Use acrylic painting instead of leather dyes on leather jackets. You’ll find most leather jackets have designs that are hand-painted with acrylic paint on leather.
How To Seal Acrylic Paint On Leather
Acrylic paint may be used to paint soft surfaces, such as leather and fabric. Another common choice is leather paint; however, acrylics are similar and far less expensive. Acrylic paint also comes in a variety of rich and colorful colors, giving you more options for paint tones.
However, the success of your project will be determined by your application technique. The paint will not adhere to the material for a long time if it is not prepared correctly. So, after you’ve painted leather using acrylics, you’ll need to seal it.
In our guide, you can learn all about preparing leather for your next leather painting project. From leather shoes to leather jackets to leather furniture, you can find how to use leather medium, leather paints, and how sealing acrylic paint makes your design last. (Read Does Water Stain Leather)
Painting Leather with Acrylic Paint
You can learn how to restore the brilliance of leather by painting it. Acrylic paints, such as Angelus leather paint that are specially made to seep into and tint the soft surface of leather, have been around for almost a century and are available online and in local craft stores. You can use standard acrylic paints as long as you stick to the proper steps.
You can give worn leather a new lease on life by applying a fresh layer of paint to it without harming the material. The first step is to learn how to paint leather with acrylic paint.
Things You Need:
- Water-based acrylic paint
- Paint brush
- Wool dauber or towel
- Painter’s tape (optional)
The basic steps cover any leather pieces, yet can differ slightly if painting shoes or a leather jacket.
Clean the Surface
- Clean the leather before you paint using one part leather bleach with one part water.
- Wipe the leather surface clean using a wool dauber. If you don’t have a wool dauber, use a towel.
- You may need to use isopropyl alcohol to wipe the surface if they come with a protective coating. The silicone coating will stop any acrylic-based paints from sticking to your paint job.
Prepare Work Area
Because acrylic paint is difficult to remove, you’ll want to cover your work surface. To keep the paint from getting on anything, lay down tarps or drop cloths and wear protective clothing.
Paint the Leather
The finest paint for leather is acrylic paint. Select the best water-based leather paint for your project.
- Apply a single coat of undiluted acrylic paint direct to the leather surface. Add more coats as needed, but wait at least two hours for the paint to dry completely before applying another.
- For the best results, paint thinly in light applications in the direction of the leather’s flex if painting leather shoes as more cracks will appear with thick paint.
- Mark off the area you don’t want the paint to go.
- For the first coat, mix water-based acrylic paint with equal parts of water to get diluted paint if you’re having difficulties getting the paint to stick to the surface. Wait five minutes before applying the undiluted paint to the rest of the leather surface.
Seal and Cure
After the paint has dried completely and looks the way you want it to, you’ll seal it. Before applying the finisher, make sure there is no dirt or dust on the surface. (Learn How To Remove Paint From Leather)
How to Seal Acrylic Paint on Leather
You must seal acrylic paint to the leather to prevent it from cracking. The ideal tool for the job is a sealer or an acrylic paint finisher from your local craft store or online.
Clean and Dry Leather
Before applying the paint, check to see if the leather is clean. Any dust or particles on the material will become trapped if you skip this step.
Seal the Paint
When painting on leather objects, use a liquid paint finisher or spray sealant in light coats.
- Use an ounce of acrylic paint finisher per one part of water. Apply a light coat with a wool dauber, yet ensure you don’t over soak your leather.
- Wait five minutes between coats before a fresh coat, and build up the sealant in bursts of 20 applications.
- Alternatively, you can use a spray gun to coat the surface quickly. The transparent protection is available in gloss, satin, or matte. Ensure the spray sealant works with leather.
Add a Waterproofing Spray
- Apply a waterproofing spray final to help the paint last. The coating protects, protects, and resists moisture.
- General retailers sell a waterproofing topcoat as brush-on fluids or aerosol sprays. It doesn’t matter. Make sure the brand you chose works with acrylic paint.
- Apply the waterproof coat as directed on the bottle with an aerosol, point, and spray. Dry the coat for 24 hours for complete moisture resistance on leather acrylic paint.
Rustoleum 2X Clear Gloss
Notes from the manufacturer: Company states this product is considered cured within 24 hours when applied in a controlled environment with temps around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Decreased temperatures may call for longer cure times. Increased temperatures may call for less cure time. Product is not waterproof but is considered water resistant, which is a step above water repellant. Products may be submerged in water for short periods of time and should be able to withstand outside elements for a good amount of time.
5 minute cure time after three coats were applied: Decal was submerged in water for two minutes and 30 seconds and held up with no issues. Decal was intact and durable. Applied with no issues.
24 hour cure time after 3 coats were applied: Decal was submerged in water for two minutes and 30 seconds before it became activated. The Decal was intact and durable and applied seamlessly.
Krylon Triple Thick Crystal Clear
Notes from the manufacturer: Cure time is 7 days. It is not considered waterproof or water resistant. May repel water after the 7 day cure time. Company states none of their products are made to be submerged in water.
5 minute cure time after three coats were applied: Krylon Triple Thick was submerged in water for 3 minutes and 30 seconds. Our waterslide adhesive activated well and the decal slid well off the backing and was intact and durable making it great for use.
24 hour cure time after 3 coats were applied: Performed excellent as listed above.
Krylon ColorMaster Acrylic Crystal Clear
5 minute cure time after three coats were applied: Unfortunately around 26 seconds of being in the water the decal paper became slimy and around 30 seconds of being in the water the ink started to crack making the decal not usable.
24 hour cure time after 3 coats were applied: When Krylon Colormax was retested using a decal 24 hours after it was sealed we found that the decal stayed intact and transferred well.
