What can I use to stiffen the leather on boots for lamps?

Hi Dolores all the common ways to harden and stiffen leather that I've seen are to boil it, dry it and then bake it: https://ciceroleather.com/how-to-stiffen-leather/

But I worry that might discolor your boots. Maybe you could build a hidden support on the inside of the boots instead?

here is more info for you

https://leatherworker.net/forum/topic/15565-what-to-use-to-stiffen-leather/

Hello. Could you consider using a Ziploc bag and some play sand to weight stiffen and fill out the boot? Sometimes for upright boot storage we also use pool noodles.

Someone in this discussion recommends using grout in the boots. https://www.hometalk.com/diy/decorate/rooms/q-wanting-to-make-a-pair-of-lamps-out-of-cowboy-boots-4815398

Hi! Stuffing or filling the inside will give you the most natural appearance. I use cut pool noodles to keep my boots from creasing and flopping over. You could use something like that, possibly with a rod in the center to stiffen them. Good luck! It would be great if you posted your project because, I for one, would love to see it!

Hi Dolores, I would put some PVC pipes inside the boots. They come in various diameters and they're not expensive. The PVC pipe will support the light fittings and shade without messing up the boots. The pipe can be cut to the right height with a handsaw

Can you place a piece of PVC pipe in the boot to help it keep it’s shape?

How about using a pool noodle to keep its shape?

Possibly a water based poly product will stiffen without changing the color. Reinforcing the interior by stuffing with newspaper and pool noodles will also help.

You can paint them

Hi, heres a site that may help you out.

https://mazeleather.com/4-ways-to-harden-leather/

HELLO THERE,

Line the leather with Buckram?

Veggie tanned leather can be hardened using heat. The tanning agents in the leather react to the heat and become plastic, and will harden as they cool. You can only do this so many times. There is typically shrinkage of the leather associated with this technique. Usually, what is done is to wet the leather (thoroughly soak, more like), then heat with a hair dryer, oven, or carefully applied heat gun on low, or, alternately, you can use boiling water to start with. The harder you make it, the more brittle it will become. Very heavy leather will just become a wood-like chunk. Thinner leather will probably crack.

Chromium tanned leather simply will not harden this way.

Hi Dolores, you can make the boots stand up by stuffing something like plastic bags in each of them, OR you can varnish them and scuff the shine with a light sanding, hope this link helps you out,

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/cowboy-boot-lamp-project-99255.html