A leather purse is a classic, durable and often expensive accessory. Discoloration is common in older leather items, but can be easily fixed. You can use this simple technique to revive a previously owned leather purse purchased from an auction site or thrift store, or one in your own closet.
Painting Leather Purse Step 1
Empty all of the contents from your leather bag.
Step 2
Squeeze a small quantity of a leather cleaner/conditioner combination product onto a lint-free microfiber cloth. Wipe the entire exterior surface of the leather purse to remove dirt, scuff marks and to restore dull leather areas. This may solve mild cases of discoloration, but if it does not, you will have to apply leather paint to your bag. The leather surface must be thoroughly cleaned, then allowed to dry for the leather paint to adhere properly.
Step 3
Cover any metal surfaces of the purse such as the clasp with painter’s tape.
Step 4
Find a well-ventilated area or go outside if possible. Protect the surrounding area with plastic sheeting or a drop cloth. Set the leather purse down on the protective covering. Spray the area on the purse that is discolored. Hold the spray nozzle at least 12 inches from the purse. Paint the entire purse so it blends in. Wait until the paint is dry on the rest of the purse before painting the bottom. Allow the paint to dry and repeat if necessary.
Step 5 Dying Leather Purse Step 1
Remove all the contents of the purse before you begin.
Step 2
Clean the leather purse with a with a leather cleaner/conditioner combination product to remove any dirt. Use a lint-free microfiber cloth to apply the product to the entire leather portion of the purse. This product may also restore any discolored portions of the purse. If this does not restore the discolored portion, move on to the next step.
Step 3
Move to a well-ventilated area and cover the surrounding surfacing with a plastic sheet or drop cloth. Cove any metal surfaces on the purse with painter’s tape to protect them.
Step 4
Stir the dye with a plastic spoon.
Step 5
Paint the entire purse with the dye, using one light coat. Apply the dye with the tool that was supplied with the dye, which looks similar to a cotton ball with a wire handle. Work the dye into the crevices with a cotton swab. Hang the purse up with a coat hanger to paint the bottom. Allow it to dry overnight before applying dye to the strap. Repaint if necessary to achieve a darker color.
Tips
Use plastic gloves to protect your hands from discoloration.
Painting and dying a leather purse should only be used in extreme discoloration since this process could possibly make the purse look worse if it is done incorrectly.
Test the dye or paint in an inconspicuous area before proceeding since not all leathers will accept dye or paint.
Before applying the dye or paint, make sure you determine the best product for your purse, based on the type of leather. A semi-transparent dye should be used for aniline, nubuck and suede; these should never be painted.
Leather paints should be used for most pigments and protected leathers. In all cases, carefully read the instructions on the bottle to be certain that the paint or dye you choose is suitable for your leather item.
Suede often over-absorbs the dye.