Highlands858 Report post Posted April 28, 2012 Oil or water-based? What do the pro's use, and why? I've been using water-based, but I don't know why. Links would be appreciated as well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chavez Report post Posted April 28, 2012 (edited) Hi. For paints, I believe that acrylics are the most popular. Not sure if you can use anything else. For dyes, spirit based (including so-called "oil dyes") seem to have better penetration, however, there's a recent thread in the finishes sections about getting good results with water-based dyes. Here it is: http://leatherworker...showtopic=38260 PPS I'm not a pro by the way=) Just collating the dye info I've read on this forum. Edited April 28, 2012 by Chavez Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tina Report post Posted April 29, 2012 As an artist (before starting with leather) I have all these wonderful oilpaints at home...I did a trialround with the oil paints on leather and now around 4-5 years ago the pieces is just as beautiful as the day I painted it :-) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted April 29, 2012 Some post here recently said oil paint peals when the leather is flexed. Do a search, there is lots of info already posted. CTG Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DoubleC Report post Posted April 29, 2012 I'm no expert but all I use are water based paints, and mostly water based dyes too. I paint on 2" conchos and water is way more forgiving. I picked an odd specialty for someone with shaky hands. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
