To paint leather gloves, clean them, wipe the leather with Angelus Leather Preparer & Deglazer until the shine is gone, and brush on Angelus Paint in thin coats, keeping it extra thin across the knuckles and fingers. Seal with Acrylic Finisher. To recolor gloves with a natural look, use Angelus Leather Dye instead. It soaks in, so there’s nothing to crack when you make a fist.
We’ve made paint and dye in Los Angeles since 1907. Customers use them on fashion gloves, moto gloves, MMA gloves, and goalie gloves. Gloves flex more than almost anything you’ll paint, so this guide is all about keeping color where the hand bends.
Quick answer: how to paint leather gloves
- Prep: clean, then Deglazer until the leather looks dull.
- Choose: dye for a new color, paint for designs.
- Apply: thin coats, extra thin where fingers bend.
- Finish: Acrylic Finisher over paint, or condition over dye.
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4.9 stars from 13,900+ reviews of Angelus Paint
★★★★★
"The kit was super useful to clean leather gloves, the paint is high quality it’s a bright color and sticks on very well with no peeling"
Luis L. · Verified buyer · Paint & Prep Starter Kit
★★★★★
"Worked as described on my leather gloves! Would recommend to anyone who needs to recolor leather!"
Ari L. · Verified buyer · Deglazer
★★★★★
"It applied easily spread nicely. Looks great. I use it on a goalie hockey glove came out perfect."
Carl H. · Verified buyer · Sterling Silver Paint
How to Paint Leather Gloves, Step by Step
You’ll need Easy Cleaner, Deglazer, cotton pads, masking tape, Angelus Paint or Leather Dye, small brushes, and Acrylic Finisher.
Clean and Stuff the Gloves
Wipe them with Easy Cleaner and let them dry. Stuff each finger with paper towel so the leather is taut while you work.
Deglaze the Leather
Rub Deglazer on with a cotton pad in 3 to 5 passes until the shine is gone. Deglaze only the leather. Tape off mesh, padding, and plastic armor.
Dye for a New Color
To recolor the whole glove, brush on Angelus Leather Dye in light, even coats. Let it dry, add a second coat for depth, and buff off the excess. Dye only goes the same color or darker.
Paint Designs in Thin Coats
For designs or a lighter color, brush on Angelus Paint in thin coats and let each dry. Most colors cover in 3 to 5 thin coats. Keep coats extra thin over the knuckles, finger joints, and palm, which bend with every grip.
Flex Test
Once dry, gently make a fist in the glove. If the paint looks stiff at the knuckles, it’s too thick there. Thinner coats next time.
Seal or Condition
Over paint, brush on thin coats of Acrylic Finisher. Over dye, condition with Leather Conditioner for a soft feel, or seal with Acrylic Finisher for water resistance.
Dye or Paint Your Gloves?
| You want | Use |
|---|---|
| A new, darker color that stays soft | Leather Dye |
| Designs, logos, or a lighter color | Angelus Paint, sealed |
| Metallic accents | Metallic and pearlescent paint |
| Suede gloves | Angelus Suede Dye |
| Boxing gloves | See how to customize boxing gloves |
Shipping to California? Regular Angelus Leather Dye can’t ship there. Low VOC Leather Dye can, and it ships worldwide too.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Thick paint on the knuckles. It cracks the first time you make a fist.
- Skipping Deglazer. Paint peels and dye goes blotchy.
- Painting the inside or the palm grip heavily. It wears off fast and can feel slick.
- Using 2-Hard. It dries rigid and cracks on anything that bends.
- Wearing them too soon. Let paint and finisher dry overnight.
Related guides: Customize boxing gloves · Dye a leather jacket · Angelus Paint do’s and don’ts · Paint a leather belt
Painting and Dyeing Leather Gloves FAQ
Can you paint leather gloves?
Yes. Deglaze them, paint thin coats of Angelus Paint, keeping it extra thin over the knuckles, and seal with Acrylic Finisher.
Can you dye leather gloves?
Yes. Deglaze, then apply Angelus Leather Dye in light coats. It soaks in, so the gloves stay soft and there’s nothing to crack.
Will paint crack on gloves?
Thick paint will crack where the fingers bend. Thin coats on deglazed leather flex with the glove.
Can you dye gloves a lighter color?
No. Dye only goes darker. Use paint to go lighter.
How do you paint motorcycle gloves?
Deglaze the leather panels only, tape off armor and mesh, paint thin coats, and seal with Acrylic Finisher.
Should I seal or condition dyed gloves?
Conditioner keeps them soft and natural. Acrylic Finisher seals them for water resistance.
