How to dye suede leather shoes?
If you can’t find a pair of suede shoes in a color you like, or you just want a more stylish look, dyeing your old suede shoes is a cost-effective alternative to throwing them out.
It may sound like a difficult endeavor, but in reality, it’s relatively simple.
All you need is a special suede color, a stiff bristle brush to apply it and some time for each layer to sink in.
Be careful not to mess it up while you work, and after you’re done, be sure to set the new color by spraying a water repellent on the suede before you put the suede on.
Preparation for shoe dyeing:
Invest in a color made with suede in mind.
Unlike more common types of paints, which simply flake off surfaces when applied, these paints are formulated to penetrate materials that have a smooth, textured surface like real leather.
Shop around until you find a color you like and think will look good on the shoe you’re changing. Remember that the more vivid the color, the better.
For this to work properly, your shoe must be completely suede. If they contain a significant amount of artificial components, this will not work.
It is important to remember that it is not possible to go from a dark color to a lighter color.
For this reason, you’ll get the best results by painting shoes that already have a light or neutral color, such as white, gray, or khaki.
Many manufacturers specialize in suede paints, including Fiebing’s, Angelus, Lincoln and Kiwi, all of which have received positive reviews.
Use a suede shoe brush with soft bristles to smooth the suede. Move the brush over the entire outer surface of the shoe.
Deep penetration of the dye into the fabric will be much easier if you do it first with a light brushing to remove any troublesome dust and dirt and to remove microscopic threads from the fabric.
Make sure to brush the grain in all different directions, not just naturally.
If it is dirty, you need to clean the suede. Most dust and dried debris can probably be removed with one good swipe of a brush.
However, if the shoes are significantly worn, they may require a more comprehensive treatment.
To thoroughly clean the shoe, first wipe it with a damp but not damp sponge or towel.
The wording “throughout the shoe” is a vital component to ensure that moisture penetrates the entire shoe, thus giving it a uniform appearance.
Cornstarch can be used to get rid of those pesky oil stains by sprinkling it on the stain and then wiping it off after it has had enough time to absorb most of the dirt.
Dry cleaners and shoe repair professionals are the best options for removing stubborn stains.
All external equipment must be covered or removed. If the shoes have laces, remove them and put them in a safe place.
Use small pieces of painter’s tape to create a barrier to protect other visible elements, such as buttons, zippers, stamps, and accessories such as sequins.
While you’re doing this, fold a few pieces around the sole of the shoe (unless you plan to paint this area as well).
Tape anything you don’t want to ruin before exposing it to paint, as paint leaves an irreversible stain on anything it comes in contact with.
To hide more challenging areas, such as logos or stripes, cut the tape to the appropriate length.
Newspaper should be used to fill shoes.
To stuff the toes and heels, crumple several sheets of newspaper into loose balls and then press them into the toes and heels.
During the dyeing process, if the shoes are filled with a material that has a lot of volume, they can more easily hold their shape.
In addition, it prevents wet paint from penetrating into the shoe.
When working with high-top shoes and boots, it’s important to stop stuffing before it reaches the calf or ankle area.
Alternatively, you might use some old rags instead of newspaper. Just remember that anything the paint touches will be permanently marked.
Take a brush to ensure a smooth application. The vast majority of suede paints are sold with a specialized application tool that makes their application significantly easier.
In most cases, these consist of little more than a cotton ball stretched over a piece of wire.
You’ll get better results if you use a sturdier tool, like a small scrub brush attached to the handle.
Whatever brush you choose to use should have firm bristles that can penetrate deep into the suede and penetrate every nook and cranny of the surface.
An unused but clean toothbrush can work admirably in place of an applicator.
Take the brush and dip it into the paint. After the hair is completely soaked in water, allow any excess color to drip into the designated container.
As you move the applicator back and forth from the paint bottle, be aware of the possibility of dripping and splattering.
You should apply about half a teaspoon of color with each use.
You should never dilute the paint or mix it with any other chemicals unless the instructions specifically say to do so.
If you don’t want your hands to get discolored, wearing a pair of rubber gloves is a smart idea to prevent staining.
Cover the shoe in paint and let it dry. By dragging the brush head on the surface of the shoe, the color is transferred to the shoe in the form of a large sphere.
Be sure to start with a small amount. You can always add more later if needed.
Start with a large, smooth surface, such as the heel or toe, and work your way up to more limited areas, starting with the heel or toe.
It is important to avoid getting the suede completely wet. If you use too much paint in one area, you risk permanent black spots, which are notoriously difficult to remove and can make the surface look uneven.
Applying the paint on suede with slow, circular motions provides even distribution. Continue working on the shoe in manageable pieces until everything is covered, making sure no gaps are visible.
It should start taking on a new color immediately.
To avoid unnecessary errors, work carefully and methodically, especially at the beginning of the process while you are still getting used to the method.
If the seams don’t accept the new paint well, don’t be too surprised. The synthetic thread used to sew many of today’s shoes is not as absorbent as the natural materials used in traditional shoes.
Your comment submitted.