Painting a Faux Leather Vest


Painting a faux leather vest.


I purchased this vest from a vintage marketplace.


It was originally black, and had print fabric lining on the inside.


The vest was in very good condition.


I had never painted faux leather, and I didn't know whether to use fabric paint, or leather paint.


I chose to use the fabric paint, and it turned out well.


The texture of  the faux leather is smooth after being painted.


insidelining.jpegThe inside lining of the vest.

Painting a Faux Leather Vest - I Painted it Twice


I don't have a photo of the vest in its original black. but I do have photos of how the side, and front of the vest looked the first time that I painted it.


I actually poured paint the first time, and left a lot of the black exposed.


The second time I painted it, I painted the front in its entirety.


I painted the back turquoise, and painted a woman with a large red afro on top of that.



vestbefore1.jpgThe side of the vest after being painted the first time.
vestbefore2.jpgThe front of the vest after being painted the first time.
vestorangesbi.jpegThe front of the vest after being painted the second time.
redafro1.jpegThe back of the faux leather vest after being painted.
vestback.jpegThe back of the vest after being painted.

Painting a Faux Leather Vest - The Painting Process

I'm normally in a zone when I am painting.


Sometimes I am listening to music, but most of the time I am quiet.


I am an introvert, which means that I get my energy from being alone.


While painting, I am being refreshed, and restored.


I can't do this while talking, and laughing with others.


I need to hear my own thoughts.


I need to focus.


I need to be still.


The other day, I was speaking with a fellow creative.


She was telling me how she often looks forward to coming home, and quieting her mind, after a busy, or stressful day.


She does this by being creative.


I could totally relate.


Some projects take many hours to complete, and I do get tired.


I take breaks, and come back when I am fresh.



Painting a Faux Leather Vest - Fabric Paint v. Leather Paint


Since painting this vest, I have used both fabric paint, and leather paint on faux leather.


Both have turned out great.


Fabric paint seems to be lighter on the fabric, while leather paint is heavier.


I am pleased with the overall design, and I look forward to painting my next faux leather vest.


Painting a Faux Leather Vest - Re-Branding

I am re-branding to hand painted, ethnically diverse graphics for fashionistas, and this website will be shut down on June 30, 2025.


The new website link is girlypaintstyle.