Then and Now
This idea of painting leather led me to research the best way to replicate what was done in WWII. I found out that the faded and cracked jackets from WWII were painted with enamel paint and while it looked vibrant then, has not stood the test of time. I had to do it in a way that I would be sure the art would last. From research, the paint technology today will last a lifetime. Today, we use specialized leather paint that has a flexibility to it and comes in many colors. I will share with you my process and tools so you too can create a custom look.
Materials and Tools Needed for Leather Jacket Painting
Before you start painting your leather jacket, you will need to gather the necessary materials and tools. Here is a list of what you will need:
A leather jacket
Deglazer
Leather paint
Paintbrushes
Ruler
Painter's tape
A well-ventilated workspace
A steady hand and a lot of patience
When choosing a leather jacket, it is important to select one that is made from high-quality leather. A good quality leather jacket will not only look better, but will also hold up better over time. Additionally, you will need to prepare the surface of the jacket with a deglazer before painting to ensure that the paint adheres properly. Some research told me to sand the surface instead of the deglazer but I found this to be damaging to the leather and I do not recommend it.
When it comes to the paint, make sure to choose a type of paint that is specifically designed for use on leather. Leather paints come in a wide variety of colors, so you should be able to find a shade that matches the colors used in the original nose art. These paints are designed with flex and move with the leather.
For your image; I start with a high quality image and I play around with printing in different sizes. For example, I printed off High Life at 30% and 40% then, after cutting it out and placing it on the jacket, decided to go with 37% sizing. Next, I have my model wear the jacket and I use tailors chalk to mark the best position for the artwork.
Step-by-Step Guide to Painting WWII Mildenhall Nose Art on Leather Jackets
Now that you have all of the necessary materials and have chosen an artist (if desired), it is time to start painting. Here is a step-by-step guide to painting WWII Mildenhall Nose Art on leather jackets:
Choose your design: Select the piece of nose art that you want to recreate on your leather jacket. You may want to print a reference or create a rough sketch of your design before starting.
Tape off the area: Use painter's tape to tape off the area of the jacket where you will be painting. This will help you create clean lines and keep the paint from bleeding onto other areas of the jacket. Deglaze the painting area.
Use tailor chalk to draw or transfer your design.
Apply the base coat: Apply a base coat, usually two to three coats of white leather paint to the area that you will be painting. This will help to create a smooth, bright, even surface for your design.
Paint your design: Using a small paintbrush, carefully paint your design onto the jacket.
Let the paint dry: Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the painter's tape or moving. It is best to work in thin even layers. I let each layer cure for a minimum of 24 hours before applying a new coat.
Apply a protective coat: Once the paint is dry, 48 hours after you applied any paint, apply a protective coat of leather sealant to the painted area. This will help to protect the paint from damage and extend the life of your artwork. Sealant comes in many varieties from mat to high gloss. Choose the one that most closely resembles your leather.
Finding the Right Aviation Artist for Your Leather Jacket Painting
If you are not confident in your own artistic abilities, or simply want a more professional-looking finished product, you may want to consider hiring an aviation artist to paint your leather jacket for you. There are many talented artists out there but I have yet to find any local to the Mildenhall, Suffolk area. Reach out, I would love to connect if you specialize in painting WWII Mildenhall Nose Art on leather jackets.
When choosing an aviation artist, it is important to do your research and find someone who has experience painting on leather jackets. You should also look at their portfolio to make sure that their style of artwork is a good fit for the piece you have in mind.
At Lo Knows Art, it's all in the details! We take the time to meet with you and discuss exactly what you want. We're happy to provide a sketch designed in procreate to preview your design and to offer options. Ask about adding historical patches and tail numbers too. Finally, make sure to discuss the timeline and cost of the project with your chosen artist before beginning. Our prices begin at $375 and work does require several weeks because we let each paint layer fully cure. We can guarantee your jacket within your timeframe, rushed works available. For inquiries and to book a time and date to pickup you jacket, click here.
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If you are interested in reading about the history of WWII nose art for RAF Mildenhall, click here.
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