Introduction

If you want your customs to stand out, neon is the way to go. In this tutorial, we’re highlighting Shelly Ng Santos (@customsbyshelly), an artist known for her bold anime-inspired designs, as she shows how to make colors pop with Angelus Neon Paints. From prepping your surface to layering for the brightest finish, Shelly breaks down how to get the most out of these vibrant shades. These techniques will give your artwork a bold, glowing edge that grabs attention every time.

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@Customsbyshelly | Shelly Ng Santos

Hi, I’m Shelly. I’m a stay-at-home mom who creates one-of-a-kind anime customs out of my love for anime and fan art. I’ve been painting anime-inspired pieces for almost five years now. It all started during COVID as a way to get creative, meet new people, and reconnect with the anime I grew up watching. What began as a fun outlet has grown into something much more meaningful; a way to express myself, connect with others who share the same passion, and build real friendships along the way.

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How to Use Angelus Neon Paints

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Step 1: Prep Your Surface

Before painting leather, it’s important to remove the factory finish from your surface so the paint can adhere properly.

  • Use Angelus Leather Preparer & Deglazer to remove the factory finish and clean the leather. This step is essential for a long-lasting custom piece!
  • Make sure to go over the entire surface 3-5 times and let it dry fully before painting.

If painting Canvas (such as Converse or Vans), simply make sure that your surface is clean and lint free.

Before painting leather, it’s important to remove the factory finish from your surface so the paint can adhere properly.

  • Use Angelus Leather Preparer & Deglazer to remove the factory finish and clean the leather. This step is essential for a long-lasting custom piece!
  • Make sure to go over the entire surface 3-5 times and let it dry fully before painting.

If painting Canvas (such as Converse or Vans), simply make sure that your surface is clean and lint free.

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Step 2: Apply Your Similar Color Base Colors

Neon paints work best over a solid standard color surface. Lay down a similar color base coat with a Standard Paint so the fluorescent pigments have a clean canvas to glow against.

Angelus Lilac and Paradise Purple Paints

Neon paints work best over a solid standard color surface. Lay down a similar color base coat with a Standard Paint so the fluorescent pigments have a clean canvas to glow against.

Angelus Lilac and Paradise Purple Paints
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Step 3: Layer On the Neon Colors

Choose your favorite Neon Paint Color and build it up in thin, even layers. Multiple coats will make the colors pop, especially under UV light. Be patient and let each coat dry before adding the next.

comparison of using angelus neon paints with and without a base color

Choose your favorite Neon Paint Color and build it up in thin, even layers. Multiple coats will make the colors pop, especially under UV light. Be patient and let each coat dry before adding the next.

comparison of using angelus neon paints with and without a base color
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Step 4: Protect the Glow

Once your design is complete, lock it in with an Angelus 4-COAT Finisher. This seals the paint, keeps the neons vibrant, and ensures your artwork stays glowing and durable.

Custom Anime backpack made with Angelus Paints under a blacklight\

Once your design is complete, lock it in with an Angelus 4-COAT Finisher. This seals the paint, keeps the neons vibrant, and ensures your artwork stays glowing and durable.

Custom Anime backpack made with Angelus Paints under a blacklight\
Angelus Lilac and Paradise Purple Paints
comparison of using angelus neon paints with and without a base color
Custom Anime backpack made with Angelus Paints under a blacklight\

Creator Questions

United States

I first heard about Angelus through a quick Google search on what products to use for painting leather goods.

It’s crazy to say, but I use Angelus products for just about everything! With all the different additives to choose from (like 2-Hard, 2-Soft, 2-Thick, and 2-Thin) the possibilities are endless, no matter the canvas. Personally, my favorite surfaces to work on are leather goods and skateboard decks.

My top 5 favorite Angelus products are the All Purpose Applicator Pads, Neon Paint, Paintable Repair Filler, Detail Knife, and Water & Stain Repellent Spray.

The All Purpose Application Pads are lint-free and super easy to use, especially for prep work.

The Neon Paint is bright, vibrant, and perfect for adding bold pops of color. They're great for special effects and subtle highlights.

The Paintable Repair Filler is great alternative for filling in pinholes and smoothing out imperfections for an even finish. You can use it for cuts and scratches too.

The Detail Knife is sharp and precise, making clean cuts easy.

And lastly, the Water & Stain Repellent Spray is a must-have for protecting your work during aftercare.

If you’re thinking about starting, just go for it. Waiting for the perfect moment will only make you hesitate. Start small, keep it light, and most of all, have fun with it. It doesn’t need to be perfect. There are so many people just like you, waiting to take that first step. Be cringe and post your progress. Share your wins, your mistakes, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The world is different now. With social media, building real connections matters more than ever. And with the internet, the whole world is at your fingertips.

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