Leather paint?

[DanielToby]

Hey people!

What do you all use for leather PAINT, not stain. I was thinking of adding some designs to my wallet designs and wondering if there is a good, wear resilient leather paint, something probably comparable to plastisol screen printing inks?

[JerseyFirefighter]

Angelus paint in multiple thinned coats. 

[Colt W Knight]

33 minutes ago, JerseyFirefighter said:

Angelus paint in multiple thinned coats. 

^ this

[TomG]

We've used the acrylics from Hobby Lobby with no issues.  I have a key fob that my wife painted a dragon on using the $1 a bottle stuff. I've carried it in my pocket daily for 2 years and  it still looks good.

[DJole]

I have used acrylic paint, no specific brand preferred (my artist wife has a bunch of various paint colors and brands available). I prefer dyes, but when you need white, you have to use paint for it. 
I haven't had any issues with flaking or peeling, but the painted pieces aren't wallets that would rub constantly on cloth. 
I have some wear on a rapier hanger which has gold paint on parts of  it, but that's to be expected since it is part of a sword belt that is worn while rapier fencing.
Have a good flexible sealant over the acrylic, and that will help. 

[bikermutt07]

Wow, my wife the art teacher has tons of quality acrylics.

[DanielToby]

On 2/1/2017 at 3:37 PM, JerseyFirefighter said:

Angelus paint in multiple thinned coats. 

 

23 hours ago, Colt W Knight said:

^ this

I've seen those, making sure it's the good stuff before I pull the trigger on ordering them, thanks!

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21 hours ago, TomG said:

We've used the acrylics from Hobby Lobby with no issues.  I have a key fob that my wife painted a dragon on using the $1 a bottle stuff. I've carried it in my pocket daily for 2 years and  it still looks good.

 

21 hours ago, DJole said:

I have used acrylic paint, no specific brand preferred (my artist wife has a bunch of various paint colors and brands available). I prefer dyes, but when you need white, you have to use paint for it. 
I haven't had any issues with flaking or peeling, but the painted pieces aren't wallets that would rub constantly on cloth. 
I have some wear on a rapier hanger which has gold paint on parts of  it, but that's to be expected since it is part of a sword belt that is worn while rapier fencing.
Have a good flexible sealant over the acrylic, and that will help. 

Interesting, I'll have to put some through the paces I suppose, I have so good stuff from my painting days not that long ago, I'll try it. Thanks!

[Bob Blea]

I've used common Liquitex acrylics (available in almost any craft or art supply store) with good results.  My wife once made a wallet for herself with a carved and painted butterfly on the front.  It's been through the washing machine twice and the paint is still holding up very well, not showing much wear and is completely useable.

Bob

[Colt W Knight]

Even cheap 1$ a bottle stuff available at walmart will work on leather. Its just more time consuming and requires some extra steps.

For example,

I used cheaper/craftsstore brand acrylics for a while, and when I used them I would have thin it with water and apply lots of thin coats to get adhesion and solid colors. Angelus on the other hand, I can use straight from the bottle, apply 1-2 coats and be done. The bottles have brushes built into the cap, and colors cover better, adhere nicely, and look more vibrant, IMHO.

Took me a lot more work to get the results I wanted from craft store acrylic. Thats why I prefer Angelus. A bottle goes a long way in the leather craft world, so the cost isn't a big issue to me. I also really like using Angelus in my airbrush. I get great coverage with thin airbrush coats. I use it to recolor boots, leather hats, leather jackets, etc. and the color doesn't crack or flake off.

Just like painting anything, THIN coats is the way to go.

 

Edited February 3, 2017 by Colt W Knight

[DanielToby]

On ‎2‎/‎3‎/‎2017 at 2:29 PM, Bob Blea said:

I've used common Liquitex acrylics (available in almost any craft or art supply store) with good results.  My wife once made a wallet for herself with a carved and painted butterfly on the front.  It's been through the washing machine twice and the paint is still holding up very well, not showing much wear and is completely useable.

Bob

Thank you!