Burnishing Skidmore's

[Marshal Will]

I mentioned this in a post on another forum and thought I'd post about it here. When a project is completely finished and wet molded if called for, the very last thing I do is apply a couple coats of Skidmore's Leather Cream. When the second coat is soaked in, it is recommended that you buff it with a soft cotton cloth. At that point, the project is finished but sometimes I like to see a few more highlights in the leather so I take it one step further. I burnish the whole thing with a clean piece of typing (printer) paper. The result is just a slight increase in the sheen so it catches the light a little better. This is certainly not called for on all projects but I do find it useful on leather that doesn't have a lot of decoration on it. Here are a few examples as best I can represent with photos. The difference is subtle but in some cases quite noticeable.

These are burnished with paper for the final step:







Not burnished with paper:

[Miguel Loco]

That really adds a nice luster...... never thought about using paper to get there. Will try it today!

[Captainkirk]

I see a noticeable difference...in a good way! Thanks for sharing that tip.

[Marshal Will]

Thanks, pards. Let us know how it works for you, Mick.

I learned that technique for Wudtone finishes on guitars and decided to give it a try with Skidmore's.

[ShotgunDave]

That looks great Marshal. I would have never thought to use paper. I use a piece of canvas to burnish mine. I'm going to try your method next time.

[Marshal Will]

It will be interesting to hear how the paper compares to the canvas. I've heard of canvas being used for the main seam and edges but not to get a better sheen on the the whole project. Please let us know how it compares.

[Hawg]

Nice. What is it about the paper that makes it shine?

[Marshal Will]

Smooth paper is very mildly abrasive. Remember, it's basically wood. If you take it to the finish on a car or other item with a super glossy finish, it will dull it. Skidmore's has bees wax as well as rejuvenating oils. The paper will burnish the surface slightly but not like you'd get on a seam where you burnish it with more aggressive methods.

[Miguel Loco]

It works good to dull the shine. Never thought of using it before. Most people don't like their holsters and sheaths to be "plastic shiny". This does the trick!

[Marshal Will]

That's exactly why I never liked any of the commercial lacquer-like coatings. They're too glossy to look natural.