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Okay ........ here we go.
Items needed.
1. Denatured alcohol (decided to go this route and glad I did). DA cleans the oil off better and actually leaves the leather looking as though it was lightly sanded.
2. Meltonian Nu-Life color spray #623 silver. Specialized for painting "leather, vinyl and plastic. Sold at boot stores and leather shops.
3. Cellophane tape. Yes, the cheaper the better it seems. Just regular office clear tape like scotch.
4. Newspaper or a roll of painter's paper.
THAT'S it!
1. Carefully cut boot straps.
2. Use denatured alcohol with rag to completely remove oil finish from leather. Some of the color actually comes off so try and be careful "not" to rub too much in area's "not" to be painted. You do though have to go a fair ways past were you plan to stripe so the cellophane tape will stick. I have tried very expensive painters tape and other kinds as well .......... they do not stick well enough to spray paint and leave a gooey finish when pulled off. NOTE UPDATE: Remove cellophane as soon as possible or it too leaves a goo.
3. Tape of ALL area's to be painted. Waste no effort here as the spray will find a way! Take your finger nail and rub down the tape along all area edges paint will be applied before and in between coats. Have 2 rolls handy.
Notice how multiple pieces are required for curve building.
Meltonian Nu-Life spray. Really for renewing the life and or changing the color in leather goods. Oop's a little blurry ................ #623 Silver.
FOLLOW directions
. Light coats ..... I did 4. 2 very light coats, 2 medium coverage coats.
UPDATE! The denatured alcohol leaves the leather finish somewhat raised. In between coats I lightly brushed these fibers down with my finger, smoothing out the area's.
Remember, this stuff dry's fast so you can pull it off within 20 minutes or so. I left the first boot on over night plus thinking I could obtain the same brand in clear coat ........ not made. It left a gooey substance on the boot leather where I had to surgically remove ...... not easy, almost screwed up!
AND THEN! Near laser digital perfection. Very happy, NO sticky or tacky finish ..... HAPPY!
UPDATE: Notice the beer is a wheat beer and a bit cloudy. I believe this is what caused my blurred and cloudy vision. I highly recommend "not" drinking dark beer, hint hint:).
I plan on slightly widening the right boot stripe as in the center, is a bit narrower than the left boot. Otherwise, I could not be happier. (Gauntlets "not" yet attached or centered, slipped on just for the pic).
Hope this helps others.
MARDIKREWE / Jeff
