How to paint luggage?

I think a stain is a great idea! I would go with a dark walnut or jojobo stain. I like Minwax but there are a ton of different wood stain brands out there. I would do a test on the bottom first to make sure you like the results. I would use a brush and tape off the leather sides because I think those look great. After applying make sure and wipe off as much of as the stain as possible and then let dry for a couple of days.

Hi Melanie, you could put masking tape on all the hardware to keep the paint off it, but if you dye it, you can just put a coating of petroleum jelly over the hardware to keep the color/paint off it. If you do get paint on it, you can clean it gently/carefully with steel wool. For the nice tag on it, use masking tape.

How to Choose Between a Dye and a Stain

https://www.walttools.com/how-to/how-to-choose-between-a-dye-and-a-stain

Hi Melanie, what a great & fun idea to refurbish the luggage! Keep in mind that the stain may not cover the design (solidly)if that matters to you.

I've linked a rather long video I found about how to decorate luggage complete with stenciling, decoupage, etc. Maybe one of the ideas will inspire you with new thoughts on upcycling your fabulous luggage. Have FUN!

Depending on the stain itself, it might bleed through whatever you put on it.

So either a Kilz type primer or a very dark stain color.

Be careful it does not wick inside. I learned that the hard way.

Here are posts with directions how to paint fabric

https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/make-and-decorate/upcycling/how-to-paint-fabric-chairs

https://homeguides.sfgate.com/paint-fabric-regular-interior-flat-wall-paint-104408.html

Yes, you do need to tape off the hardware but I recommend painter's tape, not masking tape as mentioned above.

A few ideas here

https://www.hometalk.com/search/posts?filter=paint%20suitcase

here is info for you

https://thegraphicsfairy.com/painted-vintage-suitcase/

the fabric pattern is really nice I would try to use something to clean the stains then maybe use a clear coat on top

I would clean the stains on the top and everywhere else, if any. Use a blue dawn with warm soapy water, do not saturate the luggage, just blot out as much of the stains as you can with a micro fiber cloth, let dry. Then see how it looks, that may be all it needs. If you want to stop there, I would suggest a fabric protector, like Scotchgard.

Tape off the parts you do not want to get stain on. Painter's tape would work well.

Then select a stain you like. at first stain an unnoticeable spot, like the bottom to see how it looks. If it looks good, finish it up.

Best to you.

Hello An acrylic paint would be ideal. I would consider a sealer or clear coat as a base coat.

Hello. Returning back today with this link it seems to be a fabulous example I have a painted luggage project. Hope this helps.

https://www.dabblinganddecorating.com/repurpose-a-vintage-suitcase-for-your-decor/

Here is one I decoupage https://www.simplenaturedecorblog.com/how-to-decoupage-a-suitcase-with-coastal-maps/

They make spray paint for fabric you could use that as well

I made over an old suitcase here: https://www.curlycraftymom.com/2016/11/antique-suitcase-makeover.html

I would use a good oil based paint

Hello, Try Burnt Umber Acrylic Paint or maybe Shoe dye!