Introduction

Looking for a creative way to customize your everyday items? In this DIY tutorial, custom artist, Kicks by Jagger shows you how to paint a water bottle using Angelus Leather Paints and 2-Hard Film Hardener for an artwork that lasts through wear and tear.

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Kicks by Jagger | Jagger Rodammer

I’m Jagger Rodammer from Michigan, and I’m a one-of-one anime custom shoe artist. Customizing shoes found me unexpectedly. It all started when my sister randomly painted a pair of sneakers when I was only 14. Art on shoes? Two of my favorite things combined. I was instantly hooked. I began researching the tools and techniques I’d need to start my own customization journey and took the plunge when the world shut down during COVID. Lockdown gave me the opportunity to dive into this new passion and put in the hours to grow my craft!

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How to Paint and Customize Water Bottles Using Angelus Paints

1

Step 1: Prep the Surface

Start by removing the factory finish so your paint can adhere properly. Use Angelus Leather Preparer & Deglazer to clean the areas you want to paint. Follow up with Angelus Multi-Purpose Wet Sandpaper to lightly scuff the surface—this creates grip and helps the paint stick better.

💡 Pro Tip: Focus only on the areas you’ll be painting for a clean finish.

Artist Kicks by Jagger wiping down a Hydro Flask with Angelus Preparer & Deglazer and gently sanding the painting area with Angelus wet sandpaper

Start by removing the factory finish so your paint can adhere properly. Use Angelus Leather Preparer & Deglazer to clean the areas you want to paint. Follow up with Angelus Multi-Purpose Wet Sandpaper to lightly scuff the surface—this creates grip and helps the paint stick better.

💡 Pro Tip: Focus only on the areas you’ll be painting for a clean finish.

Artist Kicks by Jagger wiping down a Hydro Flask with Angelus Preparer & Deglazer and gently sanding the painting area with Angelus wet sandpaper
2

Step 2: Mask It Off

Before painting, block off the sections you don’t want to touch with color. Angelus Red Masking Tape is perfect for getting those clean lines and protecting design-free zones.

Hydro Flask masked off with Angelus Masking Tape, clean lines separating painted areas from untouched bottle surface

Before painting, block off the sections you don’t want to touch with color. Angelus Red Masking Tape is perfect for getting those clean lines and protecting design-free zones.

Hydro Flask masked off with Angelus Masking Tape, clean lines separating painted areas from untouched bottle surface
3

Step 3: Mix, Paint & Layer

For non-porous surfaces like plastic or metal, mix your paint with Angelus 2-Hard in a 1:1 ratio. This additive helps the paint bond to hard surfaces. Apply thin, even coats and allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next. Once your base is solid, go in with a fine detail brush to add custom designs and intricate accents.

Close-up of Artist Kicks by Jagger applying thin coats of Angelus Leather Paint mixed with 2‑Hard using a soft brush on a water bottle

For non-porous surfaces like plastic or metal, mix your paint with Angelus 2-Hard in a 1:1 ratio. This additive helps the paint bond to hard surfaces. Apply thin, even coats and allow each layer to dry completely before adding the next. Once your base is solid, go in with a fine detail brush to add custom designs and intricate accents.

Close-up of Artist Kicks by Jagger applying thin coats of Angelus Leather Paint mixed with 2‑Hard using a soft brush on a water bottle
4

Step 4: Seal the Deal (Optional)

For added durability, seal your work with Angelus 4-Coat Urethane Clear Coat or Acrylic Finisher. For a glossy, ultra-durable look, you can also coat your bottle in epoxy resin. This step is optional, but it adds serious staying power—especially for daily-use items like water bottles.

A painted water bottle using Angelus paints, highlighting custom design

For added durability, seal your work with Angelus 4-Coat Urethane Clear Coat or Acrylic Finisher. For a glossy, ultra-durable look, you can also coat your bottle in epoxy resin. This step is optional, but it adds serious staying power—especially for daily-use items like water bottles.

A painted water bottle using Angelus paints, highlighting custom design
Artist Kicks by Jagger wiping down a Hydro Flask with Angelus Preparer & Deglazer and gently sanding the painting area with Angelus wet sandpaper
Hydro Flask masked off with Angelus Masking Tape, clean lines separating painted areas from untouched bottle surface
Close-up of Artist Kicks by Jagger applying thin coats of Angelus Leather Paint mixed with 2‑Hard using a soft brush on a water bottle
A painted water bottle using Angelus paints, highlighting custom design

Creator Questions

I'm based in Michigan, USA.

