Painting on Leather With Acrylic Paints: A Complete Guide

Leather is classic, hard-wearing, multi purpose and fashionable. One step further What if you could customize your leather products in your way? Leather jackets, wallets, shoes, and bags all can be painted with acrylic paint to create infinite possibilities of creativity. This tutorial will show you exactly what you need to know in order to transform dull leather into something a person can wear on a daily basis.

Why Choose Acrylic Paints for Leather?

When it comes to painting on leather, acrylic paints are your best friend. Here’s why:

• Flexibility: They don’t crack or peel easily when applied properly.
  

• Vibrant Colors: Acrylics provide rich, bold hues that stand out beautifully against leather’s natural tones.
  

• Quick Drying: Perfect for layering designs without long wait times.
  

• Durability: Once sealed, acrylic paint withstands wear and tear, making your art last longer.

What You’ll Need

Before diving in, gather these essentials:

• Leather items (jacket, shoes, wallet, bag, etc.)
  

• Drawlish Acrylic Paints – for rich, vibrant colors.
  

• Drawlish Paint Markers – for adding fine details, outlines, or lettering.
  

• Leather preparer/cleaner (rubbing alcohol works in a pinch).
  

• Paintbrushes or sponges.
  

• Masking tape (to protect areas you don’t want painted).
  

• Acrylic finisher/sealer.

Step-by-Step Guide to Painting on Leather

1. Prep the Leather

Clean the surface with a leather cleaner or rubbing alcohol to remove oils, dirt, and finishes. This ensures the paint adheres properly.

2. Plan Your Design

Sketch your idea on paper first. If you’re working on a complex design, you can lightly trace it onto the leather with a pencil or use stencils.

3. Apply Base Layers

Start with thin coats of Drawlish Acrylic Paints. Multiple light layers are better than one thick one; they'll dry evenly and flex with the leather.

4. Add Details with Paint Markers

Once your base is dry, bring your design to life using Drawlish Paint Markers. They’re perfect for crisp lines, lettering, or small details that brushes can’t handle.

5. Let It Dry

Allow the paint to dry completely between layers. Patience here ensures a smoother, longer-lasting finish.

6. Seal Your Artwork

Apply an acrylic leather finisher or sealer to protect your design from scratches, moisture, and fading. This step is crucial for durability.

Pro Tips for Leather Painting Success

• Always test on a scrap piece of leather first.
  

• Use masking tape for clean edges.
  

• Don’t overwork wet paint it can crack.
  

• Store your painted leather away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

Why Use Drawlish Products?

At Drawlish.com, we provide artists with tools that combine quality and creativity:

• Drawlish Acrylic Paints – Bold, flexible, and designed to work perfectly on leather.
  

• Drawlish Paint Markers – Smooth-flowing markers that give you precision for details and outlines.

Whether you’re painting a bold mural on a leather jacket or customizing sneakers with fine patterns, our paints and markers are made to bring your vision to life.

Painting on leather isn’t just about creating art, it's about turning everyday items into personal statements. With the right tools and techniques, you can breathe new life into old pieces or make brand-new items one-of-a-kind.