leather finish

[cjbritt1]

We have a new job to do that requires a leather finish. The stone itself already has a leather finish and they want the sides to match. I have never attempted to do this before - NEED HELP!!!!! Any suggestions?

[Dan R.]

Many sponsor/vendors can supply you with the proper tooling and advice on leathering. Tenax would be the expert (IMO) in this field. I have used the Tenax brushes and the brushes from GQ, both with great success.

[Joe Little]

We have had good results from the alicante brushes, but have not gotten good results from the rubber looking tipped brushes ( filaflex ), but cannot say they are not good, maybe we were not using them properly or in the right application.
Maybe at the next workshop I attend, we can have some demo's !!

As far as use on the alicante brushes, had little problem with the flapping of the brush leaving a brush line on the face, but stopped it by clamping down a straight edge on the face. Tape may work also.
It is very easy and quick, let the brush do the work !!!

[cjbritt1]

we have some alicante brushes that my brother-in-law dropped off - have never used them before - is it like regular polishing. Go in order watch for differences before switching to next brush? Is there any videos on internet I can watch? I am going to use a scrap piece 1st but job is due by Tuesday and I am only on the 1st slab - another slab needs to come in and be cut. We do not have the facility to have big machines do all the work for us - so we rely on a bridge saw for most cuts unless its scribe work - then everything is done by hand. So it takes time. I can usually polish the average stone about 10 sq ft in about an hr ( always depends on stone - some are 13 sq ft and some are only 6 sq ft) what is the time frame for the alicante brushes - on average. Trying to balance my time with family ( have 4 kids - and my wife - who helps) and get job done. DO NOT WORK on the Lord's day Thanks for all the suggestions thus far.

[cjbritt1]

sorry more questions. What RPM's, about how much pressure and how much water should be used. I also have a whole set of brushes - brand New. Any certain brushes that should or be better to use.

Thanks everyone

[Boyd]

Most factories finish their 'leathers' at 120.

Your progression should be 36,46,60 or 80, then 120.

Your fingers should tell you when you have established enough texture on the edges with the 36. From there, the others don't take much time.

As has been stated, let the brushes do the work. Your part simply involves guidance [i.e. aim them where you want].

Mastering the technique is not a precursor for Brain Surgery School . It's easy.

Boyd, SFA

[ash20ash]

It will be your favorite edge after you do one piece. GRAVEY TRAIN

For some reason, we have always had good results after the 60 grit. Never went further. We then apply Ice or Ager and out da door. But all we do is VG or Fiorito We are boring around here.

Maybe I need to run them up further and see if they look better.



If you have the pads that also work on a snail lock adapter. BEWARE. There is a little point thingy on there that will/can just about rip your finger nail off if you dont keep your finger out the way. Grind it down some and you be good.

[Mark DeFusco]

We just got some in from Marmoelettromeccanica that are diamond wire brushes for ultra fast texturing. These are only available in 36 grit, 46 grit anmd 60 grit.
Mark

[VThartzog]

Not sure what brushes we use. I believe they are yellow and grey. We usually take a 50 grit and hit the edge with the side of the pad to somewhat gouge it randomly. Then we run through the brushes. I love the result

[Carmine Pantano]

Here's a video on leathering a piece on a Wizard.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuXO9QSk ... ature=plcp

[Curtis R. Marburger]

nice vid Carmine

[adam t]

The brushes generally run 36,46,60,120,220,300,400,800 grit. By the time you finish with the 46 grit your depth of texture should be set. After that it's up to you to judge when your color and finish match the factory.For a caress finish I go to 400 grit then switch to my most broken in polish pads 800 , 1500 then fill in with Tenax Pectro clear. Good luck.