Does it stick or not? Stories about Angelus paints on waterproof webbing are wildly contradictory. Some swear by a flawless result, others report a disaster within days. We decided to get to the bottom of it and found things that can save not only your strap but also your nerves.
In this article, we’ll show you how we tested, what exactly we tried, and what kind of results you can expect if you follow the correct procedure.
Why it sometimes doesn’t work
Waterproof webbing has a specific smooth surface layer that repels both water and dirt but also makes it harder for any kind of paint to stick.
When applied incorrectly (for example, without proper surface preparation), the paint can easily start peeling or not stick at all. Some customers tried sealing the paint with a finisher but that’s unnecessary and mostly counterproductive. On this type of surface, the finisher will eventually start peeling, and the result won’t look good.
What actually works
After testing both in the workshop and under normal use, we confirmed that Angelus paints work reliably on waterproof webbing if you follow the steps below.
First, carefully degrease the surface using Angelus Deglazer. This removes residual oils, waxes, or other substances left on the webbing from manufacturing and storage, which may prevent proper adhesion.
Next, apply the Angelus paint. The key is to work in thin layers and let each layer dry ideally overnight. In this case, using a finisher is not necessary. Waterproof webbing doesn’t need extra protection, and a finisher would likely do more harm than good.
What to watch out for
During testing, we noticed that not following the correct process can cause problems. Below are specific cases and why they happen.
Thick paint layer
Angelus paints are acrylic, but unlike regular acrylics, they are designed for leather and therefore much more flexible. They don’t crack while drying like common acrylics do but if applied in excessively thick layers, those layers tend to:
- stay soft even after drying,
- get easily damaged by mechanical stress e.g., with a fingernail,
- crack or peel over time, especially on flexible areas.
Since the paint doesn’t soak into the material (because it’s a plastic surface), it relies entirely on its adhesion and bonding with the base. The thicker and more “bulky” the layer, the more potential for failure. Thinner coats dry better, adhere better, and last longer.
Using a heat gun
Trying to speed up drying with a heat gun is not recommended. And not just because of the paint itself.
At higher temperatures, the webbing surface can start to distort (or even melt).
In other words, you might ruin not only the paint but the entire product. If you really need to accelerate drying, use a stream of cool air (e.g., from a hair dryer without heat). But ideally, let it dry naturally overnight.
Applying a finisher
When testing full-surface finishing, we ran into a major problem:
The finisher stays sticky to the touch long-term.
Why? Because:
- Unlike leather or fabric, the finisher has nowhere to soak in.
- On a large surface, it can’t dry properly.
- The result is a sticky surface that lingers.
We also found that:
- If you finish just a small area (e.g., small dots), the stickiness isn’t that noticeable.
- But if the paint is sprayed in drops (airbrush effects) and there are hundreds or thousands of them, finishing each one is unrealistic — and full-surface finishing becomes counterproductive.
Also: the finisher won’t improve paint adhesion on a slippery surface.
What really helps is proper degreasing before painting.
Test results
We tested finished straps both in real-world use and in the workshop. After several weeks of use, we can say:
- The paint holds very well.
- If a tiny drop chips off somewhere, it’s barely noticeable.
- Customers who followed the procedure are happy and the paint doesn’t peel.
Final thoughts
Angelus paint and waterproof webbing? Yes if you know what you’re doing.
Want your finish to look great and actually last?
- Degrease
- Apply a thin layer of Angelus paint
- Let it dry.
Nothing more. Nothing less.
