Angelus Prep – Where to start for each material!

Whether you’re customizing shoes for customers or selling Angelus products in your store, the correct preparation is the foundation for great results. This guide will help you follow the right steps to care for the shoes and get the best finish every time.

How do I prepare leather?

STEP 1

Ensure the leather surface is clean and dry to the touch.

STEP 2

Apply a small amount of Angelus Preparer & Deglazer onto a rag, sponge, Applicator pads, cotton balls, or Q-tips.

STEP 3

Wipe down the desired area and allow the product to completely dry. This will remove the factory paint/finish, leaving a clean surface that Angelus Paint will best adhere to.

How do I prepare patent leather, foam posits and vinyl?

STEP 1

To prepare patent leather, Vinyl and Foam posits you will need high grade sandpaper and adhesion promoter. Lightly sand down the patent with the sandpaper.

STEP 2

After giving it an even sand, wipe down the areas using Angelus Preparer & Deglazer 

STEP 3

Once dry, apply two to three even coats of Adhesion Promoter allowing the shoes to dry between coats.

How do I prepare suede/nubuck?

STEP 1

Ensure the surface is clean and dry.

STEP 2

Mix Angelus Paint with 2-SOFT at a 50/50 ratio.

STEP 3 

Paint 2-3 thin layers of Angelus Paint, heat drying between layers.

STEP 4

Spray on a protector spray

How do I prepare suede/nubuck?

STEP 1

Ensure the surface is clean and dry.

STEP 2

Mix Angelus Paint with 2-SOFT at a 50/50 ratio.

STEP 3

Paint 2-3 thin layers of Angelus Paint, heat drying between layers.

STEP 4

Spray on a protector spray

How do I prepare plastic, glass, metal and wood?

STEP 1

Using high grade sandpaper, lightly sand down.

STEP 2

Prepare using Angelus Preparer and deglazer. This removes any factory finish and dirt, allowing the paint to adhere to material.

STEP 3

.(recommended) Spray with an adhesion promoter aerosol.

STEP 4

Mix Angelus Paint with 2-HARD at a 50/50 ratio.

STEP 5

Paint 2-3 thin layers of Angelus Paint, heat drying between layers.

STEP 6

Finish with Angelus Finisher, this adds extra protection from scuffs and scrapes, but also gives the finished effect desired.

What is adhesion promotor?

Adhesion Promoter is a product (usually aerosol) that is used to help paint adhere to non-leather surfaces such as rubber, plastics and more.

What's the difference between leather preparer and acetone? Which should I use?

While both Leather Preparer and Acetone can serve a similar purpose, it's important to understand the key differences between them. Acetone contains much stronger chemicals that can be harsh on leather, potentially causing damage, burning, or degrading the material.

For a safer and more controlled approach, we highly recommend using our Leather Preparer & Deglazer, which is specifically designed to effectively prepare leather without compromising its integrity when applied correctly.

If you do choose to use Acetone, proceed with extreme caution—avoid oversaturation, as it can quickly eat into certain materials, leading to irreversible damage. Always test on a small area first to ensure the best results!

What is Paintable repair filler and how do you use it?

Angelus Paintable repair filler is perfect for repairing minor holes and scratches. This leather filler, mixable with Angelus leather paints, aids in seamless repairs, drying to a flexible finish that helps prevent future cracks and tears. It's ideal for repairing midsole cuts or pitting, cuts or holes in leather, and even gashes in your car seats. Its multi-purpose use makes it the perfect addition to your Angelus collection.

Paint is cracking in the creases

Paint cracking on creased areas, such as leather, often results from a few key factors, including the paint's flexibility, surface preparation, and application techniques. If paint is applied too thickly or without a flexible medium (like Angelus 2-Soft for fabric), it might lack the necessary flexibility to move with the material. Additionally, inadequate cleaning and preparation of the surface before painting can hinder proper paint adhesion, making it prone to cracking. Over-layering paint or improper drying conditions can further exacerbate this issue. Ensuring thorough surface prep, using thin, even layers of paint, and possibly integrating a flexibility enhancer are crucial steps to prevent cracking, especially in high-flex areas subjected to regular wear and tear.

We recommend that you sand the areas of creasing and paint in the direction of the crease. 

Always remember that not all surfaces to be treated alike for preparation. The finishes from the factory can vary. 

Can you use the vinyl tape to mask the rubber midsoles on suede sneakers?

Yes, you can use Angelus Vinyl Tape to mask the rubber midsoles on suede sneakers effectively. The vinyl tape is specifically designed to create sharp lines and protect areas from paint when customizing or repairing sneakers. Its strong adhesive quality ensures that it sticks well to various surfaces, including rubber, without leaving any residue upon removal. When using the tape on suede sneakers, it’s essential to apply it carefully to the rubber midsoles to avoid contact with the suede itself, as the adhesive might affect the delicate suede surface. Before applying the tape, ensure the midsoles are clean and dry to ensure the best adhesion. After finishing your painting or customization work, remove the tape slowly and gently to maintain the crispness of your design and to avoid any damage to the sneakers.

You can also consider a very low tact masking tape. If it should get stuck onto the suede, it will not matter much. 

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