WHAT IS MARBLING TECHNIQUE?
The marbling technique involves placing drops of paint on the surface of a plastic tray filled with water and thickener to create marbled effects on natural vegetable tanned leather.
This technique can also be used on other materials: fabric, paper, Bristol board, recycled paper, wood, plaster, etc. 
Please note: this technique has nothing to do with dyeing leather. Furthermore, don't confuse painting with dyeing: the technique and the result are not the same. Feel free to consult our complete guide on dyeing leather.
SEE THE DYEING GUIDE >
OUR ADVICE BEFORE YOU GET STARTED
All the information in this guide is provided for guidance purposes only: we recommend testing before embarking on any concrete projects. Keep in mind that in this guide, we're giving you the basics of a recipe with secret ingredients, and you'll need to be creative, bold, and patient to make it your own.
HOW TO GET MARBLE LEATHER?
First of all, marbling paint is only compatible with natural vegetable tanned leather . This technique does not work with already colored leather or with mineral (chrome) tanning.
GUIDE: WHAT IS TANNING?
As for the choice of paint (and to avoid buying special marbling paints), we recommend Angelus acrylic leather paints (this also works with Pébéo - Setacolor acrylic leather paints) . These paints will need to be diluted with water to have the perfect consistency to float on the surface of the marbling bath with the right amount of pigments (see step 4 below and the video).
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THE DIFFERENT STAGES
As a video speaks more than text:
1. PREPARE THE MARBLING BATH
Pour 1 liter of cold water into a salad bowl.
Sprinkle 2 teaspoons (7 grams) of marbling bath thickener/gelling powder.
Mix briskly with a fork, whisk, or electric mixer to avoid lumps.
2. LET THE MARBLING BATH STAND
Let the preparation stand for at least 2 hours: the water will gel.
3. PREPARE THE MARBLING TRAY
Take a plastic tray that's larger than your piece of leather (and not too tall), then place parchment paper in the bottom of the tray to make it easier to clean after marbling. We recommend taping the parchment paper to the sides of the tray so it doesn't fall onto your marbling work.
Transfer the thickening bath into the tank (a layer of gel 1 to 2 cm thick) while filtering it with a strainer (to remove the last lumps).
For your information : The thickener bath can be used for several successive preparations. We still recommend using a small amount of the preparation and changing the bath frequently. 
4. DILUTE ANGELUS ACRYLIC PAINT
This step is the most complicated but also the most important for an optimal result.
Each selected Angelus paint must be diluted before use: dilute the Angelus paint with water to the consistency of milk . Shake the paint pot before mixing.
We recommend putting the paint in a small container and adding water little by little while testing the mixture in a marbling bath "test" until the paint diffuses perfectly on the surface. When your mixture is validated, transfer it to a plastic container with a pipette .
*We do not recommend using Thin Angelus. We validate our tests with standard Angelus pearl and metallic paints. We have not conducted tests with neon. 
5. DO THE MARBLING WORK
This step is the most satisfying and calls on your creativity.
Using a plastic dropper/can, place paint drops on the water as desired to create patterns. Alternate light and dark colors, allowing the paint to spread between each drop; the colors will overlap but never mix. The goal is to place the paint drops on top of each other to create concentric spots.
When you think you have applied enough paint, wait a few seconds before working them with a stick, a needle, a toothpick, etc. By directing the colors in different ways, it is possible to obtain varied patterns and marbling. 
6. PLACE THE LEATHER ON THE SURFACE
Pop any air bubbles that have formed on the surface of the bath (to avoid leaving marks on your leather) and gently place the leather grain side down onto the marbling work and wait a few seconds. Do not immerse the leather as this will affect the marbling finish.
As with dyeing leather: you must color the piece of leather before working it (cutting, sewing, etc.). 
7. LET THE LEATHER DRY
Carefully remove the leather and admire your work! Place your creation on a flat surface and let it dry for 24 hours (in a non-humid room). 
8. NOURISH THE LEATHER
Once dry (24 hours later) and before working the piece of leather: nourish it with neatsfoot oil because water dries out the leather. 
9. PROTECT YOUR CREATION
When your creation is finished (sewn and assembled): apply Fiebing's acrylic resolene protective varnish .
Lightly dampen a sponge and then soak it in Resolene. Then apply a generous coat of polish to your creation. Use circular motions. Let it dry overnight and then buff the leather with a soft cloth. 
HOLD IN THE TIME OF MARBLING
If you protect your work well with varnish, there is nothing to worry about: the paint is very resistant (even if you try to rub or scratch the leather). 
INSPIRATIONS & TECHNIQUES
There is no secret, the more you try color mixes, the more you will learn: there is nothing better than practice and learning from your own experience . However, we recommend you check out the Instagram account of Mae Leather : an American with a lot of experience in leather marbling. 
OUR SMALL LEATHER GOODS CREATIONS IN MARBLE LEATHER
Since marbling is a rather unique technique in the world of leatherwork, we recommend starting with a few small creations. Below are some ideas!
MARBLE LEATHER BOOKMARKS
Very simple to make, just glue 2 pieces of marbled leather together, cut them to the desired dimensions and then work the edges with a square cutter and a finishing eraser (here Tokonole). Finally, make a hole at the top of your bookmark to place a rolling eyelet (5 mm diameter) and secure a flat leather lace with a knot.
Dimensions of our bookmarks: 4.8 x 14.6 cm / 3 mm thick
ABAT-CARRE GUIDE >
MARBLE LEATHER BOOBS KEYCHAIN
Make this leather keychain to raise awareness about breast cancer screening during the Pink October campaign. A practical way to slip your house keys or car keys into this trendy accessory, it'll go with you everywhere! This tutorial is no-sew.
SEE THE FREE TUTORIAL AND PATTERN >
MINIMALIST MARBLE LEATHER CARD HOLDER
Make your own minimalist leather card holder. It can hold up to four cards. Simple and stylish, this card holder will go everywhere with you! This tutorial is suitable for beginners and features a simplified sewing process.
SEE THE FREE TUTORIAL AND PATTERN >
WHAT IF NOW IT WAS YOUR TURN TO SHARE YOUR CREATIONS AND TIPS WITH US?
DON'T HESITATE TO PIN THE PHOTO ON PINTEREST TO SHARE THE ARTICLE!
