Working on leather, wood, gourd, reed and other miscellaneous surfaces means you should use a paint tested to be effective on such a canvas. Here are some Paints that meet that criteria, even though they were developed originally for fabric or other surfaces. Dharma Fiber reactive dyes can also work, since they work on both protein (leather) and cellulose fibers (wood, reed, gourd). Procion can be painted on or used in a dye bath according to our directions. Obviously with leather, submersion with Soda Ash, salt and dye would probably stiffen it badly, so painting would be better. Wood, reed and gourds can go either way, painting or submersion, as long as they have no finish to inhibit absorption. We have a separate set of instructions for using the dye in this way on these materials.
Always be sure to test any paint or dye you choose before beginning your main project! Remember, these are products developed for fabrics, that can coincidentally be used on other things, and are formulated differently than products specifically made for leather or wood. Testing is really a must!
Dharma Fiber Reactive Procion Dyes Pro's:
Best dye for cotton, rayons, linens, hemp and other plant based fibers. Best dye for Tie-Dye and Batik. Vibrant wash fast permanent colors. Easy to use. Does not need hot water. Economical! Con's:
Colors are still vibrant, but shift on silks and wools. Need to use with the proper chemicals. Do not work on synthetics.
Piñata Colors Pro's:
Great colors,
transparent colors Con's:
Cannot use on fabric, it will wash out
Jones Tones Fabric & Craft Paints Pro's:
It's a stretchy dimensional fabric paint that can be used on any fabric including Lycra®, nylon
and hosiery, comes in lots of tones including glitter, and a line of Puff colors for the 3-D effect. Non-toxic. Glue based. Kids love it! Con's:
Leaves a bit more texture on the fabric.
Lumiere And Neopaque Pros:
The shiniest, most luminous metallic colors, the best coverage on dark fabrics, also works great on leather, wood and paper. Cons:
Expensive, but worth it!!
Glow In The Dark Paints Pros:
Glows well in the dark after exposure to light, sticks to lots of surfaces, water cleanup, non-toxic Cons:
Limited color selection, small sizes, very thin and transparent, so doesn't look like much in the daytime.
Glo Paint Tubes Pros:
Very easy to use, sticks to most surfaces. Paints can be mixed to create new colors, looks nice in the light, as well as glowing in the dark, also bright under black light! Cons: colors of the actual glowing (phosphorescent) pigment are limited, so glows mostly green, and some orange and yellow, in the dark
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