Leather Jacket Painter Recommendations?

Fri Feb 23, 2007 10:37 am

Do any WIXers have recommendations for painters of leather jackets?

I am looking to have some minor leatherwork done my Avirex A-2 (a modern USAF-issue jacket that was surplused due to a defect) as well as a painting on the back.

Has anyone had that kind of work done? What's an average cost?

Thanks!

Fri Feb 23, 2007 10:48 am

...on a related note, do any WIXers do this yourself? I wouldn't mind trying my hand at painting the jacket myself, but I have no idea what the correct paint is or the process such that it will stay on the leather.

Fri Feb 23, 2007 10:49 am

randy
pop's leather turkey they have a web site just google.. price has changed so just ask them.. they do good work.. they have an artist in the states that also works with/for them but he charges a lot..go direct and it should work.. talk to brad he may be able to take it with on one of his trips...

good luck

jcw

Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:00 am

You need to get a hold of ChicoArtist. He is an active WIX member. Maybe he could help you, or atleast steer you in the right direction.

Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:18 am

FlyingFortB17 wrote:You need to get a hold of ChicoArtist. He is an active WIX member. Maybe he could help you, or atleast steer you in the right direction.

I all ready have a magnificent painting of Wade's hanging in my house!

http://wademeyersart.tripod.com/id58.html

Interestingly, what I want to put on the jacket is that same piece of nose art, which I painted.

Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:19 am

jcw wrote:randy
pop's leather turkey they have a web site just google.. price has changed so just ask them.. they do good work.. they have an artist in the states that also works with/for them but he charges a lot..go direct and it should work.. talk to brad he may be able to take it with on one of his trips...

good luck

jcw

I know of Pop's, thanks to Operation Northern Watch...unfortunately, they contract their art out to a guy in the US...

Fri Feb 23, 2007 11:55 am

Thanks for the recommendation, FlyingFort, and thx also to Hacker for the plug (and commissioning the original Pressing West at FRISCO).

As to painting leather, Artist's Acrylics such as the Golden or Liquitex line will do fine for about a year, then the leather will start to crack the paint. While it's not my "specialty", I have done several jackets for folks using Acrylics, and we agree that the "worn" look, i.e. the slow cracking, looks cool.

That being said, some people understandably do NOT want any cracks for a LONG time, and for that you're best going with "the pros". Google search for Leather Jacket Art, A-2, Nose Art, or some combo thereof, and while it won't be cheap, you'll be ensured of a super job using the "right" paints. I have seen some sellers of jackets that do a magnificent job.

Hacker, post some shots of yourself painting that nose art here! Very imaginative "update" you did of Gentile's artwork.

Wade

Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:26 pm

Neon aka Jim H. where are you?????

Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:42 pm

As a kid I painted my own jacket and used the old school Testor's model paint because I didn't know any better but the paint actually looked great and held up well and after a year or so it gave the proverbial "aged" look. It still looks pretty good to this day. To prevent too much cracking make sure not to put the paint on too thick or too many coats. You have to remember back in the "day" most of the theater painted jackets were done with whatever paint they could get a hold of so if you want to go for an "authentic" look use something that will crack a bit after time.

Fri Feb 23, 2007 12:49 pm

R.T. Foster did ours. I dont think you can get much better.

Fri Feb 23, 2007 3:22 pm

Mine was done with One Shot. It looks great still.

Fri Feb 23, 2007 3:54 pm

Django-
Cool lookin' artwork! I especially like the Gretsch guitar...it looks like the Brian Setzer model that I'm saving my nickels and dimes for...
-Pat

Fri Feb 23, 2007 4:13 pm

me109...OK...tell me who and where R.T. Foster is, please.

flightjackets.com will do it for you.
That's who did this. Cost $550.

Mudge the interested

Fri Feb 23, 2007 4:54 pm

Hey Randy...

I have a friend that did mine. If you get it painted from a main stream artist it can cost several hundred dollars. It depends on what you want and how detailed. Send me a PM of what you're looking to have done.

Here is mine.

Fri Feb 23, 2007 4:56 pm

Mudge wrote:flightjackets.com will do it for you.
That's who did this. Cost $550.

Very nice work! And only $550? That's a bargain.

Did you have to buy the jacket from them to get that price?

Wade