How to paint leather ?
You want to paint on leather to customize or restore your favorite accessory or shoes ? Follow our advice and tips to have the best results on any kind of leather or imitation leather.
In this article, we explain what paint to use, how to prepare the leather, but also how to apply your paint and seal it.
What do you need to paint leather
What paint for leather ?
When painting leather, it’s essential to use professional paints that remain flexible and won’t crack over time.
If you’re customizing shoes, bags, or other accessories, always choose flexible leather paint specifically designed for such surfaces.
These paints can also be used on suede, nubuck and faux leather, as well as fabric and much more surface.
What tools for customization ?
To paint leather, you’ll need:
- A paintbrush or sponge (especially if you’re using stencils),
- A palette to mix your colors,
- Accessories like masking tape and a precision knife, and
- A solvent (such as acetone or a leather preparer) to remove the factory varnish.
Preparing the leather
Proper preparation is key to ensuring the paint adheres well to the leather surface and minimizes the risk of cracking.
How to prepare leather ?
In case you want to customize your old shoes, make sure to clean them first to remove the dirt.
Start by using a cotton pad with a paint stripper to remove the factory varnish.
If you plan to paint the front part of your shoes, then sand these areas using 400-grit sandpaper.
Get rid of the sanding dust using the stripper. Cleaning the leather will allow you to apply the paint with the best possible adhesion. Wipe the leather with a clean cloth to make sure you don't paint over solvent residue.
Painting on leather
The leather is now ready to be personalised or renovated to suit your needs, and you can now paint your surface with leather paint.
How to apply paint on leather ?
Apply thin coats of paint for the best durability and resistance.
For a homogeneous result, you need to apply 2 to 3 coats of paint.
Allow the paint to dry for 10–15 minutes between coats. Avoid using a dry paintbrush, as it can ruin the texture. Wash your brush regularly with water while working.
How to seal paint on leather ?
Once your customization is complete, let the paint cure for 24 hours before sealing it. You can choose either a matte or gloss finisher/topcoat, depending on the look you want.
The matte top coat will give you a natural sheen, while the gloss top coat will give you a shiny finish.
Like the paint, apply the topcoat in thin layers. Use 2 to 3 coats, allowing each to dry fully before applying the next.
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