Finishing is concerned with the improvement of the hand and look of a product in order to enhance its normal outlook and maximize its marketability potentials. It is essential that Leatherwork articles are completed in any of the accepted finishing strategies to heighten their design and aesthetic qualities. There are numerous appropriate techniques through which leather products may be finished. A few of these techniques are burnishing, waxing, polishing, spraying, texturing, patenting. using conditioners, soaps, and cleaners.

1. Burnishing

This is an ornamental process in which a smooth surface/software is rubbed over the surface of the leather to produce a sheen. The leather is placed on a hard surface. Then a blunt, smooth device, for instance, Stone, bottle, bulb, spoon, marble or some smooth, hard object is used to rub over the surface of the leather on the grain side to produce a shiny effect. This is finished by starting from a point and working gradually to all parts of the leather until a uniform sheen is produced. By this process, the rough surface of the leather and any wrinkles are smoothed or polished. This is finished by rigorously rubbing the surface of leather with a software corresponding to a bone folder, plastic or wooden burnishing wheel, stone, bottle, metal spoon etc. to depart a fine shiny, glossy or smooth appearance.

2. Waxing

This finishing approach includes the application of wax to improve the surface quality, hardness, and water-resistant ability of the leather item. The application of the wax may be accomplished by the use of brush or foam to provide a glossy effect to the leather product.

3. Polishing

This finishing technique additionally goals at improving the surface quality of leather products. Polish in the type of abrasives with varying colors and polishing liquors like lacquer or varnish are utilized with either hard bristle brushes or foam to improve the surface quality of leather items. Sometimes wax is used to reinforce the surface quality of the leather.

4. Spraying

This is the application of polishing liquors like varnish or lacquer on leather items by means of spray guns or diffusers that spill the polishing agents in fine bits or dots on the leather item to improve its surface quality. Spraying avoids the brush strokes that generally mar the perfect application of the polishing liquors.

5. Texturing

This is achieved by the use of dyes, acrylics, and other coloring agents by incising, stamping, printing, spraying etc. These are utilized in creating patterns or textures on the grain side of the leather for ornamental purposes.

6. Patenting

This is the application of lacquer or varnishes in layers on the leather to provide the surface a waterproof impact and make the surface very shiny.

7. Utilizing Conditioners

Leather conditioners soften and nourish the leather while providing a protective coating over the leather. This assists the leather to be able to withstand scuffing and colour fade. It offers the surface luster to leather after polishing. Examples and conditioners, their capabilities and application have been discussed below.

i. Saddler’s wax- It nourishes, cleans and polishes leather. It is used totally on saddles, boots, and handbags. It can be utilized with the fingers, a bit of cloth, a brush or a damp sponge.

ii. Melo wax- It’s used for cleaning, polishing and softening smooth grained leather. It can be utilized with a fabric or the fingers, allowed to dry after which polished with a soft cloth.

iii. Kiwi leather conditioner- It cleans, mellows, softens and preserves smooth grained leather. It can be utilized with a cloth or the fingers, allowed to dry after which polished gently.

iv. Shoe Cream- It nourishes, cleans and softens leather. It’s used on belts, handbags, billfolds, watch bands, bracelets, hair ornaments, etc. It can be applied with the fingers, a chunk of cloth, a brush or a damp sponge.

v. Lexol- It makes the leather supple and provides a durable preservative finish. It is applied in thin coats by way of sponge, a piece of material or the fingers. It’s allowed to soak in for about ten minutes earlier than it is applied.

vi. Vaseline petroleum jelly- It softens the leather, brings back its colour and provide a protective coating to assist the leather resist scuffing. It’s applied with the fingers. It is allowed to dry a bit for 15-20 minutes and then wiped off with a soft cloth. It is largely used on belts and handbags.

8. Using Soaps and Cleaners

Soaps and cleaners are additionally glorious finishes which are used to clean and protect the surface of leather. It is applied with a wet sponge or brush. After its application, it is wiped with a dry fabric after which polished to a soft luster. Examples embody Kiwi soaps, Belvoir glycerine soaps, Belmont soaps, Propert soaps, Castile soaps and Blue Ribbon soaps.

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