I discovered Angelus through a friend who showed me Marko Terzo's YouTube channel. After digging deeper, I realized it was the most trusted and popular brands in the custom shoe community. When I finally ordered it for myself, it didn’t just live up to the hype, but surpassed it!

I use Angelus to paint anime custom shoes, water bottles, backpacks, notebooks, keychains, wallets, and phone cases! I can paint pretty much anything I want! If I want to customize it, Angelus has the products and accessories to help me do it while keeping the paint strong and long lasting!

It’s impossible for me to choose just a few favorite Angelus products, because I love and use them all. But if I had to highlight some, I love the Angelus Paint Brush Set. Also the Angelus 4-Coat High Gloss is one of my favorites. It’s not only great for protection, but it also adds amazing depth, both visually and by touch. Their Neon Paints are another favorite. The colors are bold, bright, and they bring so much energy and life to every project. And their airbrush? Easily the best I’ve ever used, outperforming every other one I’ve tested by a mile. And I can’t forget about my amazing Angelus LED sign!

The best piece of advice I can give is to reach out and ask questions to people who’ve already done what you’re trying to learn. I remember messaging as many artists as I could to learn from them and get connected with the community. It helped me so much! Mentorship is a powerful tool for growth, and you’d be surprised how many artists feel honored when you ask them for help. I know I do!

🛒 Jagger's Top 5 Angelus Products

Angelus Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Paint Brush Set

$9.95

-

$14.95
High Gloss 4 - Coat - Angelus Direct

High Gloss 4-Coat

$6.95
Neon Color Kit - 12 Colors - Angelus Direct

Neon Color Kit - 12 Colors

$46.95

-

$59.40
Angelus x Grex XGi5 Airbrush - Angelus Direct

Angelus x Grex XGi5 Airbrush

$129.00
Angelus LED Neon Sign - Angelus Direct

Angelus LED Neon Sign

$119.95

-

$149.95
Angelus Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Paint Brush Set

$9.95

-

$14.95
High Gloss 4 - Coat - Angelus Direct

High Gloss 4-Coat

$6.95
Neon Color Kit - 12 Colors - Angelus Direct

Neon Color Kit - 12 Colors

$46.95

-

$59.40
Angelus x Grex XGi5 Airbrush - Angelus Direct

Angelus x Grex XGi5 Airbrush

$129.00
Angelus LED Neon Sign - Angelus Direct

Angelus LED Neon Sign

$119.95

-

$149.95
Angelus Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Paint Brush Set

$9.95

-

$14.95
High Gloss 4 - Coat - Angelus Direct

High Gloss 4-Coat

$6.95
Neon Color Kit - 12 Colors - Angelus Direct

Neon Color Kit - 12 Colors

$46.95

-

$59.40
Angelus x Grex XGi5 Airbrush - Angelus Direct

Angelus x Grex XGi5 Airbrush

$129.00
Angelus LED Neon Sign - Angelus Direct

Angelus LED Neon Sign

$119.95

-

$149.95
Angelus Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Paint Brush Set

$9.95

-

$14.95
High Gloss 4 - Coat - Angelus Direct

High Gloss 4-Coat

$6.95
Neon Color Kit - 12 Colors - Angelus Direct

Neon Color Kit - 12 Colors

$46.95

-

$59.40
Angelus x Grex XGi5 Airbrush - Angelus Direct

Angelus x Grex XGi5 Airbrush

$129.00
Angelus LED Neon Sign - Angelus Direct

Angelus LED Neon Sign

$119.95

-

$149.95
Angelus Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Paint Brush Set

$9.95

-

$14.95
High Gloss 4 - Coat - Angelus Direct

High Gloss 4-Coat

$6.95
Neon Color Kit - 12 Colors - Angelus Direct

Neon Color Kit - 12 Colors

$46.95

-

$59.40
Angelus x Grex XGi5 Airbrush - Angelus Direct

Angelus x Grex XGi5 Airbrush

$129.00
Angelus LED Neon Sign - Angelus Direct

Angelus LED Neon Sign

$119.95

-

$149.95
Angelus Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Paint Brush Set

$9.95

-

$14.95
High Gloss 4 - Coat - Angelus Direct

High Gloss 4-Coat

$6.95
Neon Color Kit - 12 Colors - Angelus Direct

Neon Color Kit - 12 Colors

$46.95

-

$59.40
Angelus x Grex XGi5 Airbrush - Angelus Direct

Angelus x Grex XGi5 Airbrush

$129.00
Angelus LED Neon Sign - Angelus Direct

Angelus LED Neon Sign

$119.95

-

$149.95

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