Can Leather Be Sanded

[Kevin Zito]

Has anyone ever tried to sand leather? Can it be brought back to a non-suede state buy working through the grits? Z

 

[Delta Handmade Knives]

i sand the edge of my sheaths to 800 before hitting them with the wooden wax wheel. They end up pretty smooth. But this really depends on what you are trying to do. .... what are you trying to do?

 

[Kevin Zito]

Sand out deep scratches.

 

[tkroenlein]

Have you tried working the scratch wet and kind of ironing out the scratches? Pictures may help with some solutions. You can get the rough side pretty slick by burnishing. Depends on how much you have to sand. I've sanded some on the slick side but not very deep.

 

[Kevin Zito]

Thanks for the replies. I’m going to experiment a little

 

[Delta Handmade Knives]

Sand out deep scratches.

Depends on the type of leather.

Most leathers will not survive deep scratches on the good side and go back to looking like they did before the scratch took place. Mileage may vary.

Good luck

 

[Daniel Macina]

I just got a glass slicker For smoothing out the good side of leather before stamping and it really works wonders. I don’t know if it would fix the issue you’re having but it may be worth a shot

 

[Kevin Zito]

these are all great suggestions... thanks to all

 

[Dennis Morland]

Sand out deep scratches.

Kevin - I have never tried to sand out a deep scratch using sand paper. My best guess/suggestion would be do not even try it. Once you remove the top coat, it will not return to its original state. Leather is not like wood. You cannot sand away it’s imperfections.
You may be able to wet and smooth it using a modeling spoon. Perhaps even stamp over the scratch.
A picture would really help.

 

[Kevin Zito]

Thanks, Dennis, I ended up just using my garbage cans lol.

 

[Gliden07]

Just wet it down and tool the area!!