Everyone has sports shoes in their wardrobe. Among these accessories, fabric sneakers occupy a special place. They are inexpensive, easy to care for, and wear comfortably.
During use, products wear out and lose color. Not everyone is ready to recycle their favorite item, because you can restore its appearance. There are several options on how to do this.
The best way to renew products is to re-coat their surface with dye. We will tell you how to paint sneakers yourself at home. We will give some recommendations on how to implement the work efficiently and quickly.
Preparing shoes
Before painting, you should prepare your shoes: wash them thoroughly, remove dirt, get rid of streaks and stains. The same sneakers will be washed well if they are placed in a special mesh. Excessive dirt can become embedded, and painting will be useless.
Advice: if you use varnish or wax, it is better to remove it.
After washing, the fabric surface of the sneakers or sneakers should be completely dry. For preparation, it is better to use a degreaser. An easy way is to use a soap solution: take laundry soap from your house, as well as ammonia. To completely dry, for example, leather men's sneakers, it is better to expose them to the sun.
Care after painting
After the work has been carried out, fabric products must not be wetted or contaminated again. If this is done, the applied composition may wear off faster and the shoes will lose their appearance. It is better to wear it the first time in dry, not rainy weather.
After visiting the street, you should carefully remove dirt deposits. Cleaning is carried out with a special soft brush slightly moistened with soapy water, which will quickly remove dirt. It is recommended to dry sneakers away from strong sources of thermal radiation.
Proper care after coloring is important
Paint selection
To understand how to paint your sneakers, you need to decide on the paint, color, and pattern. The beautiful and expected result depends on the type of shoe material. It is better to personalize leather shoes using a can of paint, cream or liquid.
Types of funds
Various paints and fabrics require the use of aerosols and liquids. Interestingly, painting is best done outdoors. You can purchase store-bought snow-white paint, or use the more familiar gouache.
Decoration with sparkles, rhinestones, sequins, thorns
Sneakers or slip-ons look very glamorous in a brilliant design. In order to “upgrade” your boring shoes, you need to purchase the following items in specialized stores:
- glitter (in bulk in jars) of one or more colors;
- fabric glue;
- spikes or rhinestones for accent.
Decoration method:
- First, cover the rubber parts of the sneaker with masking or simple tape and prepare everything you need.
- Take a large brush and apply glue to the fabric.
Important! Do not apply glue to the entire surface at once, otherwise the furthest areas will dry before you have time to sprinkle glitter on them. Work in parts.
- Next, generously sprinkle this area with glitter of the desired color and press it down a little with your fingers.
- You can apply darker glitter along the bottom.
- At the final stage of decoration, tap the shoes a little so that excess glitter falls off.
- Examine the sneakers. If there are empty areas, apply glue in spots and add glitter.
Important! Some craftsmen immediately mix glue with glitter and apply this mixture to sneakers.
- It remains to place accents in the form of rhinestones or metal cone-shaped spikes. They can be secured with a glue gun, for example, on the front of a sneaker.
- Instead of laces, you can insert satin ribbons.
Now you will have a fantastic look in your “new” old sneakers, and will catch the envious glances of your friends.
Dyeing technology from different materials
Different materials require a varied approach. Rubber shoes must be painted using a more durable emulsion. White sneaker paint will match your favorite leather sneakers. You can apply a bold red color using a felt-tip pen to create an interesting style.
Features of dyeing shoes made of leatherette or leather
Drawing a flower, lightning bolt, or stylized pattern on leather is easy. The main thing is to do this gradually and accurately. Black paint adheres naturally to the surface of the skin, just like light brown paint.
It is recommended that you consider the following tips before dyeing your fabric sneaker (or sneakers) at home:
- Seal the sole or other elements with paper tape;
- Purchase paint in the desired color: preferably in the form of a cream or liquid;
- Pour the paint into a container and then apply it to the shoes;
- Leave to dry;
- Apply wax to the surface.
Advice: there is one condition - it is recommended to paint the skin once to avoid the appearance of visual defects.
Features of dyeing suede sneakers
Suede is a material that is beautiful, but not durable. Be sure to use a special paint liquid on suede fabric. A marker or brush will come in handy to spot-color the damaged elements.
It is better to paint suede shoes beige or gray. It is recommended to change its appearance very carefully, since suede is not very suitable for coloring.
Fashion and comfort
As soon as it gets warmer outside in the spring, we take our favorite moccasins, sneakers or slip-ons out of the boxes. Many years ago, this type of shoe was intended only for sports and had a dull and monotonous appearance. Now it is an integral element of a fashionable “look”, which has a lot of colors: from simple white to golden with spikes.
This type of comfortable shoe has not gone out of fashion for many years. But no matter how good our favorite sneakers are for us, they do not last forever. The fabric may tear, get dirty, fade when washed, or fade in the sun. And sometimes we just get tired of the old colors. Don't throw away such comfortable shoes. There are a lot of ideas on how you can transform and decorate it, make it original and even designer. This will require your imagination, a little time and some decorative elements. Transformed sneakers will definitely cost less than new Converse.
