How to Customize Leather Jackets

Leather jackets can be fashionable as well as functional, and customizing one can add even more personality. There are countless ways to customize a leather jacket, and depending on what approach you use, you can create a stunning, wearable conversation piece in close to no time.

Things You'll Need

• Leather jacket (color optional)
• Airbrush kit (with fabric paint/optional colors)
• Stencils (designs of your choice)
• Newspaper
• Paint brushes
• Fabric glue
• Fringe strips (found in craft stores)

Instructions

1. Spread newspaper out over your work surface to protect it from staining.

2. Spread the leather jacket out with the lining facing down, and the sleeves pulled out to the sides.

3. Plug in the airbrush kit, and insert a tube of air-brush safe fabric paint into it. Choose a color that complements the color of the jacket.

4. Choose a stencil design and place it in the desired position. Larger designs will work best on the back of the jacket. Smaller designs can go on the shoulders, lapels or sleeves.

5. Spread extra newspaper around the stencil to cover the surrounding leather and protect it from paint splatter.

6. Aim the airbrush gun about an inch from the stencil, and push the trigger to release the paint. Fill in the stencil with paint.

7. Remove the stencil and let the design dry for approximately two hours before wearing the jacket.

8. Glue a strip of leather fringe to the bottom of the jacket, making sure the glued part doesn't show on the outer side of the jacket.

9. Finish the look by applying custom designs with a paint brush and fabric paint.

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with gems and fringe for added customization.