Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Suede Fabrics?
If you have a wardrobe full of boring suede leather products and you want to throw them away, then wait. Have you thought of painting your suede with acrylic for customization? Is it actually even possible? I have done some research, and you will learn something interesting below.
Can you use acrylic paint on suede fabric? Well, I will say suede is a form of fabric that is not a suitable surface for acrylic paint. The paint can ruin the fabric with stiffness after drying. But some techniques you can use to draw beautiful patterns on your leather with little consideration.
If you want to know more about acrylic painting on suede, just scroll through the article. I believe you will love reading it.
Can You Paint Different Types Of Suede Fabrics With Acrylics?
Adding acrylic to your suede fabric is not as easy as you think. You need to consider many factors before you do so. Different types of suede behave differently when in contact with acrylics.
If you have lambskin, pigskin, or deer suede in your closet, do not try to ruin it with regular acrylic paint. Because these have the softest, silkiest, and most porous surface that can get disturbed if acrylic dries on them.
They are not even waterproof. So if you see they have color, remember their makers have polished them and added an outer coat after dyeing. Acrylic usually cannot sit on those surfaces for long, either.
However, if you choose cowhide suede or a synthetic suede, like faux, then they are mostly compatible with acrylic.
The reason is cowhide is thicker than others, and synthetic one is also durable. They do not soak in acrylic, and after drying the paint, their surfaces remain like usual.
Even ultrasuede and microsuede are resistant to stain, so acrylic painting on them is possible.
Does Acrylic Paint Work On Suede Products?
Starting the journey as gloves, suede has traveled to multiple fashion industries to make so many other accessories.
People even prefer suede for its smooth and cotton-like texture, providing warmth like other leather. But applying acrylic on such objects made of suede may vary a lot.
Suede Clothes
If you want to paint on suede clothes, you will need to use a spray technique, adding some fabric medium. Thus the fabric will hold the paint for long, and you can have your customized suede.
Suede Shoes
If you want to use suede shoes in every weather, then it might face damage to the surface.
Even if you paint acrylic on suede shoes, you should not always wear that. There is a chance that it may lose the paint gradually if worn in the rainy season.
Suede Belts
Suede belts have quite a classy look but if you wish to add some details with acrylics, then wipe the surface with deglazer. It will allow thinned acrylic paint to sit on without cracking.
Suede Handbags And Purses
Women are heading to the new era of fashion, where they like to customize their own bags and purses.
If you want to hand print something on suede bags with acrylic, then you can. All you need is to apply a textile medium to make the color suitable and, of course, seal the artwork after drying.
Suede Coats
Suede coats usually have an industrial coating. To apply acrylic on it, sand out the coating and gently swipe some paint of your need. After drying, seal it with a glossy finisher and wear it like a diva.
Suede Gloves
Suede gloves were famous in France, and it is still in fashion. Regular use of gloves can form a cracked texture on acrylic paint. You can use the airbrush technique for painting acrylic on suede gloves.
Suede Hats
Just like gloves, you can use airbrush acrylic paint on a suede hat. Just try to seal the paint with a spray sealer.
Suede Sofa
The suede sofa is quite delicate and a huge project to work on. Though you can work on it with acrylic, it may not give a greater appearance.
Can You Use Acrylic Spray Paint On Suede?
As per some artists, yes, you can use acrylic spray paint on suede fabric. But the paint needs to have a thin consistency. That will prevent the paint from cracking on the suede surface after drying.
Moreover, if you use Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint, you will get sealer mixed in it that will protect your suede from specks of dirt.
How To Paint Faux Suede With Acrylic?
If you have products on your art desk like:
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- Masking tape
- Gac 900
- Hair dryer
- An airbrush and
- A suede shoe
Then you are good to start painting acrylic on the Suede surface.
Prepare The Surface
When you have your suede, just wipe it out with a damp cloth. It helps to remove any dirt on it. You can also apply a primer to make a proper base for your acrylic.
Mix The Acrylic
Now you can mix your acrylic with a fabric medium like GAC 900, which is also great for heat setting. Your acrylic will get a proper consistency for the airbrush technique.
The product is transparent, and it does not dim the color of your paint after drying.
Load And Spray Paint
Now cover places you do not want to paint with masking tape. Load the bottle to your airbrush machine and start spraying from a distance. Thus the paint will reach every corner. Take a lot of time for each layer.
Dry The Paint
Use a hair dryer from a minimum distance to dry the paint. Set the heat to a lower setting so that your suede remains intact.
Seal The Acrylic On The Surface
If you think you will use the shoe regularly, then apply a sealer after the paint is completely dry. You can choose a matt or a gloss sealer if you want.
How To Dye Faux Suede With Acrylic Paint?
Grab Your Tools
For acrylic dyeing on suede shoes, you need to have the following equipment:
- Acrylic paint
- Paintbrush
- Masking tape
- Hair dryer
- A piece of cloth
- A suede shoe
Prepare The Surface
Wipe your suede with a damp cloth because it removes dirt. If you want, you can apply a primer too. It will allow you to make a proper base for your acrylic.
Prepare The Acrylic
Take your craft acrylic paint on a plate and add a sufficient amount of water to it. Mix the solution well until it is ready to apply on the suede.
Apply Paint On Suede
Now dip the piece of cloth in the solution and apply it on the shoe surface in a circular motion. Thus, the paint will become set with the buffing technique. You will need time for this but be patient.
Use a paintbrush for the corner areas. It will spread evenly for sure.
Dry The Paint
When buffing, the paint will start dyeing slowly. Yet keep your shoes in an open space to let it dry properly. Wait for at least 2 to 3 days for drying.
Suggested Materials You May Need
You will require some quality product to apply acrylic paint on suede, and I will discuss some below.
#1 Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint Dark Brown : (Recommended Acrylics For Suede)
Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint is the best acrylic product for your suede leather. It has a mixed fabric medium that will help your acrylic to dry smoothly and softly.
I personally prefer this paint for its density and vibrant color. People use this product repeatedly, and according to them, it stays on the leather without any cracks. The artwork you will make will remain intact forever.
Spend a little money on this acrylic paint and customize your old suede leather with beautiful patterns.
#2 Fehrominger Airbrush Kit : (Recommended Airbrush For Acrylic Painting)
Fehrominger Airbrush Kit is a great tool for applying acrylic paint on suede leather. It has different-sized nozzles that will help you to set different spraying speeds.
People love this product as it is quite handy and easy to move around without making a mess. It has cleaning brushes that will help you to wash clog out of it.
You will love how smoothly they deliver the paint with no dripping. Grab this amazing set of airbrush kit at a very reasonable price and explore the world of spray painting.
Over To You
In short, if you want to paint over suede, you will have to consider many factors, like the type of suede and their daily use. I tried to cover each important point above for you.
If you still have queries, then you can comment below. I will get back with your answer as soon as possible.
Further Readings
Will Acrylic Paints Work When Painted Onto Fabric Shoes (Suede Type Fabric)?
What Is Suede Fabric: Properties, How Its Made And Where
How To Paint Suede Shoes Easily (Acrylic, Angelus, Spray)
How To Paint On Lycra
8 Different Types of Suede (For Footwear/Apparel)
How To Paint Suede Timberlands? Customize Angelus
Dying Synthetic Leather And Suede With Acrylic Paint
