Using Acrylic Paints On Leather

[UKRay]

Okay folks, I need to paint a few projects (mostly purses and bags) with acrylics but I'm not getting much success so far. The paint rapidly loses its 'brightness' and goes dull looking. I'm also concerned that it will flake off. Should I use a base coat? Do I need to apply a special 'finish' to seal the work?

Can anyone give me advice on the best way to make a really good job?

Any help gratefully received!

Ray

[oldhat]

Hi uk ray, you do not say which type of paint you are using, i find the angelus paints quite good,sealed with resolene seems to work for me, however it might help if you described your process a bit more and what kind of work you are doing.You might also want to consider an airbrush.

[SkullCanyon]

I use Createx with an airbrush and seal it. No flaking or color loss and I have painted hundred if masks this way.

Good luck

[oldhat]

Hi skullcanyon, do you thin the createx when you put it through the airbrush and if so what do you use as a thinner.

[SkullCanyon]

Yes I thin the Createx. It is water based and that is what I use. You do not need to thin it much, do some practice tests on scrap.

I usually run my Iwata brushes between 15-30 psi. It depends on the paint and desired effect.

[Colt W Knight]

I thin my acrylic paints and apply about 4 coats. The trick is applying several thin coats. Thick coats are way more prone to flaking.

[UKRay]

I love the way you guys think I might have a process. lol!!! - I wish!

What I want to do is to paint the tooled sections of my bags to add some colour. I'm currently hand dying the whole bag but I reckon a bit of 'bling' might sell well.

I have heard that using a base coat of white helps to get a better colour. Anyone had any experience of this?

Thanks for the help so far...

Ray