Awl & Hide

Dyeing & Finishing

Color, protection, and the finished feel of a piece. These guides walk through choosing between alcohol and oil dyes, applying color evenly so you avoid streaks and blotches, and sealing the surface so it wears well. We cover conditioning to keep the leather supple, and the step that beginners enjoy most: burnishing an edge with gum tragacanth or beeswax until it is smooth, dark, and rounded. A well-finished edge is what separates a piece that looks handmade from one that looks home-made, and it is well within reach early on.

Dyeing & Finishing

4 guides

Dyeing & Finishing

How to Get an Even Leather Dye Job (No Streaks)

Learn how to dye leather evenly with no streaks or blotches. Covers prep, application technique, coats, and troubleshooting common problems.

August 10, 2026

Dyeing & Finishing

Gum Tragacanth vs Tokonole: Which Edge Slicker to Use

Gum tragacanth vs Tokonole compared for leather edge finishing: how each works, which gives a better result, and which to buy first.

July 27, 2026

Dyeing & Finishing

How to Burnish Leather Edges Until They Shine

Learn how to burnish leather edges step by step: sanding, beveling, slicking with gum tragacanth or Tokonole, and finishing with beeswax.

July 13, 2026

Dyeing & Finishing

How to Dye Leather: A Beginner's Guide

Learn how to dye leather at home with step-by-step prep, dye types, application techniques, and finishing tips for beginners.

June 29, 2026

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