Goat,
Cow, Calf, Deer, Pig or Kangaroo
just as long as it is Natural Vegetable Tanned.
I love Pyrographing onto Kangaroo, it has a very smooth and forgiving
surface. It can be a little expensive at times. I also like to use
Calf skin, when I can get it. The least expensive would be Goat
or Deer. Deer skin is quite good, but care must be taken when burning
on it, as it can be quite thin and easily overburnt... just take
your time and use a low heat setting on the Pyro tool. If the Leather
is hard to manage, try gluing it down to a backing board before
you Pyrograph it. Use a water based wood glue
for this job, as any other type of glue may release toxic fumes
as the leather above it is heated.
It is
also a good practice to wear a light weight cotton glove on the
hand that you use the burner with. This will stop any perspiration
or skin oils from marring the leather surface... Remember...........Natural
leather will absorb any liquid spilt on it and it will usually leave
a permanent stain.
Avoid wearing jewelery when working on natural leather, as some
metals have a chemical reaction to the tannin in the leather and
the result will be an unsightly blue stain similar to an old tattoo's
color, if it happens, it is permanent.
Fingernails should be cut short, as long nails will leave little
"half moon" impressions on the leather. These are unsightly
and cannot be removed for the surface.
The
most obvious downside of Pyrographing Leather is the smell of it
burning, but it is tolerable and you soon learn to ignore it. A
well ventilated area is a good idea.
Having
said all that, possibily, you are now considering to give leather
a miss... don't... Leather is the very best surface to Pyrograph
onto and you will love it!
Many long-time Pyrographers have not really considered Leather in
their work.....they do not know what they are missing!
I
use a JANIK G4 for most of the Pyrography on Leather,
occasionally I will use an IRONCORE T3/54.
