What makes a handbag a classic? In this blog, Anaïs Coste, Marketing Manager - Apparel & Luxury goods at Stahl, argues that it’s the details that matter. Below, she discusses what makes the perfect edge and unpacks the hidden power of leather edge paint to take a design from forgettable to extraordinary.
Leather edge paint is a water-based finishing agent applied to the edges of leather products. It is mainly used on goods such as leather handbags, shoes and belts.
Edge paint is most commonly used on smooth leather products, such as those made from ‘split’ or ‘bonded’ leather. Learn more about what edge paint is.
Have you ever run your finger along the edge of a luxury leather handbag and marvelled at how smooth it is? You’re probably feeling the effect of a well-applied edge paint. Edge paint is the luxury handbag industry’s secret weapon for making their products stand out on the shelf. Many of the enduring styles used by the world’s most iconic luxury brands use an elegant trim colour to create a sophisticated look and feel.
But edge paint doesn’t have to be ostentatious to make a big difference. In fact, one of the standout trends of the past year – ‘quiet luxury’ – favours a much more subtle and subdued aesthetic. It’s all about timeless designs and long-lasting investment pieces, the antithesis of fashion’s usual seasonal treadmill. Big, flashy logos are out, and craftsmanship is king. But when it comes to ensuring that your pieces will be cherished for years to come, every detail counts – especially the edges.
An edge can make or break a bag, and choosing the right finish is crucial. The appearance and physical properties of leather can vary enormously depending on the specifics of the leather tanning process, giving the final product its distinctive texture and hand feel. Leather edge paint adds an extra touch of sophistication to leather items such as a handbag or purse. But it doesn’t just improve their appearance – using edge paint on a raw edge can also add vital durability, meaning that these types of bags can retain their aesthetic and tactile qualities for longer.
Edge paint is a water-based leather finishing agent designed to cover, protect and beautify the edges of accessories such as handbags by creating a more consistent finish. It can be applied in any type of bag design, from clutches to satchels, adding a pop of colour or a contrasting texture. On a functional level, edge paint helps to make leather goods more durable, protecting them from everyday wear and tear. Handbags, in particular, are at risk of scuffing because they’re often set down and picked up during daily use. The edges of the bag must also be able to withstand a range of temperatures and weather conditions.
Leather edge paint technology works by combining several types of polymers into a single liquid solution that is applied along the edges of the leather item. This coating, or ‘paint’, helps to seal off the fibres of the edge, giving it a smoother appearance and increased durability. There are several types of edge paint products, including primers, colour coats and topcoats. These come in a variety of finishes, such as ‘dull’, ‘gloss’ and ‘satin’, giving designers complete freedom to create a range of different effects so they can create a unique product experience for the consumer.
All Stahl’s edge paint products are formulated with Stahl’s polymeric technology for superior flexibility, adhesion, colour fastness and elongation. This greatly reduces the risk of cracking, peeling and colour transfer, resulting in a more even finish that lasts longer. Our advanced formulation combined with high solids content allows for faster drying while providing high covering, meaning fewer coats are required than with traditional edge paints. We also offer a wide range of colour options that can be regularly updated to meet changing customer needs or market trends – perfect for faithfully reproducing the distinctive vision of your designers. For more specific requirements, at Stahl’s Centre of Excellence for Edge Paint in Graulhet, France, we work with our customers to develop outstanding finishes that meet their exact specifications.
In short, we can help you elevate the edges of your handbags and leather accessories, so you can create designs that your customers will cherish for years to come. Luxury is all about the details, and nothing says ‘expert craftsmanship’ quite like a perfectly finished edge. And as we’ve seen, there’s a lot of painstaking science and artistry that goes into creating this seemingly simple element. So, next time you’re out shopping for a new bag, take a closer look at the trim – a little edge paint can make all the difference!
Watch the video below to discover the intricate process of applying leather edge paint.