Buzz
Synthetic leather is a popular material used for upholstering furniture, making clothing, and crafting accessories. This material is usually made from polymer plastics and is designed to resemble real leather in both appearance and texture. As a result, it is also referred to as faux leather. Painting synthetic leather is an enjoyable and affordable way to transform your garments or breathe new life into old accessories. Once you select the right type of paint for faux leather, you can start revamping a chair or get creative with a handbag, skirt, and more.
Steps
Choose the Right Paint
Use Acrylic Paint. Acrylic paint comes in a wide variety of colors, from metallic hues to shimmering tones, and can be found at most craft stores. It works well on many surfaces, adheres strongly to synthetic leather, and is more durable than other types of paint. This paint is also flexible, so it won’t crack over time.
Choose leather-specific paint. Leather paint, which is acrylic-based, can be found in most craft stores. In addition to a wide range of colors, this type of paint is specially formulated to adhere to both real and synthetic leather. Leather paints are more expensive than standard acrylic paints, with prices ranging from 50,000 to 190,000 VND for a small jar. While pricier, this paint is more resistant to wear and fading over time.
Choose chalk paint. Chalk paint creates a vintage, Shabby Chic look, perfect for accessories or furniture. This paint sticks well to a variety of surfaces and fabrics, making it an excellent choice for synthetic leather. Many brands offer a range of chalk paints that you can purchase at craft stores or home improvement shops.
Painting on Leather
Clean the synthetic leather. Use a small amount of rubbing alcohol to remove dust, oil, and wax from the surface of the synthetic leather. Dampen a cotton ball and wipe it over the entire surface. Once the surface is free from dirt and oil, the paint will adhere more securely.
Use a paint mixing tray. A paint mixing tray makes it easy and efficient to prepare the desired color. You can find plastic or wooden mixing trays for artists at craft stores or bookstores. If you'd prefer to repurpose materials, aluminum foil, newspapers, or magazines can also be used to hold the paint.
Mix a small amount of acetone into the acrylic paint. When using acrylic paint, pour the selected color into a mixing tray and add a few drops of acetone. The acetone will thin the paint, making it smoother and easier to apply. Gently stir the paint and acetone together with a small brush. You should only add a few drops, up to one teaspoon of acetone, as too much will make the paint too runny.
- Acrylic paint dries very quickly, so avoid putting too much paint into the tray at once.
- If the paint becomes too thick, add a few more drops of acetone gradually.
Apply a primer coat for large surfaces. If you're painting a large, consistent area, start by applying an even layer of primer. Use a soft brush to cover the entire surface with the paint color you’ve chosen for the project. Don’t skip this step for furniture or clothing items.
Press a sponge into the paint. Lightly press the sponge into the paint in the mixing tray. Use long, vertical strokes to spread the paint evenly across the synthetic leather surface. Acrylic paint dries quickly, so be sure to act fast when using this tool.
- Focus on long, continuous strokes when painting large surfaces to avoid interruptions. If working on upholstery, paint one side at a time.
Wait for the paint to dry. Allow the paint to fully dry before applying another layer. Place the item in a secure location where it won’t be disturbed, moved, or touched. Wait approximately 15 to 20 minutes for the paint to completely dry.
Apply additional coats to enhance the color. Once the first coat of paint is dry, apply another layer to intensify the brightness and color saturation. Make sure that each previous layer is fully dry before applying the next coat.
Create a detailed design sketch
Sketch the design onto the surface. Use a pencil to lightly sketch your design on the leather. Avoid pressing too hard with the pencil, as this can cause indentations. Since the paint is semi-transparent, if you sketch too darkly, the lines may show through.
Paint over the design. Use a brush to apply the color of your choice onto the sketched outline. Try to avoid applying thick layers of paint, as these are more prone to cracking over time. If your design has multiple colors, allow each layer to dry completely before applying the next to prevent smearing.
- Don't forget to clean your brush after changing colors. Keep a small cup of water nearby to wash the brush before switching to a different color.
Remove paint mistakes with acetone. If you make an error while painting, dip a small amount of acetone onto a cotton ball or a cotton swab and gently clean the mistake. Once the error is removed and the area is completely dry, you can continue with your work.
Allow the paint to dry. After completing your design, let the piece air dry. Ensure it is placed in a safe spot to prevent any damage or disturbance. The paint will typically dry in 15 to 20 minutes.
Advice
- Consider opting for PU leather instead of PVC (vinyl). PU leather is washable and more breathable compared to vinyl. Vinyl can become stiff when used for clothing or accessories.
Warning
- With frequent use, faux leather accessories may experience peeling of the paint.
What You Need
- Artificial leather items
- Acrylic paint, specialized paint for leather or chalk paint
- Paintbrush
- Sponges
- Water container
- Color mixing tray
- Acetone
- Rubbing alcohol
- Cotton or cotton swabs
