Introduction

Looking to turn your basic plastic watch into a wearable masterpiece? Whether you're into custom accessories or just love adding personality to your everyday gear, painting a plastic watch is a creative DIY that lets you express your style. In this tutorial, we’re featuring the incredibly talented Akraam Aham, who’s been making waves with his bold, detailed watch designs. Using Angelus Leather Paint and a few simple tools, you can transform any timepiece into a unique work of art that stands out from the crowd. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can create your own customized watch that lasts.

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Akraam Aham

Hi, I’m Akraam, a multidisciplinary artist from London. My practice is rooted in self-reflection, often exploring themes of identity and environment through visual art with a sculptural approach. While I began with installations, sculptures, and paintings, the lack of college-provided studio space pushed me to translate these ideas onto accessible, ready-made forms at home, starting with sneakers, which I would paint, cut up, and reconstruct to express a story. This later expanded into clothing as another form of wearable sculpture. My work continues to evolve through material experimentation, storytelling, and a drive to innovate beyond traditional formats.

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How to Paint and Customize A PLastic Watch: Step-by-Step Guide

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

Creator Questions

I'm based in London, in the United Kingdom.

As soon as I started working on sneakers the most frequent brand I saw all the best customisers use was Angelus, since then its been my go to.

Beyond traditional sneaker painting, I often use Angelus products to dye or stain fabrics for fashion projects, as well as to airbrush leather goods and watches. I also rely on their brushes for fine detail work across various mediums.

My top 5 Angelus products are:

  1. Classic White Leather Paint, such great coverage and flexibility to create a base,
  2. Acrylic Finisher
  3. Micro Detail Paint Brush Set
  4. Angelus Leather Preparer and Degazer 944ml, it's just satisfying using that metal can version!
  5. Angelus 2-Hard - I’ve used this a lot over the years!

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!

🛒 Akraam's Top 5 Angelus Products

Angelus White Paint - Angelus Direct

Angelus White Paint

$3.95
Acrylic Finisher - 1 oz. - Angelus Direct

Acrylic Finisher - 1 oz.

$3.95
Angelus Micro Detail Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Micro Detail Paint Brush Set

$16.95

-

$24.75
Leather Preparer and Deglazer - Angelus Direct

Leather Preparer and Deglazer

$5.95

-

$3.67
2 - Hard Film Hardener - Angelus Direct

2-Hard Film Hardener

$3.95
Angelus White Paint - Angelus Direct

Angelus White Paint

$3.95
Acrylic Finisher - 1 oz. - Angelus Direct

Acrylic Finisher - 1 oz.

$3.95
Angelus Micro Detail Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Micro Detail Paint Brush Set

$16.95

-

$24.75
Leather Preparer and Deglazer - Angelus Direct

Leather Preparer and Deglazer

$5.95

-

$3.67
2 - Hard Film Hardener - Angelus Direct

2-Hard Film Hardener

$3.95
Angelus White Paint - Angelus Direct

Angelus White Paint

$3.95
Acrylic Finisher - 1 oz. - Angelus Direct

Acrylic Finisher - 1 oz.

$3.95
Angelus Micro Detail Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Micro Detail Paint Brush Set

$16.95

-

$24.75
Leather Preparer and Deglazer - Angelus Direct

Leather Preparer and Deglazer

$5.95

-

$3.67
2 - Hard Film Hardener - Angelus Direct

2-Hard Film Hardener

$3.95
Angelus White Paint - Angelus Direct

Angelus White Paint

$3.95
Acrylic Finisher - 1 oz. - Angelus Direct

Acrylic Finisher - 1 oz.

$3.95
Angelus Micro Detail Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Micro Detail Paint Brush Set

$16.95

-

$24.75
Leather Preparer and Deglazer - Angelus Direct

Leather Preparer and Deglazer

$5.95

-

$3.67
2 - Hard Film Hardener - Angelus Direct

2-Hard Film Hardener

$3.95
Angelus White Paint - Angelus Direct

Angelus White Paint

$3.95
Acrylic Finisher - 1 oz. - Angelus Direct

Acrylic Finisher - 1 oz.

$3.95
Angelus Micro Detail Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Micro Detail Paint Brush Set

$16.95

-

$24.75
Leather Preparer and Deglazer - Angelus Direct

Leather Preparer and Deglazer

$5.95

-

$3.67
2 - Hard Film Hardener - Angelus Direct

2-Hard Film Hardener

$3.95
Angelus White Paint - Angelus Direct

Angelus White Paint

$3.95
Acrylic Finisher - 1 oz. - Angelus Direct

Acrylic Finisher - 1 oz.

$3.95
Angelus Micro Detail Paint Brush Set - Angelus Direct

Angelus Micro Detail Paint Brush Set

$16.95

-

$24.75
Leather Preparer and Deglazer - Angelus Direct

Leather Preparer and Deglazer

$5.95

-

$3.67
2 - Hard Film Hardener - Angelus Direct

2-Hard Film Hardener

$3.95

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