Introduction

Discover the art of customizing and painting on leather handbags, in this step-by-step tutorial featuring the work of artist, LOVEHELLY. In this detailed guide, you'll learn how to prep, paint, and finish a custom leather bag project using Angelus Leather Paints.

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LOVEHELLY

Hi, I'm LOVEHELLY, and I'm a fashion artist based in Brooklyn, New York. I create bold, campy pieces that are drenched in rhinestones and rooted in nostalgia. My work is inspired by girlhood, the late 2000s, and the kind of glam that’s loud, playful, and a little bit dramatic. Every piece is a love letter to the version of me who lived for rhinestones, chaos, and Y2K magic.

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How to Paint Leather Bags with Angelus Paints

1

Step 1: Prep Your Leather Bag for Painting

Start by cleaning and prepping the surface of your leather bag with Angelus Leather Preparer and Deglazer. This essential step removes factory finishes, oils, and dirt, allowing the paint to adhere properly.

Close-up of a hand holding a bottle of Angelus White Acrylic Leather Paint in front of the pink leather bag, with a paintbrush in the background.

Start by cleaning and prepping the surface of your leather bag with Angelus Leather Preparer and Deglazer. This essential step removes factory finishes, oils, and dirt, allowing the paint to adhere properly.

Close-up of a hand holding a bottle of Angelus White Acrylic Leather Paint in front of the pink leather bag, with a paintbrush in the background.
2

Step 2: Sketch and Tape Your Design

Use a white charcoal pencil or transfer paper to outline your artwork directly on the leather. If you're painting borders, sections, or color blocks, mask off clean edges with low-tack Angelus Masking Tape.

A hot pink leather bag in progress, partially painted with black and white rectangles to create a ransom-note letter effect. An iPad to the right displays the 'Burn Book' design for reference.

Use a white charcoal pencil or transfer paper to outline your artwork directly on the leather. If you're painting borders, sections, or color blocks, mask off clean edges with low-tack Angelus Masking Tape.

A hot pink leather bag in progress, partially painted with black and white rectangles to create a ransom-note letter effect. An iPad to the right displays the 'Burn Book' design for reference.
3

Step 3: Paint Your Leather Bag with Angelus Leather Paints

Choose your favorite shades of Angelus Leather Paint and apply in thin, even coats using a detail brush or sponge dauber. Let each layer dry fully before applying the next.

Artist hand-painting a letter ‘G' onto a white rectangle on a bright pink leather bag. The bag features a finished 'Birkin Bag' design, and a tablet nearby shows different font styles.

Choose your favorite shades of Angelus Leather Paint and apply in thin, even coats using a detail brush or sponge dauber. Let each layer dry fully before applying the next.

Artist hand-painting a letter ‘G' onto a white rectangle on a bright pink leather bag. The bag features a finished 'Birkin Bag' design, and a tablet nearby shows different font styles.
4

Step 4: Seal and Protect Your Artwork

***This step is optional***
Once the paint is completely dry, apply Angelus Acrylic Finisher or 4-Coat Urethane Clear Coats to protect your custom bag from scuffs, scratches, and water damage. Choose between Matte, Satin, or High Gloss finishes depending on your desired look.

Hands holding a hot pink leather handbag with white handles, painted with cut-out style black and white letters spelling 'Birkin Bag' in an arched layout across the front.

***This step is optional***
Once the paint is completely dry, apply Angelus Acrylic Finisher or 4-Coat Urethane Clear Coats to protect your custom bag from scuffs, scratches, and water damage. Choose between Matte, Satin, or High Gloss finishes depending on your desired look.

Hands holding a hot pink leather handbag with white handles, painted with cut-out style black and white letters spelling 'Birkin Bag' in an arched layout across the front.
Close-up of a hand holding a bottle of Angelus White Acrylic Leather Paint in front of the pink leather bag, with a paintbrush in the background.
A hot pink leather bag in progress, partially painted with black and white rectangles to create a ransom-note letter effect. An iPad to the right displays the 'Burn Book' design for reference.
Artist hand-painting a letter ‘G' onto a white rectangle on a bright pink leather bag. The bag features a finished 'Birkin Bag' design, and a tablet nearby shows different font styles.
Hands holding a hot pink leather handbag with white handles, painted with cut-out style black and white letters spelling 'Birkin Bag' in an arched layout across the front.

