Tips on distressing faux leather

[FJR]

Here goes: post number one ...

Me and my 10-year old son have been duly inspired by one of Adam Savage's recent videos on box-making. My son has a scale model of Hellboy that he cherishes. Following Adam's exploits in making a case for his boom microscope, we wanted to create a carry-case/box for his model.

Rather than start from scratch we scoured thrift-shops and found a faux leather vanity case that we're modifying on the inside to hold his model. It's a perfect size and shape, the only thing is that we'd like to get rid of the glossy faux (black) leather look. The actual crocodile leather print is quite nice but any help on weathering, distressing, colouring would be fantastic.

Many thanks in advance!

 

[tictoc]

rpf member Guri posted some tips on making /distressing craft foam into leather armor....she used shoe polish to color areas and sealed it with varnish. Still, I think it might spark some ideas....

http://www.therpf.com/f24/5-video-tutorials-including-craft-foam-leather-159848/

I made jawa bandoleers out of faux leather. I "weathered" them with a combination on craft paints. A yard away, they look fine but do not bear under close scrutiny. When real leather wears, the rawhide shoes through at the wear points (edges, overlap by buckle etc.) so it is easier to darken the non-worn areas than the other way around. At least, for me...

 

[FJR]

Thanks a lot for that - any pointer in any direction is helpful at this moment. I also like your tip on darkening less used areas rather than the other way around. I certainly had not thought of that.

... Off to see if I can make this box look more 'hellish' than 'vanity'.