MsJudi wrote: 
Did you use a brush to apply the paint?

 Proclivities wrote: 
Actually, I DID sand it, but only in the areas where the leather was rough and beaten up. Areas of the leather had taken on a scaly feel to them because of tiny cracks in the surface. I suspected those could be "healed" with paint, but even I was surprised as how smooth the final coat was. After I sanded down all the rough areas, I wiped the whole thing with rubbing alcohol to combat the tannins and oils. It worked- to a point. It was really the second coat of gesso and the first coat of latex that covered up all the remaining tannin trying to bleed though.

 meower wrote: 
I'd be there with bells on!

 JrzyTmata wrote: 
Yes, that was what I meant - prepping it to make better adhesion for the primer.  I guess it's not necessary on that kind of leather.

 MsJudi wrote: 
I think he meant did you have to sand the original leather to prep it.

 MsJudi wrote: 

S's WAY craftier than I am. Maybe he'd be interested in learning. I'd LOVE to do it with you...... so we'll either base it on when you're coming, or we'll pay for you to come!

XOXOXOX

 islander wrote: 
I've heard about those, and have also seen leather paints on fabric sites, too, but those were a little spendy for me.

 Proclivities wrote: 
Thanks! No, I didn't sand for sheen... I purchased a satin finish paint so that it wouldn't be flat (which would translate to it feeling chalky and scratchy when you sit in it), but also wouldn't stick to your skin, as it would have with a high-gloss paint. it has a nice, soft sheen, now.

 meower wrote: 
Yes, really! Of course, it would take a lot more paint and a plane ticket, but if I'm ever up there for a visit (please FSM let me be up there soon!), I'd be happy to... if you like, though, and have the time and ambition, I'd also be happy to talk you through doing it yourself- it's really easy!

 MsJudi wrote: 
Did you have to sand off the "sheen" or anything like that?  I know people who have painted on leather by priming it with a couple of coats of watered-down acrylic gesso (which soaks into the leather somewhat and stays pretty flexible), but that was for jackets or handbags, not furniture.  Very nice work you did there!

 MsJudi wrote: 
They also make a sprayable leather dye that works really well. I used it on some car seats a few years ago went from horrible obnoxious red to nice subtle grey. I was worried about wear and coverage, but the seats were hard to find so I took a shot. It worked great and I had the car for about a year and sold it to someone I know. It held up to normal use for at least a couple of years without ever showing the red through.

 MsJudi wrote: 

Really?

 meower wrote: 
I'd be happy to!

 JrzyTmata wrote: 
Jrzy, I used an artist's primer because they're designed to be flexible and I wanted the chair to remain very "sit-able", and I used 2 coats of latex house paint for the color because it's long-wearing and tough while also remaning soft and flexible. The scribbles are just words  and phrases I live by.

 meower wrote: 
SUPER cool

very cool judi! you could do this with our couch!

 MsJudi wrote: 
oh holy f'n crap!! YOU ARE AN ARTEEST!!! seriously, when you said you were going to paint leather, I didn't have much hope for the chair. This is beautiful!
what kind of paint do you use on leather?
and does all the scribbling say anything?

 MsJudi wrote: 

My thrift-store find, an 11 buck leather arm chair, painted!

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