Neon leather paint

Colour that can’t be ignored

Neon is the loudest finish you can put on leather, and it’s popular for a reason. On a pair of sneakers, a jacket panel, or a bag detail, a neon shade grabs the eye straight away. The challenge is finding a paint that stays bright and doesn’t crack as the leather moves.

Angelus Neon Leather Paint is made for leather, so it bonds to the surface and bends with it. It dries into a durable, flexible film that resists cracking, peeling, and rubbing off. It’s water-based and non-toxic, so cleanup is simple. Angelus has been making leather paints and care products in the USA since 1907, and its paints are widely used by sneaker customisers, leather crafters, and restorers.

Why you’ll like it

• Bright, fluorescent colours that stand out
• Made for leather, and also suitable for canvas and fabric
• Flexible and crack-resistant, so it moves with the surface
• Water-based and non-toxic, with easy cleanup
• Water-resistant once dry
• Dries quickly, so you can layer coats without long waits
• Apply with a brush or sponge, or thin it for an airbrush
• Blends with other Angelus paints to create custom colours
• A compact 29.5ml bottle that’s easy to store and carry

Great for

• Customising sneakers, boots, and shoes
• Neon accents, panels, and details on jackets and bags
• Bold lettering, logos, and graphic designs on leather
• Refreshing dull leather goods with a splash of colour
• Streetwear, festival, and costume pieces
• Leather crafts, keychains, and accessories
• Mixing with standard colours to brighten and customise shades

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. For the brightest result, start with a white or light base coat, especially over dark leather.
3. Stir or shake the bottle well before use.
4. Apply thin, even coats with a brush, sponge, or airbrush, and let each coat dry before adding the next.
5. Build up to the intensity you want. Neon colours often need several thin coats to reach full brightness.
6. Let the paint dry fully. Then seal it with Angelus Acrylic Finisher for added protection from scuffs and wear.

Tips for better results

1. Test on a small hidden area first to check the colour and adhesion.
2. A white base makes neon shades much brighter. Over a dark colour, they can look dull or muddy.
3. Apply thin coats. Thick coats are more likely to crack when the leather flexes.
4. Use a clean brush for each neon colour, since neon pigments stain easily and can tint other colours.
5. Use a soft brush and keep strokes going in one direction to reduce brush marks.
6. Wash brushes with soap and water while the paint is still wet.
7. Close the cap tightly after use, and keep the bottle upright.

• Neon pigments are less opaque than standard colours, so they need a light base and more coats for full coverage.
• Bright fluorescent colours can fade faster in strong sunlight than standard colours. A finisher helps, and keeping painted items out of constant direct sun makes the colour last longer.
• Colours on a screen look different in person, and neon shades are the hardest to show accurately.
• For high-wear areas, such as shoe toe boxes and creases, always seal the paint with a finisher.
• Don’t skip the deglazing step on finished or coated leather. Without it, paint can peel.
• The paint is sold on its own. A brush, deglazer, and finisher are separate products.
• Keep out of reach of young children.