How to Color Shoes

Can You Really Change the Color of Your Shoes?

Yes, you can. Coloring shoes is one of the best ways to save money and refresh your wardrobe. A pair of scuffed white sneakers can become crisp black. A worn brown boot can become a rich burgundy. It is not magic. It is just the right paint and a little patience.

You need to match the product to the material. Leather takes dye or acrylic paint. Canvas takes fabric paint. Suede takes special dye. Rubber soles take most paints but need a flexible formula. Getting this wrong is the only way you will fail.

Know Your Shoe Material First

Before you buy anything, check the shoe. Look at the tag or the box. If you are unsure, do a water test. Put a drop of water on the surface. If it soaks in, you have a porous material like canvas or nubuck. If it beads up, you have a smooth material like leather or patent.

Here is the breakdown of what works best for each material:

• Leather: Use Angelus leather paint or Fiebing’s leather dye. Paint covers scuffs. Dye soaks in for a natural finish.
• Suede: Use a suede dye spray like Tarrago or Fiebing’s. Do not use regular paint. It will ruin the nap.
• Canvas: Use fabric paint like Jacquard or Tulip. Acrylic paint works but will crack over time.
• Mesh: Use a diluted fabric dye like Rit. Spray paint clogs the holes.
• Rubber: Use Angelus paint with a flexible additive. This prevents cracking when you walk.

You Need the Right Supplies

Do not skip supplies. You will ruin your shoes if you do. The minimum you need is paint, a brush, and a deglazer. You also need masking tape and newspaper for the soles.

Here is your shopping list:

• Deglazer or acetone: This strips the factory finish off leather so the paint sticks.
• Cotton balls or lint-free cloths: For applying the deglazer.
• Paint brushes: Get a flat brush for large areas and a small angled brush for edges.
• Angelus 2-Thin or water: To thin the paint so it goes on smooth without brush strokes.
• Heat gun or hair dryer: To set each layer of paint.
• Matte or gloss finisher: To seal the job and protect it from scratches.

Step-by-Step: How to Paint Leather Shoes

This is the most common job. Follow these steps exactly and your shoes will look factory-made.

Step 1: Prep the surface. Remove the laces. Stuff the shoes with paper towels to hold their shape. Tape off the soles and any hardware you do not want painted. Wipe the whole shoe down with a cotton ball soaked in deglazer. Work in small circles. You will see the factory finish come off on the cotton. Do this until the cotton stays clean.

Step 2: Mix your paint. Pour a small amount of Angelus paint into a cup. Add a few drops of 2-Thin. You want the consistency of heavy cream. Not watery. Not thick like toothpaste.

Step 3: Apply thin layers. Dip your brush and wipe off the excess. Paint in one direction. Do not go back over wet paint. Let it dry for 15 minutes. Use a hair dryer on low heat to speed this up. Apply a second coat. Then a third. Three thin coats are better than one thick coat. Thick paint cracks.

Step 4: Seal it. Once the color is even and dry, apply a finisher. Use matte for a natural look. Use gloss for a shiny sneaker look. Apply one coat, let it dry, then apply a second coat.

How to Dye Suede Shoes

Suede is tricky. Paint will flatten the nap and look plastic. Dye is the only answer. You can buy spray-on suede dye, which is the easiest for beginners.

First, brush the suede with a suede brush to lift the nap. Then mask off the sole. Hold the spray can about 8 inches away from the shoe. Spray in light, even passes. Do not soak the shoe. Let it dry for 30 minutes. Brush it again to restore the nap. Repeat with a second coat if needed.

Remember that suede dye is more transparent than paint. If you are going from a light color to a dark color, you will need multiple coats. Going from dark to light is nearly impossible. Do not attempt it. You will just get a muddy mess.

How to Color Canvas and Fabric Shoes

Canvas is the easiest material to color. It absorbs everything. The main risk is stiffening the fabric. Fabric paint is designed to stay flexible, so use that instead of acrylic.

Use a fabric medium mixed with acrylic paint if you already have acrylic at home. This is a liquid you mix into the paint to keep the fabric soft. Mix one part medium to two parts paint. Apply with a brush or sponge. Two coats are usually enough. Let each coat dry completely.

For mesh shoes like running shoes, skip the brush. Use a spray fabric dye. Mask off everything you do not want colored. Spray lightly and let it dry. Mesh needs air to breathe, so do not clog the pores with paint.

Common Mistakes That Ruin the Job

Most people fail because they rush. They skip the deglazer and wonder why the paint peels. They apply one thick coat and wonder why it cracks. They do not tape off the soles and get paint on the rubber.

The other big mistake is using the wrong paint. Household acrylic craft paint is too stiff for shoes. It will crack within a week. Spend the extra few dollars on Angelus or a comparable leather paint. It is designed for the flex and movement of footwear.

Finally, do not walk in your shoes for at least 24 hours after finishing. The paint needs time to cure fully. If you wear them too soon, you will smudge the finish.