Does Sharpie stay on leather?

Whether you’re looking to personalize a leather item with a signature or design, label your gear to prevent mixups at the gym, or make fun DIY projects, a common question is: does Sharpie stay on leather? The short answer is yes, Sharpies do tend to stay on leather quite well and can be a simple yet effective way to decorate leather goods. However, there are some caveats to keep in mind.

How Sharpies Work on Leather

Sharpies and other permanent markers work by using a concentrated, quick-drying ink that adheres very readily to surfaces. The ink is also resistant to fading and many common solvents. This makes Sharpies excellent for labeling and marking a wide variety of materials, including leather.

Leather has a porous, fibrous surface that allows Sharpie ink to soak in and bond effectively. The texture gives the ink plenty to “grip” onto. This absorption helps prevent the ink from rubbing off or flaking away. Leather items that are untreated or have a suede finish tend to be the most absorbent and work best for Sharpies.

Advantages of Using Sharpies on Leather

There are some advantages that make Sharpies a popular choice for basic leather customization:

• Easy and accessible – Sharpies are inexpensive, widely available, and require no prior art skills.
• Quick – Unlike paints, dyes, etc. Sharpies dry extremely quickly on leather.
• Variety of colors – Sharpies come in just about any color, so it’s easy to match them to leather dye or find a creative color combo.
• Makes consistent lines – The fiber tip gives you control for making designs, writing, and coloring in areas.
• Permanent ink – Once fully dried, Sharpie ink is extremely durable on leather and resists fading and rubbing off.

Using basic Sharpie pens or markers is a beginner-friendly way to start decorating leather items with handmade designs, monograms, labels, or signatures. With some care and prep, it can produce lasting results.

Challenges of Using Sharpies on Leather

However, there are some potential challenges to keep in mind when using permanent markers on leather:

• Ink bleeds on oily leather – On leather that’s conditioned and treated, the oils can cause Sharpie ink to bleed and spread, creating blurred lines.
• Risk of rubbing off – Without sealing, Sharpies aren’t 100% permanent on leather. Ink can rub off onto clothing or hands with friction over time.
• Dulls suede – Using many colors of Sharpie right on suede can flatten the delicate nap and create hard shiny spots.
• Looks less professional – Sharpies have a bold, amateur look. For high-end leather goods, other tattooing or dye methods usually look more refined.
• Limited color options – Basic Sharpie packs don’t provide the wide color selection that leather dyes or paints can achieve.

So while Sharpies check the box for convenience and cost, the finished look may not suit all leather projects. With some informed experiments and preparation though, you can achieve lasting Sharpie designs on leather that look great.

Best Leather Types for Sharpie

Sharpies will show up better and last longer on certain kinds of leather. Consider these factors when choosing which leather items to customize:

• Untreated leather – Leather that hasn’t been conditioned absorbs ink better. The natural raw texture helps the Sharpie bond tightly.
• Vegetable tanned leather – This very porous tanned leather acts like a sponge for ink. Sharpies penetrate well and pop brightly.
• Suede and nubuck leather – The napped surfaces provide texture for Sharpies to grip onto. Ink won’t pool up and bleed.
• Simple designs – Intricate details and small text may bleed or blur over time. Stick to larger shapes and letters.
• Smooth grain leathers – These absorb ink evenly for crisp lines. Avoid pebbled and corrected grains that can cause skipping.

Always test on a small hidden spot first, but these leather types tend to produce the most vibrant, lasting Sharpie designs.

How to Improve Sharpie Permanence on Leather

To help your Sharpies stand up to regular wear and handling, consider these preparation tips:

Remove any leather conditioners

Oils and waxes can repel and scatter Sharpie ink, so strip the leather first. Use a deglazer or soap and water to remove any polish or conditioners from the surface where you’ll be writing or drawing.

Sand the leather lightly

For super smooth leathers, very light sanding can create micro-texture for the Sharpie ink to cling to. Use fine grit sandpaper and avoid over-sanding through the leather.

Apply a primer coat

After cleaning, apply a thin layer of acrylic paint or preparatory coating before using the Sharpie. White or light grey primer enhances Sharpie vibrancy.

Let ink cure fully

Allow at least 24-48 hours for the Sharpie ink to completely air dry. Avoid wearing the leather or exposing it to friction or liquids during this time.

Seal with an acrylic finisher

Painting over the cured Sharpie art with a protective acrylic sealant will help lock in the ink and prevent rubbing off in the future.

Taking these extra steps helps the Sharpie ink penetrate and bind permanently into the leather for maximum longevity and wearability.

Best Sharpie Types for Leather

Sharpies come in many forms from basic markers to paint pens. Some work better than others on leather surfaces.

Sharpie Permanent Markers

The classic fine or ultra-fine tip permanent Sharpie markers allow good control for writing and detailing. On leather, the fine tip may split after extended coloring. Go slowly and use multiple pens.

Sharpie Magnum Permanent Markers

For covering larger areas, the chisel-tip Magnum Sharpie puts down more ink quickly. It can leave streaks on uneven leather though, so only use for filling in broad spaces.

Sharpie Paint Pens

These markers have flexible nylon tips that won’t split. The wide shapes and acrylic ink create bolder colors than regular Sharpies. Use them to fill in larger designs and backgrounds.