Creator Questions

I'm based in Brooklyn, New York.

I heard about you guys when I started painting old handbags with acrylic paint for fun, and quickly decided I should paint a bag that I intended to actually wear. So, I started looking for the best leather paint and was directed back to you every time.

I use Angelus leather paint to customize and transform all my luxury handbags.

I love all of your products. I use your leather paint and Leather & Preparer Deglazer on all of my pieces. A little mix of Hot Pink and Jamaican Joy is my favorite color. I recently got a new Paint Brush Set from you and I am in loooove with!

If you’re drawn to creation… just create. art isn’t perfect, it can be whatever you had fun making. When I finally started making art that I actually liked I went in with the intention to just have fun.

🛒 LOVEHELLY's Top 5 Angelus Products

Angelus Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Paint Brush Set

$9.95

-

$14.95
12 Color Acrylic Shoe Paint Kit - Angelus Direct

12 Color Paint Assortment Kit

$42.95

-

$47.40
4 oz. Empty Bottle w/ Easy Pour Cap - Angelus Direct

4 oz. Empty Bottle w/ Easy Pour Cap

$1.95
Angelus Apron - Angelus Direct

Angelus Apron

$19.95
2 - Thin Paint Thinner - Angelus Direct

2-Thin Paint Thinner

$3.95
Angelus Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Paint Brush Set

$9.95

-

$14.95
12 Color Acrylic Shoe Paint Kit - Angelus Direct

12 Color Paint Assortment Kit

$42.95

-

$47.40
4 oz. Empty Bottle w/ Easy Pour Cap - Angelus Direct

4 oz. Empty Bottle w/ Easy Pour Cap

$1.95
Angelus Apron - Angelus Direct

Angelus Apron

$19.95
2 - Thin Paint Thinner - Angelus Direct

2-Thin Paint Thinner

$3.95
Angelus Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Paint Brush Set

$9.95

-

$14.95
12 Color Acrylic Shoe Paint Kit - Angelus Direct

12 Color Paint Assortment Kit

$42.95

-

$47.40
4 oz. Empty Bottle w/ Easy Pour Cap - Angelus Direct

4 oz. Empty Bottle w/ Easy Pour Cap

$1.95
Angelus Apron - Angelus Direct

Angelus Apron

$19.95
2 - Thin Paint Thinner - Angelus Direct

2-Thin Paint Thinner

$3.95
Angelus Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Paint Brush Set

$9.95

-

$14.95
12 Color Acrylic Shoe Paint Kit - Angelus Direct

12 Color Paint Assortment Kit

$42.95

-

$47.40
4 oz. Empty Bottle w/ Easy Pour Cap - Angelus Direct

4 oz. Empty Bottle w/ Easy Pour Cap

$1.95
Angelus Apron - Angelus Direct

Angelus Apron

$19.95
2 - Thin Paint Thinner - Angelus Direct

2-Thin Paint Thinner

$3.95
Angelus Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Paint Brush Set

$9.95

-

$14.95
12 Color Acrylic Shoe Paint Kit - Angelus Direct

12 Color Paint Assortment Kit

$42.95

-

$47.40
4 oz. Empty Bottle w/ Easy Pour Cap - Angelus Direct

4 oz. Empty Bottle w/ Easy Pour Cap

$1.95
Angelus Apron - Angelus Direct

Angelus Apron

$19.95
2 - Thin Paint Thinner - Angelus Direct

2-Thin Paint Thinner

$3.95
Angelus Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Paint Brush Set

$9.95

-

$14.95
12 Color Acrylic Shoe Paint Kit - Angelus Direct

12 Color Paint Assortment Kit

$42.95

-

$47.40
4 oz. Empty Bottle w/ Easy Pour Cap - Angelus Direct

4 oz. Empty Bottle w/ Easy Pour Cap

$1.95
Angelus Apron - Angelus Direct

Angelus Apron

$19.95
2 - Thin Paint Thinner - Angelus Direct

2-Thin Paint Thinner

$3.95

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