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Leather imitation

Tools and materials:

• Paint brush (1½ inch is ideal size unless you plan to do a large area like a wall or ceiling)
• Very fine wet-and-dry sandpaper
• Pigments (raw and burnt umber, raw and burnt sienna, yellow ochre; depending on the color you are seeking.) These can be purchased in artists shops.
• Latex/Emulsion paint
• Shellac
• Methylated spirits
• Beeswax polish
• Soft lint free cloth
• Optional: Gold, yellow, brown aerosol paints if giving a patterned or 'stamped leather' effect; Gum arabic; stencils; curtain lace.

Standard technique:

1. Using shellac, well thinned with meths, seal the surface and leave to dry.
2. Apply a thick (if you think the latex/emulsion is not thick enough mix with whiting) uneven coat of brown latex/emulsion; twisting and swirling the brush as you go. Leave until thoroughly dry.
3. Mix a little raw umber and burnt sienna evenly with transparent oil glaze.
4. Wearing a protective glove rub this mixture all over the emulsioned area.
5. Using the cloth, gently wipe off the excess glaze, leaving the textured recesses untouched as much as possible.
6. When dry, coat with beeswax mixed with a little raw umber, rubbing it in well. Leave to dry overnight.
7. Finally rub all over with very fine sandpaper (black emery paper is best, in the finest grade), to highlight the texture and giving a worn and polished appearance.