Shoe paint: products for leather, suede and nubuck

There are shoes, there were and there will be. This is the element of clothing that no person can do without. It happens that one couple becomes a “favorite” and quickly loses its appearance. I don't want to say goodbye to her. In this case, shoe paint will help out. With its help, it is easy to update the surface at home.

When is shoe paint needed?

The decision to buy shoe paint most often appears if you notice that:

• scuffs appeared on shoes or boots;
• the top layer of leather covering is damaged;
• scratches appeared on the surface of the shoes;
• the color has become less saturated and bright;
• the shoes have lost their former luster.

You will also need dye if you want to change the color of your old shoes.

Sneaker coloring technology

The process of painting sneakers is simple and, if you follow the instructions, leads to an excellent result. Accuracy and creativity will help not only extend the life of old shoes, but also give them new ones, in a completely different guise.

First of all, it is necessary to prepare the room - it should be ventilated, away from food and children. The floor should be covered with a piece of film or newspapers. From washed or washed sneakers, remove the insoles and laces. Degrease.

There is a large selection of acrylic and water-based paints, sprays from various manufacturers - both domestic and imported. In addition, stores sell special powders that you need to dilute yourself. What to paint is everyone’s choice, the main thing is that the coloring agent is suitable for the material from which the shoes are made.

Paint is applied to sneakers with a brush, brush or sponge, depending on the material from which the shoes are made and the type of paint.

Advantages of modern dyes

The range of cosmetics for shoes includes a huge number of dyes. You can give preference to the paint that you think is best in composition, type and price. Modern shoe paints have a number of advantages:

• variety of color palette;
• a variety of dye types depending on the application method;
• ensuring rapid surface restoration;
• maximum homogeneous composition of the substance;
• compliance with environmental standards;
• quick drying;
• affordable price.

Some modern shoe manufacturers produce cosmetics for their products. Such paints are sold in branded shoe stores and ensure maximum compliance with the material of the selected pair.

Types of shoe dyes

Shoe paint is classified according to the type of material, purpose and method of application.

Liquid dyes

Designed for dyeing products made of natural or artificial leather, as well as textiles. The substance penetrates into the deep layers of the material and restores color well. Has water-repellent properties. Gives the product a radiant shine, so there is no need to use additional cosmetics. This product cannot be used to dye suede and nubuck.

Aerosols for smooth skin

The product is worth buying if your shoes are made of smooth leather. The paint contains substances that provide long-lasting color, protection and additional nutrition. All products have a high water-repellent effect. The ability to spray with an aerosol saves product and makes the painting process easier. Not suitable for dyeing suede and nubuck.

Aerosols for suede and nubuck

Specially developed products suitable for suede and nubuck shoes. The dye contains substances that can restore the structure of suede, its color and softness. The aerosol form allows you to apply the product effortlessly.

Paints for shoe soles

The dye contains the maximum amount of pigment, which ensures complete coloring of heels, soles and welts. The product restores damage well, restores color and shine. Suitable for various sole and heel materials.

Additional tips and tricks

To properly paint a product and restore its attractive appearance, you should follow a number of recommendations:

• properly prepare sneakers for dyeing - clean, degrease, dry;
• choose the right paint for shoes;
• adhere to dyeing technology;
• dry the product correctly - it should dry naturally, without the use of heating devices.

The right sneaker paint helps restore the appearance of your shoes. To achieve good results in this matter, you should choose the substance wisely and strictly adhere to the rules for its use.

It happens that your favorite shoes fall into disrepair due to their hopelessly worn out appearance. Instead of buying a new pair of sneakers, you can take them to a repair shop, but nowadays it is possible to restore them yourself by repainting them in the desired color. Painted sneakers are great for indoor sports and walking in dry weather, but are not recommended for walking in the rain.

Color range of shoe dyes

Each manufacturer offers a specific color range of dyes. Any brand will always have black, transparent, white and several shades of brown in its arsenal. Popular manufacturers of modern shoe paints offer several shades of yellow, green, blue, red and gray in their range of products.

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.

Sole dyeing process

You need to prepare a workplace near an open window or on the balcony. A table or stool can be covered with oilcloth or thick paper.

You should wear gloves and, when working with aerosols, a gauze or disposable medical mask. Animals, children and people with a predisposition to allergic reactions should not be in the room.

Then you need to prepare the paint (dilute the powder, shake the emulsion) and tools.

Parts of the shoes that should not get dyed on are sealed with masking tape, and the laces are removed.

If the leather on the sole is covered with scratches, it is recommended to sand it, treat it with leather primer and let it sit for 15-20 minutes. Then cover with 2-3 layers of coloring agent. Priming will prevent hardening and reduce paint consumption.

The surface is painted over with a brush, sponge or sponge, trying to prevent drips. You need to do this quickly, otherwise the painting will be uneven.

