Leather look

Resene paint effects projects, project 15

The use of facial tissues is a quick and easy way to build texture and create a leather look finish.

The play of light on the texture and the feel of the surface makes it interesting and also provides a very good base for dry brushing, antiquing or a washed effect.

Create a leather look texture on a papier mache book box
Create a leather look on a book box

You will need

25mm paintbrush
Cotton cloth and facial tissues
Papier mache book box
Resene Gold mixed with Resene FX Painted Effects Medium
Small flat bristle artist brushes (2)
Resene testpots in Resene Dark Rum, Resene Double Spanish White, Resene English Holly and Resene Kaitoke Green
Saucer and teaspoon

Project tips:

The tissues are usually 2 ply. They can be used as is or separated into a single thickness for a finer texture, which may work better on smaller items.

Apply one or two coats of Resene Aquaclear satin to the finished book to give a soft sheen and protect the finish. Before you start your project try out different combinations and practice your application method on a piece of card until you are happy with the result.

How to make a textured leather look paint finish

Step 1
Step 1: Apply a thin coat of Resene English Holly to one side of the book box.

Step 2
Step 2: Place a layer of tissue lightly on top. Carefully apply more paint and gently push the tissue into wrinkles with your brush. If it tears, place a small piece of tissue over the gap and paint on top.

Step 3
Step 3: When placing the next tissue, overlap the previous one slightly. Continue around the box, tucking the tissues neatly over the edges of the cover but not onto the page areas. Leave to dry.

Step 4
Step 4: Apply a second coat of Resene English Holly to the tissue area. Allow to dry.

Step 5
Step 5: Mix one teaspoon of the Resene Kaitoke Green with one teaspoon of water to make a thin wash, and brush over the box.

Step 6
Step 6: Lightly dab with a cloth to allow some of the basecoat to show through.

Step 7
Step 7: With one of the small brushes paint the “pages” of the book with two coats of Resene Double Spanish White.

Step 8
Step 8: Thin the Resene Dark Rum down with a little water and paint onto the pages area. Do one side at a time. While it is still wet, drag a small dry brush through the paint, creating the ”pages” of the book. Each time you drag the brush through, wipe off the excess paint on a tissue or cloth.