leather paints and dyes

[bunn]

Does anyone out there know about colouring or painting leather?

I have what was once a blue collar with gold bits but is now faded, and a black collar that I'd like to decorate in silver. I am wondering if it's possible to dye the blue one back to a truer blue, and what sort of paint would be most durable to create a pattern on a thick leather surface. Any tips or links would be appreciated!

Comments

[bunn.livejournal.com]

I was thinking of silver paint and a varnish for the black collar where I want to make a curvy design - any suggestions about what sort of paint though?

I was thinking - as chainmailmaiden says above -that standard fabric paint would probably not stick well enough.

[king-pellinor.livejournal.com]

You can always take the top of the leather off with a sharp blade, so the paint has the rough inside of the leather to stick to.

[chainmailmaiden]

That sounds like a very good idea, I'll try that next time too :-)

[the-marquis.livejournal.com]

I'd have used ordinarily modelling enamel or acryilic paint, and as Pellinor says you're best off roughening the surface to give the paint a key. Ideally a white base coat will help the silver show up if using paints.

[bunn.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I have a good set of gouges, so I should be able to make an indented pattern OK.