ILC - How to Use Angelus Leather Paint: Test & Result

Leather University™

How to Use Angelus Leather Paint

Picture of by Dan Concord

by Dan Concord

Author, speaker, teacher, and educator on leather working tools and techniques.

How to Use Angelus Leather Paint: Test & Result

Angelus Leather Paint is an acrylic-based pigment specifically designed for leather, particularly smooth varieties. It is available in various colors and can be applied directly with a brush or mixed for airbrush use. We’ll explore the company’s history and ingredients and walk you through the application process to show you how effective it can be.

So, with that, let’s dive right in.

Key Notes:

Angelus is a family-owned brand that continues manufacturing high-quality leather paints and accessories in the USA.
Angelus Leather Paint is a versatile and durable acrylic-based paint, ideal for customizing and protecting leather goods.
Proper application of Angelus Leather Paint ensures a strong, lasting bond with leather surfaces, and the paint’s water-resistant properties make it an effective barrier against moisture.

Angelus Company History

Angelus is a family-owned company that was started in 1907 by Paul T. Angelos in Chicago, Illinois. He and, eventually, his brothers had shoeshine stands, and they began making their own shoe polish.

Others wanted to buy their polish, and from there, the manufacturer grew into the large company it is today. Based in Santa Fe Springs, California, they offer a range of leather, paints, dyes, and accessories and still make everything in the USA.

Angelus Leather Paint Ingredients

Angelus Leather Paint is generally a mixture of ingredients, including:

Water
Acrylic polymers
Co-polymers
Colorants

The specific formula is not easily obtainable but might also contain some other elements.

Applying Angelus Leather Paint

Let’s take a look at how we can apply it to a leather sample. It can be really easy with these kinds of acrylic paints.

1. Prepare Your Workspace:

Cover your work surface to protect it from any paint spills, and place unpainted leather on top.

2. Choose Your Paint Color:

Select the color you want to apply. In this example, we’re using black acrylic paint because we have a pre-painted black leather piece that has already dried to show as an example.

3. Prepare Your Brush:

Choose a paintbrush. Acrylic paints work well with various brushes, from straight to round to angled, so select one based on the desired finish.

4. Load the Brush with Paint:

Dip the brush into the acrylic paint. Make sure to load the brush with enough paint to cover the surface effectively.

5. Apply the Paint:

Begin applying the paint to the leather surface. Ensure that you apply enough paint to create a solid, durable layer once it dries. Avoid applying too little, as a thin layer may not provide sufficient coverage or durability.

6. Mind Your Brush Strokes:

Be aware that acrylic paint is sensitive to brush strokes. The type of brush, the amount of paint, and the pressure you apply will all influence the final appearance. If working on a textured leather surface, expect the texture to show through the paint.

7. Allow to Dry:

Let the paint dry completely before handling or applying additional layers if needed. Once dry, the paint should form a strong, lasting bond with the leather.

Dry Results

Now that we’ve finished painting the leather, it’s time to let it dry. While we wait, let me show you a piece of leather that has already dried.
As you can see, the surface is smooth and evenly reflective, with slight variations in brush strokes indicating where more or less paint was applied. This is a clear example of how proper application can affect the final look. When you paint your own leather, be sure to apply the paint evenly and thickly enough to achieve a consistent, polished finish.

Water Resistance Test

Given that the paint is acrylic-based, it should be relatively water-resistant. So, we decided to put that to the test. After our painted sample dried, we used a dropper to apply water to its surface. As you can see, the water beads up and rolls off effortlessly. This is in stark contrast to untreated leather, where the water is quickly absorbed into the fibers. The difference is clear: our dried paint layer creates an effective barrier against moisture, making Angelus paint an excellent choice for adding both color and protection to your leather.

Product Versatility

With a wide array of colors available, this leather paint offers incredible versatility. You can dilute it for lighter shades, perfect for airbrush applications, or blend it with other mediums to create entirely new effects. This flexibility opens up endless creative possibilities. Angelus Leather Paint is among the most popular for customizing sneakers and clothing and various leather projects.

It’s available in both small and large sizes, so you can choose the quantity that best suits your needs.

Final Thoughts

Angelus Leather Paint is a great product for anyone looking to customize or rejuvenate their leather items. Its wide color range, ease of use, and impressive durability make it a top choice that is certainly worth checking out.

If you have any questions or tips based on your own experiences with Angelus Leather Paint, please do share.

And there you have it. Until next time.

Picture of About Author Dan Concord

About Author Dan Concord

Dan Concord is a professional leather crafter with 15 years of design experience and expertise. He is founder of the successful Liberty Leather Goods studio, and also a published author, speaker, teacher, and educator on leather working tools and techniques. He lives in the USA.