Inspired by the @philipjury design hack post, I'm sharing an idea here for feedback. I'd been pondering ways to give a finished look to the back of leather goods, including straps, without lining them. I had some 50% water-50% Uniters matte black edge paint in a little squeeze bottle. So I applied a couple of thin coats on the back of some English bridle from Wickett and Craig. Turns out to be a really interesting finish that seems like it might be durable. It's not a finish for luxury items, but it gives a medium satin finish, not slick but not at all rubbery-tacky, as I thought it might be. It's easy to apply, dries fairly quickly and does not appear to need any polishing, etc. The photo shows the back of a piece of bridle on the left alongside a finished piece. I've got a toiletries bag that I like to make, and I believe I'll try this as an interior finish, rather than leather, cloth, plastic or whatever. Thoughts?
@smithdal That's interesting! I like the idea. I think if I were to go this route I would try using Fiebing's Acrylic Resolene, they have it in some basic colours.
I wonder if Angelus paints would work too.
Have you tried slicking the flesh side and dyeing it?
I'm keen to explore alternatives to lining. I'm in the midst of using a wool felt to line an iPad folio. I was a little concerned that the wool might scratch the screen but testing seems to show it doesn't. None the less, I'll give it away once I'm done and dare not use it myself. I'll upload a picture when I can shortly.