Finishing is worried with the improvement of the hand and look of a product in order to reinforce its common outlook and maximize its marketability potentials. It is essential that Leatherwork articles are finished in any of the accepted finishing strategies to heighten their design and aesthetic qualities. There are various appropriate strategies by which leather products can be finished. Some of these strategies are burnishing, waxing, polishing, spraying, texturing, patenting. utilizing conditioners, soaps, and cleaners.

1. Burnishing

This is a decorative process in which a smooth surface/instrument is rubbed over the surface of the leather to produce a sheen. The leather is positioned 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 done by starting from some extent 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 completed by rigorously rubbing the surface of leather with a software similar to a bone folder, plastic or wooden burnishing wheel, stone, bottle, metal spoon etc. to go away a fine shiny, glossy or smooth appearance.

2. Waxing

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

3. Polishing

This finishing method additionally aims at improving the surface quality of leather products. Polish in the type of abrasives with varying colours 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 way 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 comb 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 utilized 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 offer the surface a waterproof impact and make the surface very shiny.

7. Using 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 offers 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’s used totally on saddles, boots, and handbags. It can be applied with the fingers, a piece of material, a brush or a damp sponge.

ii. Melo wax- It is used for cleaning, polishing and softening smooth grained leather. It may be applied with a fabric or the fingers, allowed to dry and then polished with a soft cloth.

iii. Kiwi leather conditioner- It cleans, mellows, softens and preserves smooth grained leather. It may be applied with a fabric 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 can be applied with the fingers, a piece 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 means of sponge, a piece of cloth or the fingers. It is allowed to soak in for about ten minutes before it is applied.

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

8. Utilizing Soaps and Cleaners

Soaps and cleaners are additionally glorious finishes which are used to clean and protect the surface of leather. It is utilized with a wet sponge or brush. After its application, it is wiped with a dry material and then 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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