Hirschkleber Craft Paste for Shoe Making - 2 Sizes

Product Description

Hirschkleber Craft Paste for Shoe Making

Hirschkleber is an all-natural, non-toxic paste that requires pressure to adhere.

A craft paste for fixing the inner leather lining to the shoes upper. Does not seal pores in leather so it always remains breathable. 

Please note, Hirschkleber is NOT suitable for gluing soles to the shoe.

In shoemaking, Hirschkleber is used to adhere shoe toe puffs and counters.  It reinforces and hardens the toe box.  It also enables ventilation inside shoes because in does not seal the pores in leather.  It is unlike ordinary glue that seals off leather leaving air unable to circulate through shoes.

Special Features

• Does not spoil
• Does not ferment
• Very durable 
• Does not seal pores in leather so it always remains breathable
• Perfect for fixing the inner leather lining to the shoes upper

Should Hirschkleber become hard, just heat it and stir with a little water and it is ready for use again!

The product can be washed off with water, clean with warm water with the film dried up, if necessary, gently mechanically remove adhesive residues.

The preservation is free of heavy metals, phenols and formalin and complies with the applicable BfR guidelines.

2 Sizes Available.

Using Hirschkleber Craft Paste: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hirschkleber is a traditional, natural adhesive widely used in leathercraft, particularly in shoemaking to stiffen components such as toe puffs and heel counters. Its unique properties make it ideal for applications requiring both adhesion and rigidity.

Preparation

Before application - it's essential to prepare the paste to achieve the desired consistency:

• Consistency Adjustment: If the Hirschkleber is too thick, it can be thinned by mixing it with water. This process may require some time to dissolve any clumps fully. One user notes, "I thin Hirshkleber down with water. It takes a while to get the clumps to dissolve but I like it over wood glue because it doesn't drip as much."

Application

Once the paste is prepared, follow these steps for application:

• Surface Preparation: Ensure that the leather surface is clean and, if necessary, slightly dampened. This can aid in better adhesion and workability.
• Applying the Paste: Using a brush or your fingers, apply a thin, even layer of Hirschkleber to the area requiring stiffening, such as the toe or heel. Ensure complete coverage without excessive buildup.

Lasting Process

The lasting process varies depending on the specific application:

• Toe Areas: It's advisable to last the toe completely and allow it to dry. Then, pull the toe leather back, insert the toe box, and finish the toe without re-wetting the leather. This method ensures optimal stiffness and shape retention.
• Heel Counters: Dampen the stiffener before lasting to extend the working time, as a damp stiffener provides about an hour to complete the lasting process.

Drying and Finishing

After application:

• Pressure Application: Apply consistent pressure to the glued area to ensure a strong bond and the desired stiffness.
• Drying Time: Allow the adhesive to dry thoroughly under pressure. The drying time may vary based on environmental conditions and the thickness of the applied layer.

Additional Tips

• Cleaning Tools: Clean brushes or tools used for application promptly with water to prevent the paste from hardening on them.
• Storage: Store Hirschkleber in a cool, dry place to maintain its usability over time.

Hirschkleber is a versatile and effective adhesive for leathercraft projects requiring stiffness and durability. By following the preparation and application steps outlined above, craftsmen can achieve professional results in their shoemaking endeavors.