How to Paint a Leather Couch

Try a paint made just for leather., Make your own fabric paint., Use spray paint., Pick a brush.

4 Steps 2 min read Medium

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: Try a paint made just for leather.

    For the best results, pick a paint that was designed to go on leather.

    It will have a more polished look at the end, and it will likely have the smoothest surface.

    Plus, that type of paint will bond best with leather.Try Angelus brand leather paint or ReLuv.
  2. Step 2: Make your own fabric paint.

    Some people make a paint mixture themselves to use on their couch.

    This option will likely cover your couch and be durable, but it's not going to give you as smooth a finish as leather paint will.Try a "chalkboard" paint.

    The advantage of this paint is that it's highly durable and relatively cheap.

    Just mix two parts powdered calcium carbonate with one part water and four parts latex paint, then use as normal.

    You can find calcium carbonate online or at some home improvement stores.

    You can also use textile medium.

    For each quart of latex paint, mix in two 8-ounce bottles of textile medium.

    You can find textile medium at most craft stores.

    It makes the paint dry softer and more flexible, and it also helps it bond to the leather.Another option is using a paint mixture of two-thirds store-bought chalkboard paint and one-third water to create a thinner paint that you can use on leather., Spray paint may not be the obvious choice when it comes to painting leather.

    However, it can work, particularly on something you don't use very much.

    It will take some patience to use spray paint, so be ready for the time commitment.Pick a paint meant for multiple surfaces. , The type of brush you choose depends on the texture of your couch.

    For instance, a typical cheap foam brush will work on a smoother surface.

    A relatively smooth sponge will also work.If your couch has fine cracks, though, a sturdy paintbrush might work better.If you do choose a standard brush, pick a brush with a fine or synthetic bristle to help cut back on brush lines.
  3. Step 3: Use spray paint.

  4. Step 4: Pick a brush.

Detailed Guide

For the best results, pick a paint that was designed to go on leather.

It will have a more polished look at the end, and it will likely have the smoothest surface.

Plus, that type of paint will bond best with leather.Try Angelus brand leather paint or ReLuv.

Some people make a paint mixture themselves to use on their couch.

This option will likely cover your couch and be durable, but it's not going to give you as smooth a finish as leather paint will.Try a "chalkboard" paint.

The advantage of this paint is that it's highly durable and relatively cheap.

Just mix two parts powdered calcium carbonate with one part water and four parts latex paint, then use as normal.

You can find calcium carbonate online or at some home improvement stores.

You can also use textile medium.

For each quart of latex paint, mix in two 8-ounce bottles of textile medium.

You can find textile medium at most craft stores.

It makes the paint dry softer and more flexible, and it also helps it bond to the leather.Another option is using a paint mixture of two-thirds store-bought chalkboard paint and one-third water to create a thinner paint that you can use on leather., Spray paint may not be the obvious choice when it comes to painting leather.

However, it can work, particularly on something you don't use very much.

It will take some patience to use spray paint, so be ready for the time commitment.Pick a paint meant for multiple surfaces. , The type of brush you choose depends on the texture of your couch.

For instance, a typical cheap foam brush will work on a smoother surface.

A relatively smooth sponge will also work.If your couch has fine cracks, though, a sturdy paintbrush might work better.If you do choose a standard brush, pick a brush with a fine or synthetic bristle to help cut back on brush lines.

About the Author

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Betty Howard

Writer and educator with a focus on practical lifestyle knowledge.

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