Colour testing
1) Find an inconspicuous place on your job to test the colours. This can be in a hidden area such as between cushions, down very low at the back, underneath, or on the inside (eg: handbags or zippered cushions). Another option is a leather swatch from the furniture retailer or leather merchant or a piece of white vinyl.
2) Clean the area. This can be done with a leather cleaner such as Cleanse (No.1) or Spot & Prep (No.4). If you don't have any cleaner on hand, use water and a scrubbing brush.
3) Apply a test spot of each colour. A 50 cent piece sized spot is usually large enough to get a good reading on the colour. Be sure to identify which colour each test spot corresponds to. This can be done by labelling a post-it note for each colour that is placed near the test spot or by placing the bottles near the test spots then taking a photo on your phone.
4) Allow drying or force dry using a hair dryer. Apply another 2-4 coats allowing drying between each one.
5) Assess the colours. As mositure is expelled, the colours may darken ever so slightly. You can choose to remove the tests immediately or reassess the following day.
Typically, test spots can be removed with Spot & Prep (No.4) within the first hour. Thereafter, they may be permanent. Colouring over the test spots conceals them fully.
Blending colours
1) In a clean vessel such as an empty bottle, plastic cup, or on an old, preferably white saucer (when blending tiny amounts of colour), mix 2 or more colours in the proportion you think is needed for your job. This can be as simple as a 50:50 ratio if you creating your own unique colour or it can be a process of discovery with many tests before you arrive at the right blend. Try to keep tack of each incremental change you make to your colour. Eg; plus 6 drops of White or plus 1ml of Scarlet
2) When you have mixed the correct colour, proceed with your job or record the approximate ratios for each colour.
3) Now that you have your colour formula, mix or order the amount of colour needed for your job.
Making Art
See the How To tab in the main menu. Go to Create Bespoke Pieces to learn more about using leather paint for creative projects