Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Leather Sofa?
If you have an old leather sofa that has started to peel off then why don’t you paint it fresh. But is acrylic paint a better option for this fun project? Just like you, I have the same doubt. Don’t fret. Because I have done some research and am ready to share them with you.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On A Leather Sofa? Of course, you can use regular acrylic paint on leather couches of all kinds. But there is always room for perfection. In this case, you need to consider the porous nature of the leather. And sealing the paint on leather is mostly required. If you need a better outcome you need to work patiently with acrylic paint.
Keep reading to unfold all this exciting information. These will definitely help you to decorate the leather sofa with acrylic.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Different Leather Sofas?
Leather sofas are the most attractive furniture for your house, but if you wish to apply acrylic on it, then you need to determine some facts. All types of leather couches may not tolerate acrylic just the same way, and I will discuss it below.
Full-Grain Leather Sofas
Now if you have a full-grain leather sofa bed to paint on then I can assure you that it is possible.
Because this sort of leather is very strong and does not change in contact with water. But try to prime the surface so that your acrylic can sit on it properly.
Top-Grain Leather Sofas
Unlike full-grain leather, the top-grain leather sofa is more refined and makes the surface smoother. However, it can still allow acrylics to dry on it without cracking if you sand and prime the surface at the beginning.
Split Leather Sofas
There is no proper evidence of whether a split leather sofa combines well with acrylic or not. However, if you have already got a water-resistant split leather couch, then no worries.
You can apply acrylic on it. But the leather itself is brittle so I really do not know how long the paint will last on it.
Suede Sofa
As you may know, suede is super soft leather that is not at all waterproof. This means it can lose its texture as well as break at a point if you apply acrylic on it.
Nubuck Sofas
Just like Suede, Nubuck couches are also delicate and you need to think multiple times before using anything different on it. I recommend not using acrylic over this type of sofa.
Faux Leather Or Bonded Leather Sofas
If you are fond of leather at a minimum budget, then Faux leather is at your service. Though it looks like real leather, its synthetic material can easily allow acrylic paint to sit over it.
Aniline, Semi-Aniline, And Pigmented Leather Sofas
Based on the color type Aniline, Semi-aniline and Pigmented are differentiated but more or less you may be able to use acrylic on them.
They are strong and already dyed so if you wish to apply acrylic paint then you may use a textile medium with the paint for better results.
How To Use Acrylic Paint on Leather Couch?
When talking about painting acrylic on leather, what others actually mean is acrylic leather paint. I will guide you on how you can use this paint on leather below.
Grab The Tools
- Acrylic Leather Paint
- Sand Paper
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Plastic Gloves
- Paint Brush
- Rags
- Acrylic Finisher
Prepare The Surface
First clean the sofa with a rag and rubbing alcohol. Then sand the surface and again clean the dirt with a damp cloth. Then after it dries apply a primer coat if you want your color to adhere properly.
Apply The Paint
Bring a few bottles of acrylic leather paint of your choice. This paint has a textile medium mixed in it that is specific for leather. Take a brush and apply 2-3 coats of paint with an interval of 2-3 hours.
Let It Dry
After you finish painting, rest the paint for about 24 hours before you use the couch.
Apply The Finisher
As a finishing touch, apply a coat of acrylic finisher on the entire couch. It will protect your paint from peeling off of the leather sofa.
How Long Does Acrylic Paint Take to Dry on a Leather Surface?
After you complete sealing your acrylic paint, let the paint dry on leather couches. Because there are different sorts of leather with varied adhering quality.
If you have thick leather like full-grain then it will take almost 24-48 hours to dry. They are mostly full-grain leather like Cowhide and Calfskin.
But if you’re dealing with top-grain leather like the thin ones then it will take a longer time to dry out. But do not speed up the drying process by keeping them in direct sunlight. This may fade the paint.
