spark patrol
After having ruled out dyeing leather (see: https://discord.com/channels/596787614913134593/1423683077254807727), I've decided to paint it white. I got a LOT of suggestions on which paints to choose, so I'm testing the 5 biggies:
marsh lichenBOT
GG @spark patrol, you just advanced to level 5!
spark patrol
The Fieblings is the last to arrive in the mail and I was itching to go, so I started without it. What you see here is:
PROCESS DETAILS:
Next Step in process (once I catch the Fieblings up) are:
Preliminary thoughts before door bending process:
Once this test is over, I've decided I'll be using a sprayer to spray my final project (which will be a sword scabbard) so as to minimize brush strokes and all that. As that, too, is still in the mail, I proved – once again – that I have no real patience, it's all either action or distraction and I couldn't find something better to distract me.
spark patrol
After some research, I'm going to re-do the acrylic paints (FolkArt and Unicorn Spit) when the Fieblings arrives. This time I'm going to dilute it 2 parts paint, 1 part water. I want to give the acrylic a better chance. I am open to thoughts on this.
spark patrol
Ok. Research is complete. Results coming.
spark patrol
How the bend test was done. This is my coat closet. From top to bottom are:
Angelus
Folkart
Folkart: The diluted version
Unicorn Spit
Unicorn Spit: The diluted version
Zelikovitz
Fieblings
Results after 6 minutes of constant bending in closet door:
My Choices
Fieblings and Angelus are so close as to be a tie.
The leather shows the wear of the bending but the paint does not crack, peel, nor separate in any way.
Next best was FolkArt. If you are going to paint with acrylic paint, this would be my next choice. It left a bit of dust if not covered in finish, but it stuck well to the leather both in the full strength and the diluted. It was a bit more streaky, but tolerably so. It does need the top coat, in my opinion.
Problem Children that need more love
Zelikovitz was actually really good, just not rich enough in color. It passed the bending test with flying colors!
Unicorn Spit flaked and peeled. I was cheering for it, but largely it sits on top of the leather more than catching the leather and it was the first to "nope" out of there under duress. The left is undiluted, the right is the diluted version. I wanted to love this so much and I'm so sorry I am finding them to be difficult. It was the most chalky, it was the hardest to work with as each layer I painted wet the layer before and pulled it up. Even with the sealant, the paint just didn't adhere enough to the surface.
Now you know what I know. If you have any questions or want pictures from different angles, let me know.
wheat tiger
This is great info! Thanks for posting the R&D!
runic gull
What topcoat have you tried with the folkart?
spark patrol
@runic gull, I used only one top coat which was the same across all brands which was the Angelus satin 4-Coat.
I did not want to complicate it too much so stuck with the one. And it worked fine with the FolkArt.
That said, the internets also like ModPodge (for which there are different varieties based on what you are using it on) as it is made by the same company.
lilac oracle
My understanding is that Mod Podge is not fully waterproof as it is PVA based.
spark patrol
My understanding is that Mod Podge is not fully waterproof as it is PVA based.
Depends on what version of it you use. It's not one product, it's a line of products. At least, that's my understanding of it. I have not actually used it so would believe you, otherwise.
spark patrol
@lilac oracle : Found this article which offers the details on ModPodge and Water Resistance vs Waterproofing which may prove helpful for whatever uses you have in mind: https://meatcheftools.com/is-mod-podge-acrylic-sealer-waterproof/
Largely, for leatherwork, I expect water resistant is fine since leather is fairly good at handling weather if conditioned properly and regularly.
solid patrol
I've used satin modpodge over folkart paint for a variety of leather accessories I use at several renfairs each year that have now lasted 7 or 8 years. If you're in a situation where you would seek shelter from heavy rain I would say this method is waterproof enough.
Also, for a bit more magic, I add a small amount of mica powder to the modpodge as I seal the piece.
Makes it shimmery in the sunlight ✨
I've also used "dishwasher safe" modpodge on other projects and while it is pretty waterproof, it seems less flexible, so I don't think I'd bothe or with it on leather
spark patrol
Yeah, testing the sealants might be for next year. Could be pretty cool.