[Hellsgate] Shield edging

[missinglink at phulesgold.com]

OK...I'm getting started on my next shield (a center hold round) and I  
need a little advice from anyone who uses rawhide shield edging.

1. What source do you use for obtaining the rawhide?  Is the stuff  
Tandy sells as strips tough enough?

2.  Is the rawhide paintable once it is dry?

Hope to have all this done before I return to the Stronghold, but we will see.

In Service,
Coenred