Using Shagreen?

[fudo133]

Hi all,

I was just wondering whether anyone on here has ever worked with shagreen/stingray hides before?
I'm considering getting a few to have a play around with and am wanting to make sure i don't end up wasting my money and the materials by laying it wrong.

Can it be used more or less in the same way as laying normal leathers and with the same traditional glues used for standard leather (hide glue, fish glue, wallpaper paste and flour paste)? Or is there some special technique exclusive to it?

Any help would be muchly appreciated

[fletty]

Hi Fudo,
I HAVEN'T DONE IT MYSELF BUT I'm told that the way I was shown by AlexS to glue suede also works for shagreen. I cover both surfaces with (in my case) normal Titebond woodworking glue and allow them to dry. Then place the pieces together, protect the shagreen with clean cloth (I used tea towels until I got caught!) and then use a hot dry iron to 'thermally re-activate' the glue and smooth them together. This method gives both excellent glueing AND a very smooth, wrinkle free result.
fletty
PS, don't get caught using the iron either AND don't buy a new iron AS A GIFT expecting to be given the old one! This only results in having the old iron thrown at you!