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Cowhide print is one of those things you may see and think, “I could never do that.” But it’s actually so much easier than you think, and in this tutorial, I’ll show you how to do it — even with little to no painting experience. 

This simple and beginner-friendly cowhide technique is also a great way to add a rustic, western look to your door hangers. You don’t need to be an expert or have fancy tools — just a little guidance, some paint, and the willingness to try something new!

Let’s get started.

Supplies You’ll Need to Paint Cowhide Patterns

Here’s what you’ll need to paint your cowhide design:

• Decoart Americana Paint colors:
  • Light Buttermilk (or white)
  • Dark Chocolate (dark brown)
  • Cinnamon Stick (reddish brown)
  • Black
• Sponge (a dense car wash sponge from Dollar Tree works great)
• 1-inch chip brush (the more frayed, the better)
• Paper towel or baby wipes (for dabbing off excess paint)

Step #1: Base Coat Your Background

If you are painting cowhide on a door hanger or other wooden base, start by painting your wood surface with Light Buttermilk. If you don’t have that color, a warm off-white or soft cream works too. 

We’re aiming for a base that looks more natural than bright white — something that mimics well-loved cowhide!

How to apply it:

• Use a sponge to dab and smooth the paint across your surface. This gives an even, soft finish.

• Apply 2 to 3 coats as needed
• Let each layer dry completely before moving on

Step #2: Practice the Technique First

Before diving into your actual door hanger, take a moment to practice your brush strokes on cardboard. This helps you get a feel for how the paint moves and how the brush flicks to create that furry texture.

You’ll be using three main colors:

• Dark Chocolate for the main cowhide spots
• Cinnamon Stick for warm highlights
• Black for small accents and depth

Step #3: Create Your First Cow Spot

Dip your chip brush into Dark Chocolate. You want a decent amount of paint on the brush, and be sure to hold it vertically, not flat.

• Flick the brush downward, then back upward.
• Let the bristles fan out naturally as you lift — that’s what gives it the look of real fur.
• Start in the center of the spot and feather outward
• Form a loose diamond shape as your base

Step #4: Blend in the Cinnamon Stick Color

While the dark brown is still wet, lightly dip your brush into the cinnamon stick color and feather it into the brown spot. You don’t need much, just enough to give it some more warmth. 

You can always add more (or go back over it with dark brown if it feels too strong).

Step #5: Add Black for Depth

Use very little black paint — just the tiniest amount on the corner of your brush.

• Gently streak black into your cow spots to add dimension
• If it looks too bold, blot your brush on a paper towel
• Layer more brown on top if needed to tone it down

Step #6: Repeat the Pattern

Now that you’ve made your first cowhide spot, continue the same process across your door hanger.

As you go:

• Vary the shape and size of each spot
• Let some trail off the edge for a more natural look
• Use the “triangle trick” for spacing — try to form invisible triangles between each spot to keep things even
• Fill in any bare spots by expanding nearby shapes upward or outward

Some of your spots may lean more brown, others more red, and a few with a touch more black, but that’s perfectly okay. The goal is a soft, fur-like finish that doesn’t look too perfect!

Step #7: Add Finishing Touches

Once you’ve filled in your background, you can customize it however you like.

Try adding:

• A bold monogram
• A fun western phrase or cowboy saying
• A pop of color, like turquoise or coral, for contrast

This cowhide background can be used for so many fun seasonal designs too — from reindeer to western valentines to spring steers!

Want to Learn More Painting Techniques Like This?

If you had fun with this tutorial, you’ll love being part of the Painter’s Clubhouse. It’s our monthly painting membership where we walk you through new projects, answer your questions, and help you gain confidence in your craft!

You don’t have to be an expert. We teach you everything step-by-step, just like this tutorial! Whether you’re brand new or picking up a paintbrush again after years, you’ll feel right at home.

Learn more and join the Painter’s Clubhouse here.