For the base (black) I would use a pro dye instead of paint. The dye penetrates the leather where the paint will sit on top of the leather. You can still use your paint gun for it too. I can't tell for sure, but it doesn't appear the edges have been burnished. This will also help protect the leather over time. By burnishing the edges, it will seal them to prevent moisture from intruding into the leather, and it gives the piece a nice finished look. Nice job on the shield. Especially like the concho.