How to paint sneakers
To carry out work on changing sneakers, it is necessary to collect several tools. You will need to collect the following items: masking tape, rags, napkins, toothbrush, bulk containers.
Additional features of painting sneakers will be:
- Wash shoes by hand or with a product;
- Prepare a special place for work;
- The dye needs to be mixed and, if possible, heated.
To personalize your sneakers, you can use markers, pens, and felt-tip pens. To understand where to buy funds, you should visit a craft store. Using felt-tip pens, you can depict patterns, geometric shapes, and objects.
Tip: it’s better to try painting a piece of rag, for example, blue; According to reviews, it turns out better the second time, at least.
Under sneakers you can use acrylic enamel or any fabric dyeing agent. Before applying a coat of paint, be sure to form a layer of primer. Once the job is completed, it is best to seal the shoes with sealant. So, the result will be amazing, and a sharp nail, an equally sharp knife, stones or dust will not damage the sneakers.
Primary processing
No matter how you decide to “upgrade” your shoes, in any case, you first need to freshen them up. First of all, take out the laces and wash them. After this, proceed to bleaching the soles and directly washing the shoes.
Sole bleaching
Be sure to bleach the sole, namely the side part and the nose of the sneaker. For this:
- Mix soda and vinegar to make a paste.
- Rub the prepared mixture onto the rubber parts using an old toothbrush.
- Rub thoroughly and leave for 25-30 minutes.
- Gently rinse off the mud mixture with water.
After this procedure, the sole will be like new.
Important! For even more ways to help tidy up the soles of your shoes, read the separate review “How to whiten the soles of sneakers?”
Washing sneakers
Next, wash your sneakers, moccasins or slip-ons in the washing machine:
- Before washing, place your sneakers in a special bag for washing shoes or just in an old pillowcase.
- Select the delicate cycle in your washing machine. The water temperature should not exceed 40 degrees.
Important! With other washing modes, you can ruin either your sneakers or your washing machine.
- Deactivate the spin function.
- After finishing washing, let the shoes dry naturally.
- To prevent it from losing its shape, you can put crumpled newspapers inside.
Important! If you need more detailed instructions with a selection of products for washing shoes, read another topic - “How to wash sneakers in a washing machine?”
After your shoes have dried, you can safely experiment with their design. Just first think about what you would like to see as a result and prepare the necessary materials. And our article will help you with your plans and ways to implement them.
Features of repainting in a different color
Changing the color of a shoe is possible, but what kind of paint can be used on intensely colored sneakers? If the shoes are originally red, then using a lighter shade is not recommended. The same salamander paint (from a proprietary manufacturer) will not even cope with a complete color transformation.
To understand what can be painted on a sneaker, it is better to use the principle of multiple coloring. The priority is to paint the socks, and then successively process larger elements.
Handy products for painting eco-leather
Eco-leather differs from genuine leather in that its base is polyurethane.
The remaining components are natural. The material is used for the manufacture of furniture upholstery, accessories, clothing, and shoes. As with leather, natural dyes, aniline dyes, and silicone spray are used. Spray with silicone helps to distribute the paint evenly over the entire surface of the material. A protective film is formed, which gives the eco-leather additional resistance. The products are colored and colorless. They color eco-leather, serve as additional protection, add shine, and increase wear resistance. The dyeing process is the same as for natural leather.
How to paint the sole of sneakers
To understand how you can paint your sneakers at home, it’s better to first change the appearance of the sole. It is better to use paint with an intense effect, and if the sole is damaged, apply several layers of paint.
The sole can be individualized in expressive red, orange, turquoise. It all depends on the imagination and preferences of the author.
Distressed beauty
You need to be more than careful with such shoes, because any stains from food and drinks are difficult to remove. You should also try not to step into puddles and mud. Even traces of green grass will remain on white skin. And if we talk about public transport, where someone can step on their feet, then it seems that such shoes can only be worn by people who have a personal car. However, it is not. All these situations can be minimized if you know the rules for caring for white shoes.
Basic Rules
Previously, the phrase “white shoes” smacked of nothing but foppishness. However, now that the athletic-chic style has gained popularity, various sneakers, sneakers, slip-ons and sneakers have become an integral part of the wardrobe, displacing classic shoes. In addition, white contrasting soles are found even in casual models. For example, loafers, boat shoes or brogues.
By purchasing a pair of shoes that are white or simply have light-colored details or soles, a person seems to automatically enter the world of fashionistas. But this is only on one side. On the other hand, he has a need to closely monitor her condition.
Along with a new pair of light leather shoes, you also need to buy special products that are designed to care for them. This is because white skin undergoes additional processing during the bleaching process. It is thanks to it that the skin becomes softer and more elastic, but at the same time more susceptible to pollution. Here are some basic rules for caring for light-colored shoes:
- After purchasing a new pair of leather shoes, you should immediately wax them. This will prevent stains and excessive water permeability. If it is suede, then you need to purchase a special spray for it.
