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Used to slick leather edges in preparation of edge finishes.
Fiebing’s Gum Tragacanth is a product commonly used in leatherworking to burnish edges and smooth out leather surfaces. Here’s how to use it effectively:
1. **Preparation**: Before using Gum Tragacanth, ensure that the leather surface you’ll be working on is clean and you may have already completed any necessary dyeing, staining, or tooling on the leather.
2. **Apply Gum Tragacanth**: Using a small amount of Gum Tragacanth on your Edge Paddle or dauber, apply it to the edge of the leather or the area you want to burnish. Rub it onto the leather surface focusing on even application.
3. **Work the Gum Tragacanth into the Leather**: Once applied, use a burnishing tool, bone folder, or slicker to rub the Gum Tragacanth into the leather. Apply moderate pressure and continue rubbing until the edge becomes smooth and glossy. The friction generated by the burnishing tool helps to activate the Gum Tragacanth and bind the fibers of the leather together.
4. **Repeat as Necessary**: Depending on the desired level of smoothness and shine, you may need to apply multiple coats of Gum Tragacanth and repeat the burnishing process several times.
5. **Allow to Dry**: After burnishing, allow the Gum Tragacanth to dry completely. This usually takes a few minutes, but drying times may vary depending on factors such as temperature and humidity.
6. **Optional Finishing Steps**: Once the Gum Tragacanth has dried, you can further enhance the appearance of the leather by applying Fiebing’s Edge Kote. Fiebing’s Edge Kote is offered in 15 different color options that give the leather edge an elevated finished look.
7. **Cleanup**: Clean any excess Gum Tragacanth from your tools and work surface to prevent it from drying and becoming difficult to remove.
Remember to test Gum Tragacanth on a small, inconspicuous area of your leather project before applying it more broadly, especially if you’re working with delicate or exotic leathers. This will help ensure that the product produces the desired results without causing any damage.