It is easier to paint a corrugated sole with aerosol dye; the spray can is kept at a distance of 20-25 cm from the surface.

You should not apply a thick layer of paint, trying to immediately hide all the defects. It is better to dry the first layer (this will take 2-3 hours) and, if necessary, paint again.

To speed up the process, you can use a hairdryer on low or medium heat. It is better to dry leather soles at room temperature.

The edges of the sole are covered with polishing wax only after the paint has completely dried - after 12-14 hours.

Today there are a large number of varieties of paints for sneakers. They all differ in composition and characteristics. Thanks to this, everyone will be able to choose an effective product that will help restore the appearance of their shoes. To achieve excellent results in coloring, you must strictly follow the technique of the procedure.

Rating of the best shoe care products

Prices are indicated depending on the paint texture and packaging volume.

How to choose paint for shoes

Before you go shopping, understand for what purpose you need shoe paint. If you want to:

• Restore color. The main criterion when purchasing will be the choice of color. If the couple requires painting in a black or brown shade, you can buy any brand of paint. If your shoes are red, blue, yellow or other colors, give preference to Salamander, Saphir or Tarrago products with the corresponding palette.
• Change the tone. If you want to lighten the shade or, on the contrary, make the color darker, pay attention to the brand with the widest color range. Today it is Tarrago. The palette of the professional line includes more than 80 colors, and the manufacturer assures that the dye can lighten even black shoes to a light shade.

Many dyes contain substances that extend the life of shoes.

Basic rules for using shoe paint

To get the best results, prepare your shoes properly before dyeing. Before the procedure, test the dye on a small area of ​​skin. If you are pleased with the result, follow these steps:

• Wash and dry your shoes thoroughly.
• Treat shoes with a product to remove dirt, reagents and old paint.
• Remove old paint from the product with a special substance (sold in the same places where paint is sold).
• Use gloves while painting to avoid getting dirty. If you use an aerosol, ventilate the room after the procedure.
• Apply the dye carefully, layer by layer, until you reach the desired color.
• After painting, check for unpainted areas.
• When dyeing suede products, pay special attention to areas with abrasions.

To ensure that the paint dries well and sets, do not touch the shoes for 5–7 hours.

For more details, read the article How to paint shoes made from various materials.

Changing the color of suede

It is recommended to paint suede shoes using aerosol paints. Only with help is it possible to evenly distribute the paint over the surface. Shoes that have had a long service life usually have shiny areas and therefore need to be treated with solvents. Such places are painted with special care. When purchasing paint, take it with a reserve so as not to run for an additional batch later.

When dyeing suede, it is necessary to take into account a number of nuances:

1. Conduct a preliminary inspection of your shoes for dirt. Light areas and the sole must be covered with tape. Laces and metal parts must be removed.
2. The easiest way to treat a suede surface that is devoid of light elements is to use spray paint. If painting will be carried out on a table, take measures to preserve the surface in its original form - lay down a film or an unnecessary rag. Painting is carried out in several layers with alternate drying of each.
3. Using a liquid composition requires the use of a special brush or piece of foam rubber. Before you begin the staining procedure, protect your hands with gloves. Shiny areas are treated first. After drying, they proceed to processing the entire surface.

An important point when painting suede shoes is to strictly follow the instructions included with the dye.

What is liquid skin

Liquid leather is a substance that is used to restore damaged areas of leather products and performs the additional function of a dye. Liquid leather contains substances with high adhesive ability. Please note that this product cannot be used as shoe polish.

You can buy the product in a set consisting of 7 jars with a substance of different shades. The volume of 1 jar is 18 ml and is designed to process 1 square meter. products. Also on sale is liquid leather in larger packaging of the same color, 125 and 60 ml. To avoid damaging your shoes, carefully read the instructions before use.

How to remove shoe paint from hands

If you get your hands dirty while dyeing, the paint may stick to your skin. Try washing the paint with laundry soap or powder. If this does not help, lubricate the skin of your hands with sunflower oil. For more severe stains, you can use a solvent or acetone, but keep in mind that such products dry out the skin, so do not neglect the recommendations and paint your shoes while wearing gloves.

You can return your shoes or boots to their original appearance using shoe paint. Today, the range of shoe cosmetics includes a large selection of dyes of different consistencies and shades. To make your shoes look like new, choose the product carefully and do not neglect the dyeing recommendations.

Painting tools

Before painting a leather item at home, you should prepare the following tools:

• brushes;
• tampons, sponges - applicators in the form of squares, rectangles, balls;
• toothpicks;
• device for painting the edge;
• pens for painting edges.

It is convenient to use tools with long handles - this allows you to avoid getting your hands dirty. After finishing painting, all reusable tools should be washed in warm water and soap until completely clean and left to dry in their natural environment.