Sharpie Metallic Markers

Add some shimmer and dazzle with the Sharpie metallic ink pens. These work great on black leather especially, where the sparkling ink really pops. The wider tip gives good coverage.

Experiment to see which marker types glide best on your leather and meet your artistic needs. Combining several Sharpie varieties can yield really dynamic results.

Tips for Using Sharpies on Leather

Follow these tips when using Sharpie pens for custom leatherwork:

• Practice first on leather scraps to test ink flow and blending.
• Use smooth, consistent strokes and pressure to prevent skipping.
• Outline designs first with fine point Sharpie before filling in.
• Work on a hard smooth surface to support the leather as you write/draw.
• Let each layer dry fully (up to 60 minutes) before adding more color.
• Avoid over-blending or scrubbing when mixing colors.
• Be careful with suede; brush the nap up first before coloring.
• Heat set the ink after 24 hours by gently warming with a hair dryer.
• Finish with an acrylic sealant like Mod Podge for added protection.

Taking your time and using care when applying the markers will lead to clean, vivid Sharpie artwork on leather that resists fading and rubbing off.

Sharpie Leather Design Ideas

Here are some creative ways to use Sharpies to customize and decorate leather items:

Monogramming

Add initials or names to handbags, luggage tags, wallets, leather cases, and more. Use block lettering for crisper monograms.

Stenciling

Cut out shapes and symbols from cardstock to use as stencils. Tape them to the leather before coloring over the openings.

Freehand drawing

Let your creativity run wild with freehand Sharpie designs. Try abstract shapes, mandalas, animals, landscapes or lettering.

Coloring edges

Jazz up plain leather edges by using Sharpie pens to color them solid or in patterns.

Faux stain effects

Blend colored Sharpies from dark to light to create fake watercolor-like stains on leather cases, rugs, and upholstery.

With some creative thinking, Sharpies can produce all kinds of vibrant permanent leather decorations to make your gear stand out.

How to Seal Sharpie Ink on Leather

Sealing over your Sharpie leather artwork helps lock in the ink and prevent fading, cracking, or rubbing off over time. Here are some top sealing options:

Acrylic sprays

Aerosol acrylic clear coats like Krylon Workable Fixatif spray are easy to apply evenly. Let ink cure before spraying multiple light coats.

Acrylic gloss mediums

Brush on finishes like Mod Podge give high shine and protection. Dilute gloss mediums 50/50 with water to avoid sticky surface.

Polyurethane

Thin water-based polyurethane can be wiped or brushed over Sharpie leatherwork. Soft gloss levels prevent too much plastic-like shine.

Leather conditioners

On suede and nubuck, apply a protective leather conditioner like Apple Brand Garde after Sharpie ink cures fully.

2-3 coats of a good acrylic sealer are usually enough to protect Sharpie leather projects for everyday use and handling.

How to Remove Sharpie from Leather

Made a mistake or want to change your design? Removing Sharpie from leather takes a little work but is usually possible. Here are some effective techniques:

Rubbing alcohol

Use 90% isopropyl alcohol and a soft cloth to gently rub the inked area. Reapply and rub until it lifts. Avoid over-saturating the leather.

Nail polish remover

Acetone-based nail polish remover can dissolve Sharpie ink. Use sparingly and rinse leather well after rubbing.

Heat application

A hair dryer on the hot setting can soften Sharpie ink over time. Rub with dry cloth while hot to slowly erase.

Magic eraser

Gently wipe a Mr. Clean magic eraser sponge over ink to lift it. Rinse leather well and recondition after.

Concealing

If you can’t fully remove Sharpie ink, try concealing it by coloring over the whole leather piece with a leather dye or paint.

Test removal methods first and work slowly to avoid excess friction damage or over-wetting the leather. Some ghosting may remain even after erased fully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Sharpie stay on leather permanently?

When used properly on untreated absorbent leathers, Sharpies can create permanent designs. The ink bonds into the leather fibers for durability. Sealing it protects the ink from wear.

What kind of Sharpie is best for leather?

Oil-based Sharpie paint pens work better than classic markers. They resist bleeding and rubbing off. Fine tips allow for details. Go for bold colors.

Can you use Sharpie on faux leather?

Sharpies don’t work as well on faux leather. The plastic-coated surface repels ink, causing it to pool and smear. Rubbing alcohol can remove Sharpie from faux leather.

Will Sharpie stick to finished leather?

Conditioned, polished, and shiny leathers resist Sharpie ink adhesion. Deglaze and rough up the surface first before using Sharpie pens on finished leathers.

Can you put Sharpie in the washing machine?

Washing machines can fade and blur Sharpie ink over time. For best results, gently hand wash leather items marked with Sharpie and allow to fully air dry.

Conclusion

With proper preparation and care, Sharpies can create fun permanent designs on leather goods that really make them pop. While not as refined as professional dyeing, it’s an easy DIY customization option. Use on untreated absorptive leathers, allow ink to cure fully, and seal for longevity when decorating leather with Sharpies.

Leather Type	Sharpie Compatibility
Raw suede	Excellent
Nubuck	Excellent
Vegetable tanned leather	Excellent
Oiled leather	Poor
Glossy corrected grain	Fair
Faux leather	Poor