How do I paint or draw on leather (waterproofed leather)

[c.c.1315]

I have someone who wants waterproofed leather mittens that they can draw/paint on and I'm uncertain the best supplies to get them for this task. What are some good, affordable options for creating a design on waterproofed leather mittens? Acrylic paint markers? Something else? TIA for any input!

[DieselTech]

11 hours ago, c.c.1315 said:

I have someone who wants waterproofed leather mittens that they can draw/paint on and I'm uncertain the best supplies to get them for this task. What are some good, affordable options for creating a design on waterproofed leather mittens? Acrylic paint markers? Something else? TIA for any input!

Look into some of this paint.

[chuck123wapati]

if you've already waterproofed them, then paint probably won't stick. They will have to draw or paint them, then waterproof them, regardless. I use decent artist's acrylic(that's what I have)  for my leather work that needs painting, but any acrylic paint will work; it doesn't have to be specific to leather.  I'm sure markers would work; never tried them, but a quick test on some scrap would tell you. 

[fredk]

Paint pens work well. The pens must have either an oil based or acrylic based paint

I use them for the details on my gaming boards

The paint pens cost about $1 each and are sort of meant for detailing autos, especially the tires

[c.c.1315]

Thanks for your input everyone. I won't be making the mittens, just buying them, so I can't help that they are already waterproofed. It's a gift, so I'm hopeful I can get something that will work.

[Dwight]

If you have someone who has a laser burner . . . the mittens could have a flat board pressed into them (to create a flat surface) . . . and if you could get it flat enough . . . and IF the person using the burner is good enough . . . he could just burn off enough of the waterproofing that you would have a rough surface for the paint to adhere to.

The acrylic paint itself is waterproof . . . so you should work out good there.

But the whole thing hinges on how good your laser burner buddy is . . . 

May God bless,

Dwight

[DwightT]

I realize that this is probably after the fact, but my thought on this was that a Rougher might work: https://www.weaverleathersupply.com/products/hand-rougher-tool

That would be similar to the other Dwight's suggestion of using a laser etcher, but I'm thinking that a hand tool might give you more control.