Faux leather is a material commonly used to make upholstery, clothing, and other accessories. This material is usually made of polymer plastic with a look and texture that resembles real leather. Painting faux leather is a fun and inexpensive way to change up an outfit or retouch an old accessory. Once you've chosen a paint that will stick to this material, have fun painting your old faux leather sofa or creating a new design on a purse or skirt!
Step
Part 1 of 3: Choosing the Right Paint
Step 1. Use acrylic paint
Acrylic paints are available in a variety of colors, including metallic and glittery colors. This type of paint can be found in arts and crafts stores. Acrylic paint can be used on a variety of surfaces and adheres well to faux leather. Unlike other types of paint, acrylic paint does not fade easily. This paint is also flexible so it doesn't crack easily over time.
Step 2. Choose a leather paint
Leather paint is an acrylic-based paint that can be found in arts and crafts stores. These paints come in a wide variety of colors and are specially formulated to adhere to both genuine and faux leather. Leather paint is slightly more expensive than acrylic paint and costs between Rp. 20,000 to Rp. 70,000 for a small bottle. Although more expensive, this paint is not easily faded or eroded.
Step 3. Choose a chalk-based paint
Lime-based paint can add a vintage or shabby chic feel to an accessory or piece of furniture. This type of paint can stick to a variety of surfaces and fabrics, making it suitable for faux leather. Many brands already produce a variety of chalk-based paints that can be found at craft and arts stores or building materials and home goods stores.
Part 2 of 3: Applying Paint
Step 1. Clean the faux leather surface
Use a small amount of isopropyl alcohol to remove dust, dirt, oil, and wax on the leatherette. Wet a cotton swab and rub the entire surface of the skin. A clean leather surface, free of dirt and oil, will make the paint adhere firmly to the faux leather.
Step 2. Use the paint palette
Prepare a paint palette to make it easier for you to efficiently pick up the paint color you want while working. You can buy wooden or plastic pallets that painters use at craft and arts stores, or you can use a sheet of aluminum foil, an old newspaper, or a magazine to place the paint you'll be using.
Step 3. Mix a little acetone in the acrylic paint
Get the color you want from the palette and add a few drops of acetone to the paint if you're using acrylic paint. The acetone will thin the paint and make it softer and easier to work with. Gently mix the paint and acetone using a small brush. Make sure to only add a few drops to a teaspoon of acetone to the paint so it doesn't run too much.
- Acrylic paint dries easily. So, don't put too much paint on the palette at once.
- Add a few drops of acetone little by little if the paint is still too thick.
Step 4. Apply a base coat to a wide surface of the skin
If you're painting a fairly wide surface the same color, you'll need to apply an even coat of primer first. Use the paint of your choice and apply it to the faux leather surface. This step is suitable if you are painting furniture or clothes.
Step 5. Apply paint to one side of the sponge
Gently press the sponge against the paint in the palette. Apply the paint to the faux leather surface in long, vertical motions. Acrylic paint dries quickly. So you need to apply it quickly if you use this medium.
Focus on creating long strokes when painting a wide surface to avoid broken strokes. If you're painting upholstery on home furnishings, apply the paint on one side at a time
Step 6. Let the paint dry
Before adding the next coat, allow the paint to dry completely. Place the object you are painting in a safe place where it will not be disturbed, damaged, or moved. Wait about 15 to 20 minutes for the paint coat to dry completely.
Step 7. Amplify the color by painting an additional layer
After the first coat of paint is completely dry, add another coat to make the paint look thick and clear. While painting, make sure the previous coat of paint is dry when you apply the next coat.
Part 3 of 3: Drawing a Specific Design
Step 1. Make a design on the faux leather surface
Use a pencil to lightly draw the design you want onto the faux leather surface. Don't press the pencil too hard against the skin as this will damage it. The thick outline will also be visible because the paint used is semi-transparent.
Step 2. Color your design
Color the design using a brush with the color of your choice. Try to avoid a layer of paint that is too thick. A thick coat of paint is likely to crack over time. If your design is made up of several colors at once, allow each color to dry before painting the rest of the image so that the undried paint doesn't spoil.
Make sure to clean the brush every time you use a new paint color. Have a small cup of water nearby. Dip the brush before using it in the new paint color
Step 3. Clean the streak with acetone
If you make a mistake, use a little acetone on a cotton swab or cotton buds to clean up any streaked paint. You can continue painting once the streaked paint has been removed and the leather surface is dry.
Step 4. Allow to dry
When you have finished painting your design, set the object you painted aside and let it dry. Painted objects must be stored in a safe place so as not to damage or interfere with the drying process. The paint on the leather surface should dry within 15-20 minutes.
