AbstractEight different formulations were developed with four diacrylate reactive monomers such as tripropylene glycol diacrylate (TPGDA), 1,4‐butanediol diacrylate (BDDA), 1,6‐hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA), and 2‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and aromatic urethane diacrylate (M1100) in order to modify the crust leather surface. To study the effect of pigment on the performance of ultraviolet (UV)‐cured leather surface, 1% pigment (congored) was incorporated in the formulations. Irgacure 369 (2%) was also used in the formulation as photoinitiator. The gel content, tensile strength, elongation at break, and pendulum hardness of UV‐cured thin films with and without pigment was studied. The films without pigment produced better properties. Among all the diluents, BDDA‐containing films showed the best performance. Different properties of UV‐coated leather surface such as pendulum hardness, tensile strength, elongation, gloss (at 20° and 60°), adhesion, and abrasion were studied. Effect of gloss on simulating weathering was also performed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 692–697, 2002