Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Because i have a white leather jacket I want to paint flourescent orange.

The little hidden text patch seems ok - the paint isn't flaking off...

Should I use primer ???

Really not sure about dying the whole jacket, but yes you can paint leather. There is a guy who has a stall at all the bike shows here in the UK who sprays designs onto the back of jackets. A couple of friends had it done about two years ago and there is no sign of flaking at all. And the Rocker cult here in the fifties and sixties used to hand paint designs in white on to the back of their BLJs as well.

But I couldn't tell you what kind of paint to use. I think the Rockers just used whitewash. Flourescent orange might be a bit more interesting. Wait a bit. If no-one on the thread can tell you, why don't you get a couple of leather offcuts and some cans of paint and do some experimenting? Then post your results back for the rest of us.

My best guess would be that the paint will probably stick to the leather well ..... except where the leather bends repeatedly. The paint will not stick to those creases in the elbows, shoulders, etc.....

And I'm thinking about 'regular' paint here. Flourecent orange has a tendancy to be very inflexable and flake-prone at the best of times. Slap it on some leather, and who knows how it will behave, especially over time.

You may have some luck talking to a local leather worker or calling a large manufacturer. When Icon or Joe Rocket makes a colored jacket, I'm pretty sure that color is a dye rather than paint. Maybe someone could turn you on to the right product..... ?

If you paint, use an acrylic. Be sure to prep properly or your results won't be great.

Personally, I'd redye the leather. The white will make it easy to get results for a bright orange. Just a good wipedown or dip in acetone, then redye.

If you could find some colored leather polish that would work. My Uncle turned white shoes golf shoes black doing that. Of course I've NEVER heard of neon orange leather polish.