How To Paint to Make Something Look Like Leather

A faux leather finish can add drama to a room or interest to a piece of furniture. With just a few paints, some basic tools, and pieces of thin plastic sheeting, the technique is within the reach of virtually any do-it-yourselfer.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper
• Detergent.
• Cleaning cloth
• Painter's tape
• Primer, if needed
• Paint, either satin or semi-gloss. (Two colors from the same color family, one lighter, one darker. Brown and dark brown, for example. A third color, darker yet, is optional.)
• Glaze
• Paint rollers and trays
• Several sheets of thin plastic, such as trash can liners
• Rags
• Pail of water

Instructions

Prep and First Color

1. Make sure the surface to be painted is thoroughly clean. Give any glossy surface a light sanding so the paint will adhere properly. Wash the surface if necessary and remove any loose paint. Wipe away any dust with a clean cloth. The surface must be clean and dry before painting. Use painter's tape to mask off any areas you do not wanted painted.

2. If the wall or item has never before been painted, apply a coat of primer and allow it to dry completely.

3. Roll on the first coat of paint. This will be the lighter color of the two you selected. Cover the entire area and allow it to dry completely. If the first coat did not adequately cover the existing finish, give the area a second coat of the lighter-color paint. Allow it to dry before starting the "leathering" process.

Making It Look Like Leather

1. After the base coat is dried, mix the second, darker coat at a ratio of four parts glaze to one part color.

2. Using random roller strokes, apply the glaze mixture. Do not try to cover more than about a 4- to 6-foot-square area at a time if you are covering a large surface.

3. Immediately after you finish rolling on the glaze, tightly wad up a piece of plastic, then unwad it. Place the piece of plastic---which now has crinkles and creases throughout---over the painted area. Gently push it down with the palm of your hand so it touches the glaze and sticks to the surface.

4. Take a broad brush and brush the plastic so it adheres to the glaze. There will be creases, bumps and lumps in the plastic; these are what create the leather effect. After it has all been brushed down, carefully peel the plastic off to reveal the texture.

5. Soften the harder edges of the texture. Take a rag, dip it in water and ring it out so it is just damp. Lightly blot over the harder edges of the texture to soften the overall effect.

6. Continue applying the glaze in sections, slightly overlapping your previous work. Apply fresh plastic each time and soften the texture with a damp cloth as you continue.

7. Although it is not necessary, you may repeat the glaze application with an even darker color to increase the depth of the effect. If you do this, use six parts glaze to one part paint.

Tips & Warnings

• The glaze will appear milky at first. It dries clear. Work in small areas with the glaze mixture. Make sure you pick the right type of paint for the surface you are painting. Metal or plastic will require a special paint. Use a small roller for smaller projects.

• Don't try to speed up the process by rolling the glaze on a large section. Glaze dries more quickly than regular paint and you could ruin the texturing process.

References

• Faux Painting Technique: Leather