HOW TO make a leather item – Chapter 5: Edge Dying

Edge dying (or edge staining) is the process by which the sharp edges of the leather are rounded by applying an acrylic dye in order to hold down the edge fibers of the leather. Several dye layers may be applied in order to get a soft touch on the edges, letting each coat thoroughly dry before the next is applied. A thorough burnish is also necessary to remove any hard finish.

In order to get an even softer and more rounded finish of the edges, heat is applied on the dyed edges so that the excess dye can be removed. After this “burning process” the final coat of dye is applied.