Yes, it is possible to stain shoes a different color than they originally were. Shoe staining is a great way to revive old shoes, customize the color, or cover up scuffs and scratches. With the right supplies and techniques, you can stain leather or canvas shoes at home to transform them into a bold new color.
Prepping the Shoes
Before staining, you’ll need to clean and prepare the shoes. Start by removing the laces and any inserts, then wipe the shoes down with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. For leather shoes, use a leather cleaner to strip off any old polish or built up grime. Canvas shoes can be cleaned with mild soap and water.
Once clean, the shoes need to be sanded down slightly to help the stain penetrate and adhere properly. Use fine grit sandpaper and lightly buff the surface, being careful not to damage the material. Pay extra attention to any cracked or peeling areas. The smoother the surface, the better the results.
Choosing a Stain
There are a few options when it comes to shoe stain:
Leather dye – Specifically formulated for use on leather, this dye permeates deep into the pores to create a permanent color change. It comes in various colors from neutral tones to bright hues like red and purple. Alcohol-based dyes work best.
Acrylic paint – For canvas or cloth shoes, acrylic craft paint can be used to transform the color. It adheres well to fabric surfaces. The color outcome may not be as consistent as leather dye.
Shore polish – Polishes that contain pigments are another option for simple color changes. This works best for lightening or darkening a similar shade rather than completely changing colors.
Consider the original shoe color and the desired finish shade when choosing a stain. Test the stain on a small hidden area first to ensure you like the color.
Staining Leather Shoes
Here is a simple process for staining leather shoes:
Supplies Needed:
– Leather dye
– Small foam brush
– Cotton cloths
– Alcohol
– Protective gloves
– Newspaper
Steps:
1. Protect your work area with newspaper to avoid drips and splatters. Put on protective gloves.
2. Prepare the dye according to package directions. Shake or stir well to mix the pigment. You may need to thin it slightly with alcohol.
3. Use the foam brush to apply the dye in smooth strokes. Coat the entire shoe upper, outsole, welt and heel. Get into crevices and seams.
4. Let the dye penetrate for 5-10 minutes. Blot gently with a clean cloth.
5. Apply a second coat of dye the same way. The more coats, the darker the final color.
6. When the desired shade is reached, wipe the shoes down with a cotton cloth dampened with alcohol to remove excess dye.
7. Stuff the shoes with newspaper or tissue paper while drying to hold the shape.
8. Allow to dry fully overnight before wearing, polishing or sealing. The longer the dye cures, the more permanent the color.
With a little patience, you can achieve professional looking results. This technique works on leather shoes of all varieties – dress shoes, boots, sneakers, etc.
Staining Fabric Shoes
For canvas, cloth or other fabric shoe materials, follow these simple steps:
Supplies Needed:
– Acrylic craft paint
– Foam brush
– Rags
– Tape (painter’s or masking)
– Newspaper
Steps:
1. Tape off any rubber areas, laces or logos you want to keep original color. Cover work area.
2. Wipe the shoes with a wet rag to prepare the surface for painting. Let dry fully.
3. Shake the acrylic paint bottle well and apply a thin coat using a foam brush. Apply in smooth strokes.
4. Let the paint dry completely before adding more coats. 2-3 coats typically gives good coverage.
5. Soak paint brushes in water when not in use to prevent drying out. Rinse brushes between color changes.
6. When finished, remove the tape and allow shoes to dry overnight before wearing.
7. Heat set the paint after 24 hours by ironing over a cloth for added durability.
With some creativity, you can create fun designs or ombre effects by using painters tape and multiple colors. Acrylic paint gives a flexible finish that will move with the shoes.
Tips for Staining Shoes
Here are some useful tips to get the best results when staining shoes yourself:
– Work in a well ventilated area – fumes from dyes and paints can be strong
– Apply using smooth, even strokes to prevent blotchiness
– Rotate the shoes as you apply stain to reach all angles
– Shake or stir stains frequently as pigments can settle
– Use a foam brush for best control and coverage
– Stuff shoes with paper to hold shape as they dry
– Protect rubber soles, laces, edges by taping off
– Apply thin coats and let dry fully between applications
– 2-3 light coats give better results than 1 thick coat
– Leather dye may rub off at first, this stops once fully cured
– Heat set fabric paint after 24 hours for added durability
– Consider waterproofing sprays after staining leather shoes
Take your time with the process and the finished stained shoes can look professionally redyed. It can be satisfying transforming old, worn out shoes into fresh new colors.
Removing Original Color from Shoes
For dramatic color changes, you may want to try removing the original dye or pigment from the shoes first. This provides a blank canvas for the new stain. Here are some options:
Acetone – The strongest solvent for stripping color from leather. Must use proper ventilation. Will dry out leather.
Alcohol – Rubbing alcohol can help lift some color, especially from smooth leathers. May dry out material.
Bleach – For white cloth, canvas or rubber shoes. Use diluted bleach, test first. Rinse thoroughly.
Abrasives – Buffing with sandpaper or steel wool removes top layers. Use gently to avoid damage.
Heat – Heating shoes in sunlight can help dissipate dyes, but may crack leather. Use carefully.
Paint remover – Chemical strippers may remove coatings from shoe uppers. Rinse thoroughly afterward.
Do a patch test before applying any stripping method to the entire shoe. It can be challenging to fully remove all traces of original dye from shoes, so expect a hint of the old color to show through. Staining over it creates a unique patina.
Conclusion
With some basic supplies and techniques, you can successfully stain shoes at home to transform the color. Prep the shoes properly, choose a suitable leather dye or fabric paint, and apply thin coats for even coverage. Allow plenty of drying time between steps. While it does take some patience, the payoff is new life for shoes you thought were beyond saving. Dyeing and painting lets you revive closet castaways into wearable works of art.
