Introduction: Painting a Leather-look on Objects
Hello, there.
This is my first instructable so bear with me. I was trying to figure out how to paint a leather-like look onto cardboard but realized there's not a lot of tips on how to do this. So I decided to create an instructable to share the technique I learned through trial and error. I was spray-painting a cardboard poster tube to make a cosplay quiver so my color choices are based off of what the cosplay called for. You can of course adjust accordingly.
So first off, here is how this effect looks:
This is my first instructable so bear with me. I was trying to figure out how to paint a leather-like look onto cardboard but realized there's not a lot of tips on how to do this. So I decided to create an instructable to share the technique I learned through trial and error. I was spray-painting a cardboard poster tube to make a cosplay quiver so my color choices are based off of what the cosplay called for. You can of course adjust accordingly.
So first off, here is how this effect looks:
Step 1: Getting Started
To do this, you'll need:
Paint or spray paint -- one lighter color and one darker color
A drop cloth or covering (so as not to paint anything unintentionally)
Saran wrap
I included the paints I used to create this exact look but those were leftover from other cosplay items.
Paint or spray paint -- one lighter color and one darker color
A drop cloth or covering (so as not to paint anything unintentionally)
Saran wrap
I included the paints I used to create this exact look but those were leftover from other cosplay items.
Step 2: The Process
First, paint the lighter color on the item of choice being sure to do so over some sort of covering. This may be easier to do in spray paint for odder materials such as thermoplastic, plastic, metals, etc. Let this layer dry completely.
Next, paint the darker color.You might want to do this in sections as you cannot let the paint dry before doing the next steps.
Immediately put a piece of saran wrap over the freshly painted surface. Press down lightly to get all the wrinkles pressed into the paint. You can begin to pull the saran wrap off once you've pressed it down into the paint. Don't wait for the paint to dry or you won't be able to pull it off. Pull the saran wrap off. This will bring a lot of the top color off but don't worry, plenty should be left on the object.
Let dry and you will end up with a look just like this. It's not a perfect resemblance to leather but it'll give texture to the object and give it that nice cracked look.
I hope this helps you with your project!
Next, paint the darker color.You might want to do this in sections as you cannot let the paint dry before doing the next steps.
Immediately put a piece of saran wrap over the freshly painted surface. Press down lightly to get all the wrinkles pressed into the paint. You can begin to pull the saran wrap off once you've pressed it down into the paint. Don't wait for the paint to dry or you won't be able to pull it off. Pull the saran wrap off. This will bring a lot of the top color off but don't worry, plenty should be left on the object.
Let dry and you will end up with a look just like this. It's not a perfect resemblance to leather but it'll give texture to the object and give it that nice cracked look.
I hope this helps you with your project!