Sueding the smooth side of commercial tanned buckskin?

[RedBear]

Is there a way to make the smooth side nice and sueded like the other side? I like the look of the sueded leather but don't like the feel of the smooth side because it sticks and gets uncomfortable. Any tips would help. Thank you.

 

[user 48679]

Besides using the hide "rough side out", I would suggest sanding a small portion of the finished side as a test

 

[Polecat_Tom]

I haven't tried sanding so I don't know how that works but I have used a wire brush with some success.

 

[RedBear]

I like the sound of that. Seems like it will work decent. It doesn't have to be anything fancy just a little bit sueded for a bit more comfort.

 

[Bighorserider]

I've never tried it, but I have read that the mesh sand paper used for drywall with an electric sander works well.

 

[RedBear]

I've never tried it, but I have read that the mesh sand paper used for drywall with an electric sander works well.

I dont trust myself with powertools... too fast to mess up. I don't mind doing it by hand.

 

[RedBear]

Quick update...
I tried out a piece of 60 grit sandpaper and it worked exactly how I wanted. Now my leggings and moccasins won't be uncomfortably sticky.

 

[Brokennock]

Besides using the hide "rough side out", I would suggest sanding a small portion of the finished side as a test

It sounds to me like he is already wearing them rough sode out and doesn't like the feel of the smooth side on his skin.

 

[RedBear]

It sounds to me like he is already wearing them rough sode out and doesn't like the feel of the smooth side on his skin.

Yes

 

[Malamute]

Just for information purposes, since youve found an answer that works for you, the smooth grain breaks down in use, Ive worn out several sets of commercial tanned deerskin pants, they start looking rough after a few weeks then progress from there in regular use. Ive also scraped them with my knife (sharp edge) to help accelerate the process, which works fine to get it going, then I let it naturally occur,

 

[LRB]

I did a couple years ago brushing them with a file card. Try it on a small piece first. It still may not look quite like braintan.

 

[user 48679]

Quick update...
I tried out a piece of 60 grit sandpaper and it worked exactly how I wanted. Now my leggings and moccasins won't be uncomfortably sticky.

I'm glad you got it straightened out to your satisfaction...

 

[RedBear]

I did a couple years ago brushing them with a file card. Try it on a small piece first. It still may not look quite like braintan.

I'm not going for the look. I'm going for comfort. I don't like the smooth side against my skin but I like the sueded side out

 

[Omahkapi'si]

Wear your longjohns year round and the leather won’t stick to your skin.

 

[RedBear]

Wear your longjohns year round and the leather won’t stick to your skin.

Ok wise guy