Leather

There are several items on the market to coat and seal leather. I've used Fiebings Resolene as both a "glue" and top sealant while working with flake or Ultra Fine Chameleon Powders. Another leather customizing product(s) in the market made especially for customizing shoes is the company called Angelus. They have tons of transparent bases that work in conjunction with our pigments to make truly one of a kind kicks, or just about anything else!

There's several ways to apply the powders and flake, it just depends on what works best for your vision. You can dye the leather first using leather dye to get your base color if you choose. You’ll need to do this step first before you start gluing down the flake/powders.

Once your leather is dyed the way you like and is completely dry, lay down a very thin layer of the resolene/product using a sponge brush and let it cure till tacky or almost dry. If you’re working with flake, simply pat on the flake using your finger or a cosmetic sponge, and press them down until the flake lays flat. Keep working until you get the coverage you like. If you’re working with powders, take a small sponge applicator or brush with a bit of the powder product on it and burnish it over the glue. The key is to burnish (rub) it in so you get that nice chrome-like look with even coverage. A little of the powder goes a long way. This method is best for detail work or if you're using many different colors in small areas. Once done, apply another thin layer of resolene over the top to seal the design.

Another way is to actually mix some pigment powder into the resolene and then painting it on the leather. You may need to do a couple of coats depending on the look you're after. The pigmented paint can also be airbrushed/sprayed. This is best for continuous lengths or lots of coverage. You’ll need to experiment with the correct nozzle size for your equipment to get the best effect. Both methods take a little practice, so test your technique first.

We’d love to hear what worked for you and see your project! Drop us a line.

Discotek powder on leather strapping.

Leather strapping using Imperial Orchid Flake (left) and Emerald Flash Flake (right).

Ultra Fine Chameleon powders of various colors.

These sweet little flats above were embellished with our Black Cherry Ultra Fine Chameleon Powder. Stunning!

Gorgeous Mary Jane-style leather shoes adorned with our Lumiere Luster Betelgeuse Flake and Disco Lizard Flake.

Shoes by the very talented Canadian artist, Risa Corbet.