Paint or stain leatherwork?

[Leedawg]

Wanting to delve into the world of painting or staining our tooled leather work. Any and all suggestions appreciated!

[Colt W Knight]

Depends on what look you are after. If you want bright vibrant colors, I use Angelus acrylic leather paint. If you just want different shades of brown, I use different colors of Fiebings brown dye. Stain and colored dyes look more faded and not as bright on leather, so they give a muted affect.

I have hand tremors, so I prefer to use Acrylics. If I get some in the wrong spot, I can wipe it off. With stains and dyes, especially, there is no going back.

 

Here is one with just dye

Here is one with acrylic

I don't use stains, so I don't have an example.

[Colt W Knight]

Also, I prefer acrylic because I can get even color application. Its very easy to get splotchy dye or stain on leather.

[Leedawg]

Thank You very much Colt! I have done a few contrasting stains and like you they bleed a little and like you also said, no going back. I will find some acrylics and give them a try.

Here is a wallet I did with different color stains. Its OK..... First wallet attempt. Not very proud of it. But some of my friends really like it.

Edited June 26, 2016 by Leedawg

[wantedleatherworks]

i utilize both stain and acrylic paints i have attached an example