Leather companies have long used acrylic for painting their products. Which paint line to use and whether additives of any kind are needed in the process depends on the type of leather and how it has been previously treated. It is important to test first on an inconspicuous area of the sacrificial piece or leather surface to determine which process is best for your particular application. There are a few tricks to make the app more efficient. Before painting, clean the leather with isopropyl alcohol to degrease, clean, and remove any coating, wax, or oil that may be present on the leather. If the alcohol does not remove the layer, you may need to sand the surface lightly with a fine-grit sandpaper. The key to good paint adhesion on leather goods is to apply the paint thin enough to penetrate the leather. If thick paint is used or if the buildup is too thick, the likelihood of the paint cracking when flexed may increase. Acrylics are thermoplastics that react to room temperature. The paint can become more brittle in cold environments, increasing the risk of cracking, while in hot climates, the paint can become softer and stickier. These temperature-induced changes can be more drastic if the paint on the surface is thick. Our fluid acrylic and high flow acrylic ranges work best in such applications. These paint lines are thin enough to apply directly to leather or can be mixed with GOLDEN GAC 900 Textile Paint Medium, which, when properly heat set, can be added to increase flexibility and possibly a softer feel depending on the type of leather, suede, nubuck or suede. In our tests, we found mixed results, so we have different recommendations depending on the type of leather to be painted and how the leather has been treated beforehand. 
On completely undyed, unconditioned, and untreated leather, Fluid Acrylics mixed with GAC 900 at a one-to-one (1:1) ratio, applied, dried, and heat set was the most flexible film in all tests. High-flow acrylics work well on treated and dyed Latigo belt leather and garment leather, soaking into the leather while retaining feel and flexibility. Drawing suede, nubuck, and deerskin can be a bit tricky. Every combination we tried changed the feel of these soft leathers. It is essential to test similar materials to determine what works best and which one provides acceptable color and feel. We recommend trying a high-flow acrylic on its own, a flowable acrylic diluted with a little water, or a flowable acrylic with GAC 900 added in a recommended ratio of one part paint to one part GAC 900. When using GAC 900, a heat setting is required after touch dry. You can use a hair dryer on the hottest setting for 7-10 minutes on the heat setting. Although online tutorials can be informative when researching painting leather with acrylic, what works for one person may not work for everyone. Therefore, it is important to test your specific application. There are so many types of leather, with so many different kinds of treatments, dyes, and finishes, that there is no one cover application technique that works for every shoe. Depending on application technique or painting style, some mixtures are easier to control than others. Each artist's hand handles the paint differently so that preference may be personal. In our testing, we found that High Flow paint with nothing added worked best on this pair of sneakers we painted. The Fluid Acrylic/GAC 900 combination is thinner and stays tacky until it hardens, and the Fluid Acrylics alone are thicker and easier to apply when thinned with water. All apps have proven to be very successful and all very flexible. Sock liners can also be painted with flowable acrylic and GAC 900. When using GAC 900 mixed with paint, it may appear tacky until properly heat set. Be aware that the heat-fixing GAC 900 releases traces of formaldehyde, which can worry people sensitive to chemicals. We recommend providing fresh air ventilation when using thermosets. 
Process of painting leather
For durability, protection, and moisture resistance of the leather, we recommend that you apply a top coat after the painting process is over. There are many to choose from, including acrylics, oils, waxes, silicones, and polyurethanes. They are available as a brushing liquid or an aerosol. We recommend researching available materials, especially from leather specialists like Tandy, Angelus, and Fiebing. When choosing a topcoat, it is essential to ensure that it is compatible with acrylic paint. So there's no real quick and easy answer to painting leather, but there are many choices available, and experimenting is an important first step in deciding which is right for you. Acrylic is one of the best coatings for leather, from shoes to jackets, but you must use a sealant. Sealer paint creates a seamless surface and maintains color at its best for long periods. However, the steps for painting leather may vary from item to item. You can paint smooth surfaces like leather and fabric with acrylic paints. Leather paint is another popular option, but acrylic paint is similar and much cheaper. Acrylic paints also have rich, vibrant colors, so that you can use more paint shades. However, the results of your project will depend on your application technology. Without proper preparation, the paint will not stick to the material for long. So, after painting with acrylics, you need to seal the surface. You can update old leather with a fresh coat of paint without damaging the material. Learning how to paint leather with acrylic is the easy part. 
