How to Chalk-Paint Leather and “Faux” Leather

Several months ago I shared how I painted this inexpensive filing cabinet for my office:


Ever since that makeover, I’ve been searching for just the right file boxes and small storage boxes to go with my filing cabinet, but THEY COST A FORTUNE! Even for the cardboard ones.

While cleaning out a closet the other day, I came across a bunch of black leather boxes I’d totally forgotten about. I love when stuff like that happens! I saved them because they cost me an arm and a leg fifteen years ago (I know, I’m a hoarder—don’t judge), but I shoved them in a closet when I decided black was out.

These boxes were exactly what I was looking for–they just needed to be pink. Everything I’m about to share works for leather, pleather, naugahyde, vinyl, etc.

I always make my own chalk/mineral paint using BB Frösch Chalk Paint Powder for projects like this because it bonds beautifully with just about every surface—including leather and faux leather. I happened to have some pink paint on hand that I had mixed long before the filing cabinet makeover…


…but when I opened the jar, it was the consistency of frosting! The awesome thing about using BB Frösch to create your own chalk/mineral paint is that your paint won’t harden. It CAN thicken over time once it is mixed, but, believe it or not, it is still usable!

I shared details about why stored paint thickens and three solutions to solve it on my Instagram @bbfrosch. Just click on the highlights from your phone.

Although I was able to use the paint I had already made, I still ended up mixing a new batch because I had ten boxes to paint!

Here’s what I used for this project:

***It is worth noting that, had I originally mixed my powder with Benjamin Moore paint, it would NOT have thickened! All Behr paint contains primer, which won’t affect the awesome properties of your chalk/mineral paint, but it will cause your paint to thicken more when stored. I just live a lot closer to Home Depot than to my local Benjamin Moore store, so I went with a Behr sample jar of paint for $2.97.

First, I taped off all the silver parts and sprayed them gold. Painting hardware on furniture is so much easier because you can just remove it. Taping off was the most time-consuming part of this project.

Next, I painted all the boxes pink, which, of course, I forgot to photograph. However, you can see how I painted using the thick paint on my Instagram @bbfrosch story highlight.

I did 2-3 coats of paint—some areas needed a third coat and others didn’t. I used the same “hashtag” or “cross-hatch” strokes I use on regular furniture.

This next step is IMPORTANT if you want your leather or faux leather to still feel like actual leather (as opposed to painted leather) when you’re done! Gently sand all the painted areas with 400 grit sandpaper. You can use a higher grit, but anything lower will distress, and you just want to smooth out.

Even if you look super close, you’ll notice the sanded areas don’t show those hashtags strokes I always talk about–they just smooth right out!

The last, and quickest step was waxing with BB Frösch Clear Premium Finishing Wax. When chalk painting leather, the combination of sanding and waxing are where the MAGIC is!


I don’t have an area in the office where I can photograph all the boxes together, but that’s okay, because it’s a little heavy on the pink to have them all in the same spot anyway.


I originally planned to paint the insides of the magazine boxes, but I had some scraps of material from Hobby Lobby that I used to line them instead. I just cut the fabric to fit and glued it in.

I’m thinking that since I saved so much money on the filing cabinet makeover and painting my boxes instead of buying new, my husband should be on board with getting the navy velvet couch I want, right?

I have some decisions to make about where all the boxes are going, but I’m thinking I like them with my Details2Enjoy sign.

Find more affordable chalk paint inspiration at bbfrosch.com. Follow BB Frösch on Instagram,  Pinterest and Facebook.

Published on March 1, 2018

11 thoughts on “How to Chalk-Paint Leather and “Faux” Leather”

  1. I followed your link to Instagram to read about why stored paint thickens and three solutions to solve it but it just took me to your Instagram feed. I couldn’t find the specific post that answered this question?

    I read your blog on my desktop, not my phone but I wouldn’t think that would make any difference?

    1. Hi Jenny! When you go to my instagram feed, the story can be found in the highlights. Those are the round little stories at the top of the feed. Hope this helps!

  2. I love the moment when sand paper work, your product look more better, and look like real leather. Not related but what is name of small plan in your picture, it looks so lovely!

  3. Love what you’ve done, I’m looking to paint a faux leather bed and headboard, would you still seal it with wax?

    1. Jan–

      Leather and faux leather are perfect candidates for chalk painting! I highly recommend sealing with wax. Not only will it protect your painted surface, but it will make it feel amazing!

      Kristin

  4. Hello .
    Can i use any chalk paint to paint my fox faux leather head board ,also what wax do i need to seal it with ?

    1. Gillian–

      I’m not familiar with fox faux leather, but if it is like leather and not fur, then YES! Just paint and seal with finishing wax to protect and give a beautiful finish.

    1. Kyra–Although you can easily paint bonded leather, anything that is peeling is not going to look awesome when painted. If it is a small area, you can sometimes glue the peeling area down and paint over it. If it is all over the piece, I don’t have a great solution.

  5. Hi there! I am looking to paint my faux leather kitchen bar stools. They are already white, just chipped a little and cracking. I would like to shine them up with a fresh new coat. What do you recommend? A spray paint chalk paint?? If so, would I need anything else or can I just spray away 🙂

    1. Hi Jessica! Although you can easily paint faux leather, anything that is peeling is not going to look awesome when painted. If an area is peeling, paint won’t keep it from peeling more. If it is a small area, you can sometimes glue the peeling area down and paint over it, though! Pre-mixed spray chalk paints can get pricey and you are limited in colors. I love spraying but only with a paint sprayer that I can add my own paint to. I like the Homeright Finishmax. You can also brush your paint on. Either way, be sure to seal with finishing wax to protect the painted surface.

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