Yet, if you have chosen suede for this work then remember it will take most time to dry even after priming and sealing. Because it has a super absorbent quality that slows the process. But you can use a hair dryer on a low setting to speed up the process.
Will Acrylic Paint Last On Your Leather Sofa Beds?
Yes, acrylic paint can last on your leather sofa beds if you know some process. For better adhesion sand the leather surface and prime it.
After painting acrylic, use a top coat that will help your paint to last a longer period. It will save your paint from peeling off.
Can Acrylic Paint Crack On Your Leather Sofa?
If you are using regular acrylic paint on your leather sofa it will look gorgeous. But the color may crack in places after you sit on it regularly. This can happen when you add a dense layer of acrylic.
But do not get upset because I know of a magical product that will thin your paint easily. I am talking about Angelus 2-Thin.
This will not only decrease the density of paint but also offer super flexibility to your cozy sofa. Moreover, your acrylic will not crack after drying.
What Other Paints Can You Use On Leather Sofa?
Apart from acrylic paint, you can also use some different paints on Leather sofa beds. Trust me, you will love experimenting with them but try to use them following proper instructions.
Acrylic Leather Paint
- This one is specific for leather objects so you can easily use it on the couch.
- You will not need any primer because the paint itself has a textile medium mixed in it.
- You will get a matt finishing from this type of paint.
Metallic Leather Paint
- If you want a glossy and sparkly metallic look over your leather couch then try this paint.
- This is opaque and you will give a good amount of coverage
- It is quite flexible and lightfast which means it will not crack after drying.
- Most importantly, this paint is weather-resistant so you can leave your sofa in the backyard too.
Leather Spray Paint
- It is quick to paint and you can use it to color a leather sofa in a short period.
- But try applying two coats of it for better coverage.
- Try to use a ventilated room for spraying this paint, as it has a different odor that might be suffocating.
Acrylic Paint Marker Pens
- They come with three different sizes of tips for wider or narrower lines.
- You can use different pens for creating patterns on the sofa.
- Moreover, the paint is permanent so it will not wash off easily.
Suggested Materials You May Need
#1 Royal Brush Foam Brush: (Recommended Sponge Brush To Paint Acrylic On Leather Sofa)
ROYAL BRUSH Foam Brush is a perfect sponge brush that you can use to paint your Leather sofa. It is disposable which makes it eco-friendly too.
I recommend this brush as it does not soak in much of the paint. Some say that it is easy to clean off the acrylic from the brush. It can also apply the paint evenly on the leather surface.
Grab this amazing product and enjoy painting with it.
#2 Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint : (Recommended Acrylic Leather Paint For Leather Furniture)
Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint Dark Brown will give the best classic look to your leather sofa. It is easy to apply and dry with great flexibility.
Personally, I like this product because it is permanent and you can not wash it off with water. As per some reviewers, this paint can show different shades over the sofa, which looks quite interesting.
Some even use this paint on an old leather sofa that started peeling off, and they got a perfect finish.
Keep this product on your deck and apply it on your leather couch whenever you need it.
#3 Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint Satin Finisher : (Proposed Acrylic Finisher For Leather Sofa)
Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint Satin Finisher is a top coat that can seal your acrylic paint on a leather sofa. This gives a clear finish and you do not even feel odd when it dries.
I like this paint finisher mostly because you can get this in both glossy and matt finishing. Even some users say that the finisher works well and protects the paint from any scratches and dirt.
So hurry up and grab this amazing paint finisher for your old leather sofa.
Over To You
To sum up, acrylic paint works best on your leather sofa 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 piece of 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. I will be more than happy to solve your doubts.
Further Readings
10 Different Types Of Leather Sofas
Acrylic Paint On Leather – Your Guide To Using Acrylic Leather Paint
DIY Project Test Lab Results: We Painted A Leather Sofa And Here’s What Happened
Can You Use Acrylic Paint on Leather?
Leather Paint Types – The Right Choice For Your Project