The materials you will need include:
- Water-based acrylic paint
- 2-inch brush
- Woolen cloth or towel
- Tape (optional)
Before you start painting, clean the leather. Mix one ounce of leather bleach with one part of water. Wipe the surface of the leather with a woolen cloth. If you don't have a wool applicator, you can also use a towel, but that's the best tool for the job. Acrylic paint is difficult to remove, so you must protect your work area. Spread a tarp or rag to prevent paint from getting on anything. Wear protective clothing or an apron to protect any fabric you are wearing. Gloves are also ideal. Acrylic leather paints give the best results. Be sure to choose the right water-based leather paint for your project. Apply undiluted acrylic paint to the surface of the leather in one pass. Repeat adding coats if needed, but allow the paint to air dry for at least two hours before moving on to another coat. Try applying a thin layer where the shoe bends for the best results. Thicker paint can cause more cracking. 
You can use masking tape to mark areas that don't need to be painted. The use of tape is optional. It is convenient if you create a drawing or just draw a small part. If you can't get the paint to adhere to the surface, you can mix water-based acrylic paint with equal water for the first coat. Wait five minutes, then finish the rest of the body with undiluted paint. Once the paint looks the way you want it and it's completely dry, you'll move on to sealing the paint. Be sure to remove any dirt or dust before using the mower. To prevent the acrylic paint from cracking over time, seal the color to the leather. A sealant or acrylic paint purchased from your local craft store or online is a suitable tool for the job. Check the surface to ensure it is clean before sealing the paint. If you miss this step, dust or debris on the material will be trapped. You can use a liquid paint finish or a spray sealer to fix the acrylic paint to the leather. Most finishers need you to paint them the same as acrylic. Sprays are not available. 
Painting leather with acrylic
If you are using an acrylic finish for painting, mix one ounce with one part of water. Apply the diluted product in a thin layer using a fleece applicator. Be careful not to soak the leather. Let each layer sit for about five minutes before adding another layer. Build the sealer one at a time until you have about 20 layers. Alternatively, a spray allows you to cover the surface quickly. Clear Shields are available in a clear, satin, or matte glaze finish. They are available in most stores. Before buying a spray sealant, make sure it is suitable for leather. Finish with a waterproof spray to help the paint stick. The topcoat adds a layer of protection, durability, and moisture resistance. You can find these products as a brush or an aerosol in the usual stores. Any waterproof spray will do. Make sure the brand you choose is compatible with your acrylic paint. Follow the instructions on the bottle to apply the waterproof coating. With an aerosol, all you have to do is point and spray. Let the layer dry for at least 24 hours. Leather shoes get dirty and fade over time. Sometimes it's tempting to recolor your favorite old shoes or add a little paint to highlight the little details. You can apply acrylic paint to leather shoes. Acrylic paint works well on leather or faux leather shoes. There are many tutorials online on how to draw leather shoes. The best method for your project may depend on the leather you are using and your application technique. For example, what works for leather shoes may not work for jackets. 
Avoid moving objects when dry to avoid cracking or staining the paint. It would be best if you let the acrylic paint dry on the leather for at least a few hours before moving the items for the best results. The sealer or leather finish will take approximately 24 hours to dry completely. Waterproof sprays usually take 24 hours to dry. Some say you should leave items on for 48 hours before touching them and at least 72 hours before washing them. Avoid mixing paint marks, whether you're painting leather or faux leather shoes. Using multiple brands may crack the paint. You should also protect yourself from heat or direct sunlight as the paint dries. Always avoid heat or direct sunlight to help the paint dry faster. It could cause damage. Which paint is best for leather? You can use leather paint or acrylic. The right choice depends on your project. Leather wallets, whether faux or genuine leather, can be easily painted with acrylic paint, acrylic leather paint. The advantage of a patent leather wallet is that it's small - less paint is used, it works faster, and it's easier to handle. All of the painting depends on the preparation: be sure to degrease the purse well with a special degreaser or isopropyl alcohol before painting. 
Any leather wallet can be painted with acrylics, and it's an easy way to personalize a wallet or make a thoughtful and unique gift. Be sure to clean your wallet thoroughly before painting and seal the painted area after you're done to prevent cracking and damage. A personalized leather wallet should be sealed with a special leather paint finish because you will be using it a lot, and we need to protect its durability. Angelus has a universal organizer that also works with wallets. In addition to interior furniture, you can also use leather and acrylic paint on car seats. It is essential to thoroughly clean and degreases the seat before repairing or painting it - use an alcohol-based cleaner or special degreaser to ensure you remove all coating from all edges, cracks, and crevices. What paint should you buy? The best leather acrylic would probably say leather acrylic on the bottle. However, acrylic paint from any craft store will also work. The best leather-approved acrylic finish on the market is from Angelus. However, the store has plenty of options. They come in aerosol or liquid form.