Leather paint, dye and care, made in the USA since 1907.
Angelus makes acrylic leather paint, leather and suede dye, shoe wax and leather care in its own factory in Santa Fe Springs, California. Find every product, color, direction and safety data sheet here.
The Angelos family at their Los Angeles shoeshine stand in the early 1900s.
Since 1907 · Los Angeles, California
From a shine stand to our own factory.
Angelus began in 1907 at a downtown Los Angeles shoeshine stand run by Paul T. Angelos, a Greek immigrant who came through Ellis Island. Other bootblacks wanted the polish he cooked up on the kitchen stove, so the family started making it full time and registered the Angelus name in 1917.
More than a century later, the Angelos family still makes Angelus paint, dye and polish in our own plant in Santa Fe Springs, California. Paul G. Angelos owns the company, and his grandson Tyler Angelos, the fifth generation, is CEO. Our shoe wax still uses the original 1907 formula, with carnauba wax and beeswax.
“It has our name on it and we will make it good.” Paul T. Angelos, 1953
Paul T. Angelos opens a shoeshine stand in Los Angeles.
Early days
Three downtown stands, one next to the Pantages Theater. Polish made on the kitchen stove.
1917
The Angelus name is registered and polish-making goes full time.
1953
The family buys Angelus back and makes good on every product with its name.
Today
Five generations, made in our own plant in Santa Fe Springs, California.
Then and now
The same family, a bigger plant, and a wax made to the 1907 formula.
Angelus bottles and tins from decades past
The classic Angelus mascot, still on the wax display
Paint filled and capped in Santa Fe Springs
Tyler Angelos, the fifth generation
From the people who use it
Trusted on boots, bags and sneakers for generations.
Real reviews from customers restoring heirlooms, shining uniform boots and customizing sneakers.
★★★★★
“I was able to mix colors to match my 25 year old couch, easily made it look like new. Two years ago I changed the color of my leather Arcopedico shoes from bronze to taupe gray. The finish outlasted the shoes.”
Lynn P., McKinleyville, Californiaon Midnite Green Acrylic Leather Paint, 2026
★★★★★
“I wish I had found Angelus in the late 90s when I was shining boots everyday. It is the best polish I have ever found. I have used several of the products to revive old cowboy boots.”
Kenneth T., Bonita Springs, Floridaon Black Shoe Wax Polish, 2025
★★★★★
“The best dye I’ve used in leather working over the last 30 years. Won’t use anything else now. Brought my ten year old boots back to new.”
Mark R., Providence, Rhode Islandon Dark Brown Leather Dye, 2026
★★★★★
“My husband used this on a very old (1950s) valise that he was recently gifted; it was super grungy and stained, and the Angelus cleaning kit worked like a charm.”
Catherine M., Phoenix, Arizonaon Easy Cleaner Kit, 2025
★★★★★
“A very good product. Got the coat all cleaned up and ready for the dye. And the dye was a near perfect match. Cost was reasonable, too, plus I like supporting a US mom & pop business.”
D. Hugh C., Marietta, Georgiaon Leather Preparer & Deglazer, 2026
★★★★★
“I had yellowed soles on my low top jordan 11s and I used this Sole Bright and totally got my soles back icy, I'm very pleased with this product”
Eric B., Houston, Texason Sole Bright, 2025
Reviews from customers on AngelusDirect.com, the official Angelus store, where Angelus averages 4.8 stars across more than 45,000 reviews.
Every color, named and numbered.
Real painted leather, photographed swatch by swatch: 155 paint colors plus every dye and wax shade.
Angelus is carried by specialty shops of every kind, from sneaker shops and cobblers to saddle and craft stores. Tell us what you need and we’ll point you to one near you. You can also buy online at AngelusDirect.com, Amazon, Walmart and TikTok Shop.
Angelus Shoe Polish Co., Inc., maker of the Angelus brand
Founded
1907, Los Angeles, California, by Paul T. Angelos
Owner and CEO
Paul G. Angelos owns Angelus; Tyler Angelos, fifth generation, is CEO
Made in
Our own plant at 12060 Florence Ave., Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Products
Acrylic leather paint, leather and suede dye, finishers and additives, cleaners, conditioners and shoe polish
Colors
155 paint colors, 84 dye colors and 15 shoe wax colors, each named and numbered
Official online store
AngelusDirect.com
Common questions
Is Angelus paint waterproof?
Yes. Applied to prepped leather, Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint dries flexible, durable and waterproof. A coat of Acrylic Finisher adds extra protection from scuffs and scratches. See Acrylic Leather Paint.
What’s the difference between leather paint and leather dye?
Paint sits on top of the surface and can cover any color. Dye soaks in and keeps the leather’s natural feel. Compare Acrylic Leather Paint and Leather & Suede Dye.
Where is Angelus made?
In our own factory at 12060 Florence Ave., Santa Fe Springs, California, in Los Angeles County.
Where can I buy Angelus?
In specialty shops near you and online at AngelusDirect.com, the official Angelus store, plus Amazon, Walmart and TikTok Shop.
Can my store sell Angelus?
Yes. Shops with a walk-in storefront apply through Angelus Direct wholesale with a $200 opening order. Distributors and chains contact our business team.
What can Angelus paint be used on?
Smooth leather, canvas, denim, nylon and wood, plus glass, metal and hard plastic with 2-Hard. Foam like Crocs works with limits. See the full material guide.
When was Angelus founded, and who owns it?
Angelus was founded in 1907 in Los Angeles by Paul T. Angelos. The Angelos family still owns it: Paul G. Angelos is the owner and Tyler Angelos, the fifth generation, is CEO. Read our history.
Is AngelusDirect.com the official Angelus store?
Yes. AngelusDirect.com is run by Angelus and carries every color and size. This site, AngelusBrand.com, is the official product and company information site.
