How to Paint Leather

Paint does not always adhere well to leather. In order to stick and to last, the paint needs to penetrate into the leather -- the deeper the better. Here are some tips I have learned on how to prepare leather for successful painting.

Clean the leather surface.

Before applying paint to leather, clean the surface thoroughly. Wipe it with a water-dampened cloth or a small amount of mild soap and water. I also have found that using an old toothbrush works well.

Take the shine off.

Suede leather usually holds paint well, but smooth, shiny leather often has a wax or oil finish that prevents paint from adhering. Be sure that you have taken the shine off portions of the leather that will be painted. This will help the paint to bind.

Remove coatings and surface oils.

Wipe with rubbing alcohol to remove surface oils and any protective coatings from the areas where you will be applying paint. (I also have read that denatured alcohol and acetone are other good options.) Then sand the areas that will be painted, using fine sandpaper or emery cloth. Besides helping to remove the coating, sanding also will "rough up" and "raise a tooth" in the painting surface just enough to make a big difference in how well the paint adheres.

Using water-based acrylics, apply paint following these steps:

Use water-based acrylic paints on leather. They are more flexible than other paints. Some acrylics specifically state on the label that they are safe to use on leather.

Mix one part water to one part paint and apply the solution to the leather's surface using a paint brush or dauber. This will prepare the leather's surface for the application of undiluted paint. If the solution is not being absorbed, add a little more water. If you are covering a large area, use a large brush and long even strokes.

Apply one or two coats, allowing the solution to be completely absorbed into the leather between coats. The leather should remain slightly damp.

Then apply undiluted acrylic paint.

Several thin coats of paint are more durable than one thick coat.

To help prevent the paint from cracking, flex the leather between coats of paint and several times during the drying process.

Always do a test sample, prior to painting.

I hope these tips on how to paint leather have been helpful to you.

See Paint Leather Jackets to watch a series of short tutorial videos by talented artist Kristine Mueller.

For information on using opaque paint markers on leather, see the Acrylic and Oil Based Paint Marker page.

Two of my projects that involve painting leather are Painted Baby Shoes and Winter Arts and Crafts: Alpine Skates.

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