Introduction: How to Smooth and Polish Suede
In this instructables instruction guide I will show you how to make suede (yuck) look like real shiny leather (yay)
the TLDR is
Mix PVA glue and polish
Apply
Burn it
Rub it
Polish it
The glue bonds the suede stuff together, the wax colours and hardens it, the suede gets shinier, doesn't split when bent/twisted, doesn't scuff easily and looks like slightly pebbled leather at the end. I'm using it to make decent looking movie costumes using super cheap, nasty industrial leather.
the TLDR is
Mix PVA glue and polish
Apply
Burn it
Rub it
Polish it
The glue bonds the suede stuff together, the wax colours and hardens it, the suede gets shinier, doesn't split when bent/twisted, doesn't scuff easily and looks like slightly pebbled leather at the end. I'm using it to make decent looking movie costumes using super cheap, nasty industrial leather.
Supplies
These are all the things I used in my process:
Suede
PVA glue (possibly other types too)
Shoe Polish
Lighter
Time
Patience
Suicidal depression
Suede
PVA glue (possibly other types too)
Shoe Polish
Lighter
Time
Patience
Suicidal depression
Step 1: Find Some Suede
Find some suede. Suede originally came from Sweden (Sueden).
Suede is kinda like leather but more s**t
Suede is kinda like leather but more s**t
Step 2: Find Some Glue and Polish
I used PVA glue mixed with Kiwi brand brown shoe polish, I blended it in a bowl until it looked like cookies and cream* and then spread it over the suede until it was completely covered.
It will appear very light brown at first, but will darken as the PVA dries, as it dries clear.
You have my permission to use a different colour than brown if you want.
*Do NOT eat the glue/polish mix. It does NOT taste like cookies and cream.
It will appear very light brown at first, but will darken as the PVA dries, as it dries clear.
You have my permission to use a different colour than brown if you want.
*Do NOT eat the glue/polish mix. It does NOT taste like cookies and cream.
Step 3: Burn It All
I was a bit concerned about setting fire to myself, but it turned out okay. I just kinda suspended the former-suede between my knees and used a lighter to dry/melt the glue/wax. It won't ignite (as far as I know) and won't drip.
This step isn't 100% necessary but I wanted to dry it faster.
I won't post photos because you really don't wanna see my legs or the awkward positioning this requires.
This step isn't 100% necessary but I wanted to dry it faster.
I won't post photos because you really don't wanna see my legs or the awkward positioning this requires.
Step 4: Suede-be-gone
Wow, great, amazing. You now have smooth leather. You're so talented and pretty, well done.
I added black polish over the top, which still absorbs into the leather despite the glue, and burnished it using a bamboo stick, though be careful not to be too rough and try to only move the bamboo (or whatever burnishing tool you choose) in just one direction, so the glue has a chance to bond the suede "hairs"(?) To the suede "body"(?)
I don't know all the parts of suede, what do I look like, a suede doctor?
For more great tips, email me at tomhanksisguilty@gmail.com, or call me on 1800 KAPPY
I added black polish over the top, which still absorbs into the leather despite the glue, and burnished it using a bamboo stick, though be careful not to be too rough and try to only move the bamboo (or whatever burnishing tool you choose) in just one direction, so the glue has a chance to bond the suede "hairs"(?) To the suede "body"(?)
I don't know all the parts of suede, what do I look like, a suede doctor?
For more great tips, email me at tomhanksisguilty@gmail.com, or call me on 1800 KAPPY
