To paint a leather book cover or journal, wipe the cover with Angelus Leather Preparer & Deglazer until the shine is gone, sketch your design lightly, and paint it in thin coats of Angelus Paint, letting each coat dry. Keep paint thin along the spine where the cover bends. Seal it with Acrylic Finisher if it’ll be handled every day. To change the whole color with a natural look, use Angelus Leather Dye instead.
We’ve made paint and dye in Los Angeles since 1907. Customers use them on journals, sketchbooks, bibles, planners, and vintage address books. This guide covers leather and faux leather covers.
Quick answer: how to paint a book cover
- Prep: wipe with Deglazer until the cover looks dull.
- Protect: slip paper between the cover and the pages.
- Paint: thin coats of Angelus Paint, drying between each.
- Seal: Acrylic Finisher for covers you carry.
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Angelus Paint
Water-based acrylic that stays flexible once dry. 4.9 stars from 13,900+ reviews.
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4.9 stars from 13,900+ reviews of Angelus Paint
★★★★★
"Angelus goes on smooth and stays good for a long time. I use it to paint leather books and it doesn’t even need a sealer."
Elisabeth W. · Verified buyer · Brown Paint
★★★★★
"Love you Angelus, you have been with me from customizing my roller skates to now making leather journals."
Tara M. · Verified buyer · 12 Color Leather Dye Kit
★★★★★
"worked well on an old, vintage, leather address book. thanks."
Angelus customer · Verified buyer · Blue Leather Dye
How to Paint a Leather Book Cover, Step by Step
You’ll need Deglazer, cotton pads, scrap paper, a pencil, Angelus Paint, brushes, and Acrylic Finisher.
Protect the Pages
Slip a sheet of scrap paper or plastic between the cover and the first page, front and back, so nothing bleeds onto the pages. Remove any dust jacket.
Deglaze the Cover
Rub Deglazer on with a cotton pad in 3 to 5 passes until the shine is gone. On faux leather, test a corner first.
Sketch Your Design
Pencil the design on lightly. Keep lettering and fine details off the spine crease, where the cover bends every time you open it.
Paint in Thin Coats
Fill the background first, then the design, in thin coats of Angelus Paint. Let each coat dry. Most colors cover in 3 to 5 thin coats. On a dark cover, lay a few thin coats of Angelus White under bright colors so they show up.
Add Details and Lettering
Switch to a micro detail brush for outlines, lettering, and highlights. Metallic gold makes a classic accent on book covers.
Seal It
For a cover you’ll carry and handle daily, brush on thin coats of Acrylic Finisher. Leave the book open and standing until it’s dry so the cover doesn’t stick to itself.
Paint or Dye Your Book Cover?
| You want | Use |
|---|---|
| Art, lettering, or a lighter color | Angelus Paint on deglazed leather. |
| A new, darker color with a natural look | Angelus Leather Dye. |
| Gold or silver accents | Metallic and pearlescent paint. |
| A worn, faded cover | Clean, deglaze, and dye it back. See how to restore old leather. |
Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping Deglazer. Paint peels off the factory finish.
- Thick paint on the spine. It cracks where the book opens.
- Not protecting the pages. Paint and dye can bleed onto the first page.
- Closing it wet. Let it dry standing open.
- Trying to dye lighter. Dye only goes darker.
Related guides: Restore and paint a wallet · Metallic effects on leather · Angelus Paint do’s and don’ts · How to use finishers
Painting Book Covers FAQ
Can you paint a leather book cover?
Yes. Deglaze it, paint thin coats of Angelus Paint, and seal it with Acrylic Finisher if it’ll be handled a lot.
Do I need to seal a painted book cover?
For a cover you carry daily, yes. One customer skips the sealer on leather books, but Acrylic Finisher helps protect paint from scratches.
Can I paint a faux leather journal?
Usually. Deglaze a corner first to test, then paint thin coats and seal.
How do I keep paint off the pages?
Slip scrap paper between the cover and the first page before you start, and let it dry standing open.
Can you dye a leather journal?
Yes. Deglaze, then apply Angelus Leather Dye in light coats. It goes the same color or darker.
