How to Finish Faux Leather

Paint your surface that you want to faux finish with a coat of your chosen base paint. Allow the paint to dry completely. If needed, apply a second coat to achieve greater coverage.

Add 1 part oil paint to 1 part oil glaze and 1/2 part mineral spirits. Mix these together in your roller pan. Mix only a small amount, with each part being about 1/4 cup or less. Mix more into your pan as needed.

Dip your paint roller into the roller pan containing the prepared glaze mixture. Roll the glaze mixture onto the wall in a 4-by-4 foot section.

Use both hands to hold one of your rags in a horizontal position. Lay the rag onto the glazed surface and move the rag around across the paint, moving one edge at a time. Continue to work in this way across the entire glaze-covered area. You will notice that the rag removes only a small amount of glaze, leaving leather-like patterns and textures on the surface. Replace your rag with another when it becomes saturated with paint.

Lay the stippling brush onto the glaze-covered surface while it is still wet. Tap the brush onto the surface, moving it across the ragged-away areas of glaze. Avoid dragging the stippling brush.

Repeat Steps 3 through 5 until your surface has been completely faux leather finished.