Acrylic Leather Paint

The paint made for leather

Ordinary paint cracks and flakes on leather, because leather bends and stretches. Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint is made for this problem. It’s a water-based, flexible acrylic that bonds to the leather and moves with it, drying into a durable film that resists cracking, peeling, and fading. Angelus has been making leather care and paint products in the USA since 1907, and its paints are widely used by sneaker customisers, leather crafters, and restorers.

The paint is opaque, so it covers dark colours well, and it’s water-based and non-toxic. Apply it with a brush, or thin it for an airbrush. For a more transparent look, dilute it with a little water or a thinner. Once dry, it’s water-resistant and holds its colour.

Why you’ll like it

• Made specifically for leather and fabrics
• Flexible and crack-resistant, so it moves with the surface
• Opaque coverage that can hide an existing colour
• Water-based and non-toxic, with easy cleanup
• Water-resistant and colourfast once dry
• Dries quickly, so you can layer coats without long waits
• Can be applied with a brush or an airbrush
• Wide colour range, including standard, metallic, and neon shades
• A compact 29.5ml bottle that’s easy to store and carry

Great for

• Customising sneakers, boots, and shoes
• Changing the colour of a leather bag, wallet, or jacket
• Touching up scuffs and faded areas
• Painting designs on leather jackets, belts, and accessories
• Restoring old leather goods
• Leather crafts, journals, and keychains
• Custom artwork on leather, vinyl, and canvas

How to use

1. Clean the surface well, and remove any dirt, oil, or old finish. For best adhesion, use Angelus Leather Preparer & Deglazer, which removes the factory finish so the paint can bond.
2. Stir or shake the bottle before use.
3. Apply thin, even coats with a brush, sponge, or airbrush, and let each coat dry before adding the next.
4. Build up to the opacity you want. Two to three thin coats work better than one thick coat.
5. Let the paint dry fully. Then seal it with Angelus Acrylic Finisher for added protection from scuffs and wear.
6. To make the paint more transparent, thin it with a little water or acrylic thinner.

Tips for better results

1. Test on a small hidden area first to check the colour and adhesion.
2. Apply thin coats. Thick coats are more likely to crack when the leather flexes.
3. Don’t skip the deglazing step on finished or coated leather. Without it, paint can peel.
4. Use a clean, soft brush for smooth coverage, or a sponge for a soft, textured finish.
5. Wash brushes with soap and water while the paint is still wet.
6. Close the cap tightly after use, and keep the bottle upright.

Good to know

• Leather paint works best on real leather and similar surfaces. Results can differ on heavily coated or synthetic materials, so test first.
• For high-wear areas, such as shoe toe boxes and creases, always seal the paint with a finisher.
• The paint is sold on its own. A brush, deglazer, and finisher are separate products.
• Keep out of reach of young children.