Finishing is worried with the improvement of the hand and appearance of a product in order to reinforce its basic 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 various appropriate strategies by way of which leather products will be finished. A few of these strategies are burnishing, waxing, polishing, spraying, texturing, patenting. utilizing conditioners, soaps, and cleaners.

1. Burnishing

This is an ornamental process in which a smooth surface/instrument 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 example, 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 degree and working gradually to all parts of the leather till a uniform sheen is produced. By this process, the tough surface of the leather and any wrinkles are smoothed or polished. This is done by rigorously rubbing the surface of leather with a tool comparable to a bone folder, plastic or wooden burnishing wheel, stone, bottle, metal spoon etc. to leave a fine shiny, glossy or smooth appearance.

2. Waxing

This finishing method includes the application of wax to improve the surface quality, hardness, and water-resistant ability of the leather item. The application of the wax will be achieved by means of brush or foam to present a glossy impact to the leather product.

3. Polishing

This finishing method additionally aims at improving the surface quality of leather products. Polish within the form of abrasives with various 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. Typically 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 the use of spray weapons 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 sometimes mar the proper application of the polishing liquors.

5. Texturing

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

6. Patenting

This is the application of lacquer or varnishes in layers on the leather to give the surface a waterproof effect 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 resist scuffing and shade fade. It provides the surface luster to leather after polishing. Examples and conditioners, their features and application have been mentioned below.

i. Saddler’s wax- It nourishes, cleans and polishes leather. It is used mostly on saddles, boots, and handbags. It may be utilized with the fingers, a piece of material, 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 material 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 applied with a cloth or the fingers, allowed to dry and then polished gently.

iv. Shoe Cream- It nourishes, cleans and softens leather. It is used on belts, handbags, billfolds, watch bands, bracelets, hair ornaments, etc. It may 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’s utilized in thin coats by way of sponge, a piece of material or the fingers. It’s allowed to soak in for about ten minutes before it is applied.

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

8. Using Soaps and Cleaners

Soaps and cleaners are additionally wonderful finishes which can be used to clean and protect the surface of leather. It’s 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 embrace Kiwi soaps, Belvoir glycerine soaps, Belmont soaps, Propert soaps, Castile soaps and Blue Ribbon soaps.

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