Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Leather Bags?
Are you feeling bored looking at your old leather bags? Instead of throwing it away, why don’t you paint it fresh? But is acrylic paint safe for this enjoyable project?
I have the same doubt that you have. But take it easy. As a result of my research, which I am prepared to share with you.
Can you use acrylic paint on leather bags? Absolutely, you may paint leather luggage of any type with regular acrylic paint. However, there is always room for improvement. In this situation, you must consider the leather’s surface and composition. You should take into account aspects like paint density and leather-specific paint for better finishing.
Keep reading the entire article to unfold all the exciting information. These will definitely help you to decorate leather bags with acrylic.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On All Types Of Leather Bags?
Roaming around in town with your classic leather purse makes you different in the crowd. But when you have acrylic paint decoration over your leather bags it will be more fun to look at. Of course, you can use acrylic on a leather Backpack or Baguette and walk with confidence like a diva.
You can even draw patterns based on the season over your leather bags like:
- Clutches
- Tote bag
- Boston bag
- Trapezoid bag
- Canteen bag
- Satchel bag
- Wristlet bag
- Zip around purse
- Card holder
But when you are about to work with different leather materials, then you should consider a few facts. Especially before applying acrylic paint on them. There are some leathers that you can easily apply acrylic paint on with or without primer. These include:
- Synthetic faux leather
- Pull up
- Chamois
- Nubuck
- Roughout leather
- Bison grade leather
But if you take those leather that needs priming and sealing after applying acrylic on it, then choose:
- Patent leather
- Pebbled styled scotch grain
There are some leather that are not waterproof and have a high chance of shrinking if painted with acrylic. Such leathers are:
- Suede leather
- Veg tanned leather
Is Acrylic Paint Good For Leather Bags?
Well, if you do not get access to any specific paint for leather then the second best option for your leather bag is acrylic paint. It is well known for its use on multiple surfaces, including leather. It neither cracks nor peels off if you prepare your leather bag properly.
This paint has both vibrant and dense colors that will let you draw a perfect pattern to decorate your leather purse. And it dries fast so you can apply multiple coats after every short interval.
Based on all the factors above, I can highly recommend acrylic paint for leather baggage.
Can I Prevent Acrylic Paint From Cracking On Leather Bags?
If you are using regular acrylic paint on your leather purse it will look gorgeous. But the color may crack in places after you use these regularly. One of the reasons for this is when you add a dense layer of acrylic on the surface.
But do not worry because I know of a magical product that will thin your paint easily. I am talking about Angelus 2-Thin Thinner For Acrylic Paint. This will not only thin the paint but also offer super flexibility to your bags. Moreover, your acrylic will not crack after drying.
Things You May Need To Paint Acrylic On Leather Pouch?
Applying acrylic paint on leather is a bit but you will need a few products to make your work easier. I will attach a list of products that you will need while mixing mica powder with acrylic paint.
| Name Of Items | Links |
| Clear Primer | Check Price Here |
| Acrylic Craft Paint | Check Price Here |
| Color Palette | Check Price Here |
| Acrylic finisher | Check Price Here |
| Paintbrush | Check Price Here |
| Masking or Painters tape | Check Price Here |
| Deglazer | Check Price Here |
| Microfiber Cloth | Check Price Here |
| Fine Grit (like 800) Sandpaper | Check Price Here |
How To Paint Acrylic On Leather Bags In A Few Simple Steps?
Follow the eight steps I have described below to get the best result.
Step 1: Clean Surface With Damp Cloth
First of all, clean the entire bag to remove all kinds of dust, loose skin and make it smooth for further process.
Step 2: Tape The Edges
Tape the edges of the bag where you do not want to have any sort of paint. For this, you can use masking tape which is available in craft stores.
Step 3: Treat It With Deglazers
Now you use a deglazer on the required area to remove any protective layer that your bag may have previously. This will help your acrylic paint to set well.
Step 4: Apply Acrylic Paint
Now take acrylic paint of your choice or you can also take acrylic paint specific for leather. For applying paint, take a paintbrush and dip it in paint. Smoothly apply the paint on your decided places.
Step 5: Handle The Leather While Painting
While painting the leather bag, try to move the bag a bit. It will loosen the paint when it dries and that will prevent any sort of cracking.
Step 6: Let It Dry
You can use a heat gun to dry the paint on the surface. Or you can also leave it to dry for hours.
Step 7: Remove Excess Paint With Deglazer
If you have made any mistake or want to wipe out some excess paint then try using deglazer and a q-tip to remove that portion of paint.
Step 8: Apply A Leather Finisher
After the paint dries and you are satisfied with the paint then apply an acrylic finisher. This will seal the paint, and finally, your leather bag is all set with acrylic.
Do You Need To Seal Acrylic Paints Leather Purse?
If you want to keep your acrylic paint on a leather purse for long then you can use an Angelus Matte Acrylic Sealer on it. You should use a sealer that is specific to your leather. Or else it will not stay like before.
When you forget to seal your acrylic over leather, then the color may fade with regular use too. And if you have a bad habit of scratching, then you may mistakenly peel off the paint. So, it is better if you can seal the paint after it dries entirely.
How Long Does Acrylic Paint Last On Leather Bags?
After completing your acrylic paint work, let the paint dry on leather bags. Because there are different sorts of leather with different adhering qualities.
It will take close to 24 to 48 hours for your thick leather, such as full-grain, to dry. Most of them are made of full-grain leather, such as cowhide and calfskin.
However, top-grain leather, such as the thin varieties, would require more time to dry out. But don’t expose them to direct sunshine to speed up the drying process. This could make the paint fade.
However, keep in mind that even after priming and sealing, Suede will take the longest to dry for this project. because it has a property that is extremely absorbent and delays the process. However, you can quicken the process by using a hair dryer on a low setting.
Is Dyeing Leather Wallet A Better Option Than Painting It With Acrylic?
If you are working with an old leather wallet, you should consider painting acrylic on it rather than dyeing it. Because dye color may not work on a wallet that has a sealer already.
Moreover, dyeing cannot give you your desired color at a go which acrylic paint can do easily. So, it is better if you paint your old leather wallet instead of dyeing it.
Over To You
To sum up, acrylic paint works best on leather bags of all types. If you know how to manage the paint on leather, you are good to go. I have tried to put light on every possible information above to help you.
But if you think I have missed any point please let me know in the comment section below. It will help other readers too. If you have any other queries, then do not hesitate to ask.
Further Readings
How To Apply And Seal Acrylic Paint On Leather
How I Painted Flowers on Faux Leather Bags Using Acrylic Paint
How To Paint Leather Purses
Painting Leather With Acrylics
How To Paint Leather
DIY Colorblock Bag A.K.A. How To Paint Leather With Acrylic Paint
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Leather?
Painting On Leather Like A Pro – Step By Step Guide
Acrylic Paint On Leather Wallet
Can I Mix Regular Acrylic Paint With Leather Paint
Paints For Leather
