Burnishing a Pro Edge 

1. SAND EDGES -sand all edges to even out the surface, especially when using more than one layer of leather.   You may use a belt sander,a sanding drum on a drill motor, or a sanding drum on your dremel.  Sandpaper should be 180-220 grit.

2.  EDGING - use an edger to remove all sharp edges from your leather.  Size of edger should be determined by the style of edge that you prefer.  This may be completed when the leather is cased or dry.

3.  DYE EDGE - dye all edges that you intend to burnish.  Be cautious not to get dye on any area that you are not going to burnish.  Alcohol based dyes tend to work best, as they are readily absorbed into the leather. 

4.  BURNISH - apply Fiebings saddle soap with a wet sponge to the edges that you intend to burnish.  This will soften the leather and help to create a smooth surface for burnishing.  A hand burnisher or motor operated burnisher can be used.  A drill press or dremel burnisher create a very smooth edge.  (A cocobolo hand burnisher, Skirt Chaser, Hole Master, Slot Master, and dremel burnishers may be found at www.proedgeburnishers.com) 

 5.  TOUCH UP DYED EDGE - touch up any edges with dye to create uniformity in the color of the edge.

 6.  APPLY WAX - apply wax to the edge. (Beeswax, parafin wax, or a combination of these waxes may be applied at this time.)  A fine, blended wax is available at www.proedgeburnishers.com.

 7.   RE-BURNISH - re-burish the edges in order to create heat.  This will melt the wax, making a soft, smooth, polished surface to the edge. 

 8.  APPLY WAX - reapply wax. 

 9.  POLISH - buff edge with a canvas strip.  This creates heat, causing the wax to melt.  This final step creates a smooth, pro edge for your work.