| |
How to Paint a Design on Leather Goods
By Jake Berlin
Sometimes your leather goods need a little help and you've
got the urge to dye or paint it. With dye it's pretty straight
forward, but if you want to paint it there's a little more
involved to make it look good.
Whenever you are attempting a project like this, always test it
out on a scrap piece first. When using different pigments, be
sure to let one dry before adding the next color.
What to Use
Use water-based acrylic paints designed for leather because
they are more flexible than ordinary acrylics. If painting the
entire surface of the leather, check to see if your leather
goods are vegetable-dyed, as they absorb the paint better
than leather goods tanned by other methods.
Not sure if the leather goods are vegetable-dyed? Test a
scrap piece to see how well it absorbs the paint.
What to Do
Begin by cleaning the leather goods, using a solution of one
ounce of leather bleach to one pint of water, applying the
solution with a soft brush or wool dauber. You can also lightly
sponge the leather with water prior to painting in order to
ensure a more even absorption of color. Don't soaked it, just
get it damp.
Applying the Paint
You can paint over a large area of the leather goods or just a
small part for highlighting effects. If you want to do the
former, paint over the leather first with a water-diluted
solution of the paint. In this way, you'll prepare the surface of
the leather goods to receive the undiluted paint.
Use one part paint and one part water, and apply in broad,
even strokes with a wool dauber. Add more water if the
leather is not absorbing the solution, and more paint if the
color is not showing sufficiently. Two coats of the solution
should be applied, leaving sufficient time between coats for
the paint to be absorbed but for the leather to still be
somewhat damp and not dry. Try this out first on a scrap
piece of leather and take your time.
Applying Undiluted Paint
Now it¡¯s time to apply the undiluted paint using a brush or
wool dauber, and broad even strokes. For small areas that
you wish to highlight, use undiluted paint and a small
paintbrush. To prevent the paint from cracking, it¡¯s important
to flex the leather goods throughout the drying process. Do
this between coats of paint as well.
Using an Airbrush
Another option when applying paint is to use an airbrush. A
double action airbrush allows you to control the flow of the
paint and the air with one finger and avoids the initial blob of
paint emerging with a single-action airbrush. You can strain
the paint to remove any flecks by using a piece of pantyhose.
If you over spray, acrylic paint can be easily removed while it
is still damp.
Tools to Use
* Water-based acrylic paints
* Leather bleach
* Wool dauber
* Paint brushes or airbrush
Summary
* Vegetable-dyed leather goods and water-based acrylic
paints work best
* Clean the leather goods with a solution of water and
leather bleach
* Apply two coats of water-diluted paint, with sufficient time
between coats for the paint to be absorbed
* Apply undiluted paint
About the Author
*** Hey! Need To Know More About Leather? ***
Here's How to Get Your Answers Quick and Easy
Click Here ==> Leather Secrets
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/8744.html
| If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/article/8744.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
| Some other articles by Jake Berlin | Ink Stains and Gum On Leather
Have you ever had an accident with ink and leather? Or how about getting gum off of it? Well That's OK, it's not the end of the world. If you ...
Tack and Saddle
Leather tack and saddle have long histories. Take the saddle for instance. The first saddle was created more than 4,000 years ago. Back then it was made from a ...
Leather Craft Details
Leather craft is a fascinating hobby and many artists have taken this way beyond carving initials or embossing a logo. Leather craft requires special tools and ...
Molding Leather Armor
In order to mould leather armor, soak it in water until it
becomes pliable and soft. Then place it in the mould until it
dries and hardens.
...
Preparing For a Leather Craft Project
Once you've decided on your leather craft project, you'll need the right tools and room to do the work. Being prepared ahead of time will make your task more enjoyable ...
Leather Care
When buying leather, the best thing you can do is ask the people
who you buy it from, what the manufacturer recommends for
leather care and cleaning. Don't forget to ask what other ...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