- It is recommended to store light leather products separately from dark and colored ones. This solution helps preserve their color. You can use either special shoe bags or original packaging.
- If minor dirt appears on your shoes, you should immediately get rid of it using a napkin or damp cloth. In the case of suede, you need to use a special brush.
Daily care
White leather shoes require regular care, which should be done after each wear. Otherwise, they will lose their presentable appearance and you can safely throw them in the trash. Constantly sending your favorite shoes in for repairs is also not the best idea, so you need to learn how to properly care for white leather shoes on a daily basis.
First, you should stock up on water-repellent spray and apply it to the leather product in the first days of wear. Cream will also work. They will prevent the appearance of stains from rain and dampness and will help keep the shoes in shape, because do not forget that leather is an elastic material.
After each wear, the product must be wiped with a soft, damp sponge that does not have any roughness that could scratch the skin. After complete drying, the shoes must be smeared with a special cream for white leather.
Useful tips
It is recommended to consider some thematic tips before using paint:
- Washing is a priority. Thoroughly cleaning your shoes from dirt will prevent deterioration in the visual appearance of sneakers. It is important to remove pieces of swamp, dust, stains;
- Apply varnish or wax. Will allow you to maintain the improved appearance of your shoes, as well as protect the fabric from dust and stones;
- Preparation of the workplace. It is better to take care of preparing the containers in which painting will be carried out. You can first practice painting on a piece of fabric;
- Use of templates and stencils. It's not embarrassing, but effective.
Some tips are a must-have, allowing you to transform your old Converse into a stylized and modern shoe.
Selection of means
To repaint a leather jacket black or another color or restore an old one, a dye is needed. There is plenty to choose from. Knowing certain nuances will help you choose a product.
Is a dishwasher profitable?
Oh yes! No
Suitable for home coloring:
The dyeing process using any of them is completed with the use of a special fixative.
Which colors should you prefer?
Properties of important elements:
- Wax included. It gives leather products softness and shine. Smoothes out cracks and abrasions.
- Walnut oil. Makes the surface smooth. Some manufacturers use analogues in the form of petroleum jelly and glycerin instead.
- Jojoba or olive oils. They have a positive effect on the skin, nourishing and protecting it.
- Seal fat. Has water-repellent properties.
- Mink oil. Protects and gives the product a well-groomed appearance.
The French company Saphir produces leather dyes; they are very popular due to their positive reputation.
Popular brands
When choosing shoe polish, you will find many products on sale from different manufacturers. It is worth getting to know each of them separately.
Collonil
The manufacturer specializes in the production of dyes, as well as brushes and dryers for boots. Paints available for sale include:
- sports shoes;
- smooth leather products;
- suede shoes.
The color palette includes the main colors: black, brown and neutral.
Erdal
Erdal products have several categories.
- Classic, includes creams in jars and tubes with a sponge applicator for application.
- Express, suitable for maintenance care. The composition includes beeswax, which provides excellent surface polishing.
- Protect performs the functions of high-quality protection and intensive care. Available in spray form.
KIWI
Kiwi products are presented in a range of creams and impregnations for leather shoes. The color palette is limited to black, brown and neutrals only.
SALAMANDER
One of the popular shoe cosmetics companies. From Salamander you can buy a variety of shoe care products, as well as paints for various materials. For nubuck, suede and velor, Professional Nubuck Velours Fresh aerosol is suitable, the color palette of which is presented in a rich assortment (more than 70 colors). For smooth skin, you can buy Leather Fresh spray, choosing the desired shade from a wide range of colors.
SALTON
Salton brand dye is available in a wide variety. You can buy spray or liquid paint with a sponge applicator. Moreover, the color palette is not limited to a few colors, but consists of more than 13 colors.
SAPHIR
The products from the French manufacturer have a rich color palette, which includes about 80 shades. You can choose a dye designed for dyeing smooth leather or suede. The range also includes products for eliminating minor defects on smooth skin, which should be used only on problem areas.
SILVER
Silver dyes are the most affordable. The range includes paints designed to restore the color of various materials. The palette contains only a few basic shades, however, the types of textures and packaging volumes are very diverse.
SITIL
Turkish brand products are presented in a small variety. To color smooth leather, you can purchase Sitil cream paint in black. The dye restores color well and protects shoes from salt and moisture.
TARRAGO
The Spanish brand has established itself as a reliable manufacturer of a huge variety of shoe care products. The brand has a professional line, which includes dyes for all types of natural and synthetic leather, as well as suede, nubuck and soles. The color range is presented in more than 75 shades.
TWIST
The brand's palette includes 14 shades. The paints are sold in liquid textures or aerosols and are intended for coloring smooth leather or suede.
DIVIDIC
A Russian company that specializes in the production of cosmetics for shoes. In the brand's range of paints you will find universal transparent products in the form of aerosols, suitable for both smooth leather and suede. The line also includes spray paints for smooth leather and aerosols for suede and nubuck, presented in black and brown shades.
