How To Paint Your Own Custom Jacket
What cute custom detail are you excited about for your big day? We’ve seen so many unique ways for couples to express themselves that its hard to even start a list of favorites but one stand out element that we just cannot get enough of are the custom painted jacket!
So rad! and such a fun way to add a little attitude to your big day.
Leather or denim, this trend is killing it right now. And we are here to show you how you can create one of your very own! So practice your “wifey” script and brush up on your flower painting skills, this is about to be a super fun “how-to” post!
As an artist myself, I jumped into the jacket painting game when Wedding Chicks asked if I knew how to do it. Of course (with the magical help of the internet) I can do that! And it was true, a quick google search quickly pointed me in the direction of the Angelus Direct. They are the end all be all of custom painted clothing, and they even have helpful video tutorials that were a lifesaver in learning this fun new skill. And if you happen to be looking for some inspiration on what to paint I have to plug Wolf & Rosie. This amazing artist creates stunning jacket art that will leave you amazing, and she was who I studied when planning out my very first jacket.
I'm super excited to pass my knowledge on to you, so let’s get started!
Step 1: Leather or denim?
if you are going with a Leather Jacket here are the supplies you will need:
Angelus Paint - In whatever colors you want. - Note: start small the little 1 oz paints seem tiny but trust me they go a long way.
Angelus Leather Preparer and Deglazer - This is to take off the factory finish and allow your paint to adhere to your jacket to prevent peeling/flaking.
Angelus Acrylic Finisher - You will apply this over the top of your finished painting to protect it from scuffs and scratches.
Assorted Brushes - Hint they don’t have to be Angelus specific, they do have a couple of starter kits which are great if you don’t happen to have any brushes but you can find paintbrushes at any craft store.
White Charcoal Pencil - You will use this to draw out your design.
Water - to rinse your brushes out in.
for all of you Denim Jacket painters, here is your supply list:
Assorted Angelus Paints - Once again, pick your colors according to what you plan to paint and 1 oz paint goes a long way, although you will be using white as a primer color so you might snag a bit more of that.
Angelus 2 Soft Paint Additive - You will be adding this to your paint to allow it to adhere to your jacket.
Heat Gun/Hairdryer - Heat is important to activate the 2 Soft Paint Additive, so if you have a heat gun sweet, but a hairdryer will work as well.
Angelus Water & Stain Repellent - This will seal in your painting and allow you to wear it through all sorts of weather or life events.
Brushes
White Charcoal Pencil
Water
Okay step 2: Prep Time
Leather:
take your Angelus Leather Preparer and Deglazer and apply it to a sponge or rag and wipe down the area you plan to apply your paint. Let it dry completely
once dry sketch out your desired design on your jacket with your white charcoal pencil. hint i have found that dipping the pencil lead into a little bit of water helps.
Denim:
Sketch out your desired design on your jacket with your white charcoal pencil.
Step 3: Let's Paint This Sucker
Leather:
begin filling in the large areas of your design. Hint: using white as a base coat helps to make your colors super vibrant. Let dry and begin adding color in thin layers. A good way to work is from broad and basic shapes to the more detailed elements. use a bigger brush for your large areas and find a thin-tipped brush for your outlines and finer details.
Denim:
Start by mixing your Angelus 2 Soft paint additive with your white paint (1:1 ratio). This will be your primer base. fill in the large areas of your design you wish to add paint to. It will be thin so just build it up in layers. Once your primer is down, use your heat gun on low (or your hairdryer) to set the 2 Soft Additive. Add your 2 soft Additive to the paint you decide to use and fill in the rest of your design with your desired colors. Just like the leather jacket, a good way to work is from broad and basic shapes with a bigger brush to your finer detailing and outlining with a thin-tipped brush. Be sure to heat set your layers as you go.
Hint:
Be sure you are washing off your brushes as you go. The wonderful thing about Angelus paint is that it dries quickly, however that means it can set into your brushes and make for a headache to try and clean later.
Step 4: Set It and Don't Forget It
Leather:
Once your design is painted the way you want it and it has fully dried, take your Angelus Acrylic Finisher and apply a coat over the entire area that you have painted your masterpiece. Let dry and get ready to knock your guests dead with your killer new jacket!
Denim:
Finished with your painting and ready to set it once it is dry. Take your Angelus water & stain repellent and in a well-ventilated area apply several coats. Once that has set you are set to take some amazing wedding shots in your amazing denim work of art!
Extra help? We've Got You!
And there you have it! How to paint your very own custom leather Or denim jacket. If you are looking for a bit more help than just a few words on a website can provide, take a look at the video below. Bryan Phillips will take you step-by-step through the process of painting on a denim jacket. Best of luck and happy jacket painting!