Resolene

Why You’ll Love It:

Resolene is the topcoat we reach for when a piece has to survive the real world. It goes on thin, dries clear, and puts a flexible acrylic seal over your dye so it stops rubbing off on shirts, jeans and truck seats. If you have ever handed somebody a black belt and watched it mark up their pants, this is the fix.

Key Specs:

• Type: Acrylic resin finish and sealer
• Sizes: 4 oz and 32 oz
• Finish: Satin sheen, dries clear
• Coverage: Thin coats, two or three passes
• Cleanup: Water while wet

Things to Know Before You Buy:

• Cut it with water, about half and half, before you apply it. Straight out of the bottle it goes on too heavy and can streak or look plastic
• Two or three thin coats beat one thick one every time
• Let each coat flash off before the next
• Test on scrap first if you are working over a heavy antique or a resist

Best For:

• Belts, holsters, dog collars and anything that rides against clothing
• Sealing dye so it stops transferring
• Gear that sees weather and needs water resistance
• Any piece where you want a little sheen without a glassy shine

More About This Product:

Most finish problems come from putting it on too thick. Thin it, build it in light coats, and Resolene gives you a durable flexible film that moves with the leather instead of cracking off it. It stays put through weather and wear, which is why it has been a standard on the bench for as long as most of us have been doing this.