How to Paint PlaidFX on Leather Jacket

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How to Paint Plaid FX on Leather Jacket

Make your leather (or faux leather) jacket stand out with Plaid FX paint! Plaid FX paint is the most amazing paint for all your cosplay needs. It comes in tons of colors and dries flexible--so it's perfect for leather, fabric, shoes, cosplay, foam, etc!

Paint flowers, crystals or anything your creativity can imagine onto a faux leather jacket using Plaid FX paint. Upcycle the perfect jacket for Spring with a little imagination!

I love loose florals and thought the word rockstar would be perfect for my jacket. I love how it turned out...and guess what!? The paint dries flexible and doesn't crack. Plaid FX paint is worth the hype!

I made the Abracadabra jacket for my sis-in-law for a handmade Christmas gift. She picked the word and I love how it turned out!

Here's a video of the painting process:

Make a meaningful gift for a friend with this fun and creative tutorial!

I love loose florals and thought the word rockstar would be perfect for my jacket. I love how it turned out...and guess what!? The paint dries flexible and doesn't crack. Plaid FX paint is worth the hype! I made the Abracadabra jacket for my sis-in-law for a handmade Christmas gift. She picked the word and I love how it turned out!

I've had the privilege of working with Plaid for the past 6 years and love their products, support and company. They sent me PlaidFX paint in exchange for this post.

Alright, dig through the closet, run to the thrift store or hit up some yard sales and get a leather, pleather or faux leather jacket to paint on.

Plasticky leather is the perfect surface, because the paint won't absorb into it. But this same technique can be done on canvas shoes, denim jackets and other porous surfaces.

Supplies Needed for PlaidFX Paint on Leather Jacket:

Leather or faux leather jacket in need of upcycling
PlaidFX Paints in various colors and finishes

PlaidFX Smooth Satin Finish

PlaidFX Metallic Finish

PlaidFX Color Shift Finish

PlaidFX Iridescent Glitter

Paint brush

Lay the jacket down flat on a worksurface and get ready to paint. I'm painting just the backside of the jackets, but feel free to add some flair to the sleeves and front too!

Supplies Needed for PlaidFX Paint on Leather Jacket: Leather or faux leather jacket in need of upcycling PlaidFX Paints in various colors and finishes PlaidFX Smooth Satin Finish PlaidFX Metallic Finish PlaidFX Color Shift Finish PlaidFX Iridescent Glitter Paint brush Lay the jacket down flat on a worksurface and get ready to paint. I'm painting just the backside of the jackets, but feel free to add some flair to the sleeves and front too!

Step 1: Start Painting!

Begin by opening up the Plaid FX paint and removing the seal. Then dunk your round paintbrush into the paint and then press it right onto the backside of the jacket.

A round paintbrush is perfect for petal and leaves. Just press the brush down harder for the thicker parts and lift up for the thinner parts. Practice on paper if you feel nervous...or jump right in like me!

Paint a wreath of flowers using a circle shape for reference. You can gently draw a circle on the jacket using chalk if you need a guideline.

I love painting loose florals because they are so forgiving. Just paint some circles of loose petals, leaving some background space in there.

Here's another post with more instructions on painting flowers.

Step 1: Start Painting! Begin by opening up the Plaid FX paint and removing the seal. Then dunk your round paintbrush into the paint and then press it right onto the backside of the jacket. A round paintbrush is perfect for petal and leaves. Just press the brush down harder for the thicker parts and lift up for the thinner parts. Practice on paper if you feel nervous...or jump right in like me! Paint a wreath of flowers using a circle shape for reference. You can gently draw a circle on the jacket using chalk if you need a guideline. I love painting loose florals because they are so forgiving. Just paint some circles of loose petals, leaving some background space in there. Here's another post with more instructions on painting flowers.

Step 2: More Flowers!

Now add flowers in other colors and sizes. Add leaves in shades of green. Let the paint dry in between layers of different colors...or use the color wheel and combine colors to make new shades.

Step 3: More leaves!

Add ferns and compound leaves, continuing the circle wreath on the backside of the leather jacket.

Step 4: Glitter and Shimmer!

Let the paint dry a bit and then add some glitter or metallic colors over the top of the flowers and leaves to give it a little depth.

Step 5: Flower Centers!

Now add it some yellow centers, pollen dots and other little elements to fill in the wreath shape. Once you are satisfied with the flowers, let them dry completely.

Step 6: Power Word!

Now pick a power word that you love and write it in the center of the flower wreath. I picked Rockstar! Use the paintbrush and write it out in your own handwriting for the perfect power play. If you are nervous, use chalk again to sketch it out first.

I used metallic gold for the lettering.

Step 6: Power Word! Now pick a power word that you love and write it in the center of the flower wreath. I picked Rockstar! Use the paintbrush and write it out in your own handwriting for the perfect power play. If you are nervous, use chalk again to sketch it out first. I used metallic gold for the lettering.

Step 7: Finishing Touches!

Finish it off with layers of glitter paint and/or touch ups in black paint. Then let the jacket dry completely overnight.

The glitter paint goes on with a milky white color and then dries clear. No fear.

After the jacket is dry, there's no need to coat it with anything. It's ready to wear! It stays flexible and shouldn't chip!

Once the jacket is completely dry, it's ready to rock and roll!

Flowers aren't your thing?

Paint a guitar, a beach scene with palm trees, make some abstract art, paint a rainbow, add your favorite fandoms--there are so many options with this phenomenal paint that comes in so many colors. Plus it's easy to mix together to make more!

Maybe you'll pick your word for the year and make it part of your wardrobe! Paint whatever you want on your jacket. This one has a cluster of crystals and flowers.