The Brown Pleather my old nieghbors wife donated to me took the flat black spray paint (rubbed on with shop rag) very well.. Better than I had hoped. My girlfriend (I mean Fiance' sorry HunnyBunZ!) sewed it for me...Sewing is my weak point...I admit as I move into creating the robes for the costume I am getting help from my Mom's sewing group I have convinced them to assist me.