Leather and Vinyl Paint ⁽¹⁸⁰⁾

Flexible leather paint and vinyl paint built to move with the material instead of cracking on it. Our Angelus range covers the full three-step system: acrylic colours in 29ml bottles, preparer and deglazer, and clear finishers for sneakers, bags, jackets and vinyl trim.

How to paint leather and vinyl that lasts

Customising a pair of sneakers, touching up a leather bag, detailing a jacket. The material moves every time you wear it, which is why standard craft acrylics crack on it. Angelus acrylic is formulated to flex, so the colour stays where you put it.

The job breaks into three stages. Prep the surface so paint can grip. Apply thin, flexible coats of colour. Seal with a clear finish in the sheen you want. Preparation and thin paint layers are essential for adhesion. A compatible finisher can then adjust the sheen and provide additional protection against rubbing, scratches and scuffs.

If you're starting out, the Angelus Leather Paint Basics Kit is the easiest way in. It bundles five core colours, five assorted brushes and a 29ml bottle of Leather Preparer and Deglazer. A finisher must be purchased separately if you want additional surface protection or a particular sheen. For custom work, pick single colours from the full Angelus range and add the preparer and finish separately.

Leather paint and how it flexes

Angelus acrylic uses a binder designed to stretch with leather and vinyl rather than sit rigid on top. That flex is what stops hairline cracks on sneaker toe boxes, jacket elbows and bag handles where the material creases hardest.

The 29ml bottles suit custom work because you can mix exact shades without wasting paint. Angelus Acrylic Paint Black #001 is a standard black with a slight sheen. Flat Black #101 dries matte if you want a muted finish. For metallics and specialty work, Pearlescent 18K Gold #455 and the neon range give you cover shoe designers reach for. Browse all leather paints for the full colour depth.

Preparer and deglazer

Proper preparation is one of the biggest factors in whether leather paint adheres successfully. On suitable smooth leather, Angelus Leather Preparer and Deglazer #820 removes the factory finish and surface residue so the paint can bond.

Use Angelus Easy Cleaner first when the item has dirt, scuffs or body oils on it, then allow the surface to dry before preparing the areas you intend to paint. Test every preparation product on a hidden area first.

Vinyl and patent leather need surface-specific preparation. Riot’s current Preparer and Deglazer listing says the product is not recommended for vinyl or plastic, while Angelus’s newer guidance uses additional sanding and adhesion products on some vinyl surfaces. Follow the current product instructions for the exact material rather than treating leather, patent leather and vinyl as interchangeable.

Leather dye or leather paint, which to choose

Dyes and paints solve different problems. Here's the quick comparison.

Choose leather dye when the material is uncoated, absorbent and suitable for dyeing, particularly when moving from a lighter colour to a darker one. Choose paint for opaque artwork, light-over-dark changes or coated leather. Always test the product on a hidden area first 

Vinyl paint for non-porous surfaces

Angelus acrylic paint can be used on suitable vinyl, but preparation depends on how soft, rigid and glossy the surface is. Flexible vinyl and rigid vinyl should not automatically receive the same treatment.

Angelus recommends additional adhesion preparation for some vinyl surfaces, which may include light sanding, adhesion promoter or 2-Hard for rigid material. Riot’s Preparer and Deglazer listing says that product is not recommended for vinyl or plastic, so check the current instructions for every product before applying it. Test the complete process on a hidden section, then build the colour with thin coats.

Finishers and sealing

An Angelus Acrylic Finisher sets the final sheen and adds protection against minor scratches and scuffs. #620 Matte provides the lowest sheen, #605 Satin sits closer to the appearance of a new shoe, #600 Normal is glossy and #610 High Gloss provides the most shine. Apply the chosen finisher in thin, even coats over fully dry paint. 

Do not use ordinary Angelus leather paint on the tread or rubber outsole of shoes that will be worn. Friction against the ground will remove the paint regardless of the finisher. For a dingy factory-painted midsole, use a product designed for midsole restoration. Angelus Sole Bright is intended to reduce yellowing on suitable soles, while Angelus’s current guidance recommends mixing Sole Bright with leather dye when recolouring certain wearable soles. Follow the specific product directions and test first. See all leather paint mediums and finishers for the full set.

Hobby or pro leather paints

Beginner. The Angelus Leather Paint Basics Kit includes five core colours, five assorted brushes and a small bottle of Preparer and Deglazer. It does not include a finisher, so add one separately if the project requires a particular sheen or additional surface protection. 

Student. Pick a few 29ml colours you'll actually mix with, add Preparer & Deglazer #820 and Flexible Clear Finish #600. This is the honest working kit for ongoing projects.

Artist. Pearlescents, neons and specialty finishes for detailed custom work. Pair with the right sneaker paints and finishers for commissioned pieces.

Why shop leather and vinyl paint with Riot

• 40+ years supporting Australian makers across every skill level.
• House brands stocked including Holcroft, Art Star, The Paper Mill and The Clay Studio.
• Support Monday to Friday with a one business day reply aim.
• Clear shipping and returns pages, including change-of-mind conditions.

FAQs

How do you paint leather shoes?

Clean the shoe, deglaze the areas you want to paint, then apply Angelus acrylic in thin coats, letting each dry before the next. Three or four light coats cover better than one thick coat. Finish with a flexible clear sealer. Avoid the outsole, because paint on the tread won't last.

Do you need to prep leather before painting?

Yes. The factory finish on most leather and vinyl is designed to resist stains, which means it also resists paint. Wipe with Angelus Preparer & Deglazer #820 on a soft cloth to strip the top coating. Patent leather and glossy vinyl require material-specific preparation and may need more than deglazing. Check Angelus’s current instructions for the exact surface and test the process on a hidden area.

What is the difference between leather dye and leather paint?

Dye soaks into the grain and keeps the leather feeling natural, but it can only match or darken the existing colour. Paint sits on top with full opaque coverage, so you can go lighter, add logos or change colour completely. Dye suits restoration. Paint suits custom work.

Will leather paint crack?

Flexible acrylic like Angelus is formulated to move with the material, so it resists cracking on uppers, bag panels and jacket creases when applied in thin coats and sealed properly. The exception is outsoles. Paint on the tread wears off through contact with the ground, which Angelus confirms in their own guidance.

Can you paint vinyl with Angelus?

Yes. Angelus acrylic works on vinyl car trim, handbags, cosplay and vinyl shoes. Prep is critical because vinyl is non-porous. Clean the surface, deglaze to break the gloss, then build colour in very thin layers. Seal with Flexible Clear Finish #600 so the paint moves with the vinyl.

Do you deliver leather paint across Australia?

Yes. We ship leather paint, preparer, finishers and the full Angelus range Australia-wide. See our shipping page for current rates and dispatch times, and reach out Monday to Friday if you need help matching paint to project. Browse related leather care products to keep finished pieces looking their best.

You might also need

• Leather paint brushes
• Leather dyes
• Leather care
• Sneaker paints
• Angelus range