or dauber and buff it out once it has dried. A finish stops dye transferring onto hands and clothing, and it gives the piece some resistance to water and dirt without making it look plastic.
Match the finish to the look you want. A satin wax finish suits a rustic belt, while a hard resin gloss suits a dressy wallet. Apply two thin coats rather than one thick one.
Safety
Hazard. Some finishes contain solvents; use them in a ventilated area and avoid contact with eyes.
How to use it well
- Apply two thin coats rather than one thick one for an even sheen.
- Buff with a soft cloth once dry to bring up the shine.
- Seal any dyed surface to stop colour transferring to hands.
- Match the sheen to the piece: satin for rustic, gloss for dressy.
Compatible leathers and materials
Leather Finish is suited to the following leather types. Anything outside this list is worth testing on an offcut first.
At a glance
| Category | Dyeing & Finishing |
|---|---|
| Stage | Finish |
| Suitable leather | Veg-Tan, Chrome-Tan, Oil-Tan |
| Beginner priority | Rank 10 of 28 |
Educational use only. Hide & Stitch is an independent, non-commercial reference. Nothing here is for sale and nothing here is a substitute for competent in-person instruction. Edged tools, dyes, solvents and adhesives can cause serious injury — read and follow the manufacturer instructions and safety data sheets, and work with ventilation and appropriate protection. Specifications are typical values for this class of tool and vary between makers.
Related
Works well with
Leather Dye
Alcohol-based colour that soaks into veg-tan and deepens the natural grain.
Polishing Cloth
A soft lint-free cloth for buffing finish to a shine and clearing dye residue.
Beeswax
Rubbed on an edge or a thread to add grip, seal fibres and help burnishing.