How to dye white sneakers at home

As sad as it is to realize, over time any shoes become unusable. And if it is still suitable for wear, then its appearance evokes nostalgia for the time when it was first purchased. This is especially true for such comfortable and beloved shoes as sneakers. And it happens that it is not possible to buy a new pair or there is currently no product of the same quality on sale. For this reason, many are interested in how to paint sneakers to make an old item look like it was just purchased. And can shoes be repainted at all?

Yes, this task is doable. You can go to any shoe shop, where for a fee they will select the paint of the desired color depending on the type of material. But is it worth overpaying if, with a wide range of coloring agents for shoes, it’s quite possible to do it yourself. First you need to understand what the product is made of and decide on the scope of work.

Preparing shoes

Sneakers should be thoroughly washed to remove dust, remove dirt, and remove any remaining shoe polish and wax. Then you need to degrease the entire surface or individual areas to be restored. Special cleaners will help you cope with these procedures efficiently and quickly, but you can also use improvised materials. For example, a solution of laundry soap with the addition of ammonia will replace a store-bought product. Shoes should be dried well naturally, avoiding electric heating devices.

Painting sneakers made of leather and leatherette

Products made from such materials are easy to paint because their surface is smooth, the paint is distributed evenly, and as a result everything looks very neat. What paint to paint your sneakers is up to everyone to decide for themselves. Leather dye is sold in cream or liquid form. To obtain an ideal result, it is recommended to pour the dye into a separate container, which will allow the composition to be mixed evenly. The main condition is that the coloring agent must be applied in one step to avoid streaks. After drying, if necessary, the procedure can be repeated.

Many people are interested in how to paint white sneakers. The principle of operation is no different from the main one. Only the sole should be pre-sealed with masking tape (since the white color is difficult to wash off), and you should purchase a special dye for shoes. But there are lovers of experiments who even use graffiti paint.

How to clean the sole before painting

There are many domestic and foreign manufacturers offering effective products for any model, from shoes to boots. When thinking about what you can use to paint your shoes, you should start from the material from which they are made. Each type has its own characteristics.

For skin

This is the traditional and most commonly used material. Accordingly, there is a large selection of paints for leather shoes. The products are available in the form of cream, spray or liquid. Since products made from this material have a long service life, you should not skimp on paint for leather shoes.

Aerosols are most convenient to use, since the degree of coloring is easily controlled. But you can also use creams in tubes. Most often they have an additional foam tip. The package may include a sponge for spreading. The advantage is that they do not spread over the surface and can be applied pointwise.

For suede

This delicate material requires more careful handling than smooth leather products. Cream and spray are suitable for suede. There are many options on sale, differing in different composition, method of application, and color characteristics. Before painting suede sneakers, shoes or boots, you should decide on the scope of the upcoming repair and choose a product based on these considerations.

For nubuck

Nubuck is a type of leather that has been specially treated and sanded using low-abrasive products. It can be natural or artificial. As a rule, the means for painting nubuck shoes are the same as for suede. For these materials, you can find spray paints in various colors in shoe departments. If you can’t find the right shade, you can try to darken or lighten it using black or white compounds.

For textiles

The upper of this material is used in shoes, sneakers, slippers, and sneakers. Shoes made of canvas, linen, and silk can be easily painted, giving them a more well-groomed appearance. The most commonly used paint is white for sneakers and similar types of products. Moreover, not only worn shoes are subjected to the procedure, but also newly acquired ones in order to give them a more attractive appearance.

Liquid leather is an innovative solution for repairing leather products, including shoes. It is a solution of a polymer mixture to which a dye has been added. Outwardly it resembles a creamy mass. It makes the surface of the shoe durable, elastic, and water resistant.

Available in plastic jars or iron tubes. Using this product you can mask individual areas where defects have appeared. This analogue of shoe leather paint has a high degree of adhesive ability. It easily penetrates into cracks and cuts. After the products are painted and dried, the shoes will not only regain their previous appearance, but will become more durable.

In order not to spoil your favorite pair of shoes, before painting you should cover those places and elements that the product should not get on. This should be done using masking tape - it will be easy to remove later. Before full coloring, it makes sense to apply the composition to a small area and evaluate the result.

When spraying the spray, the can should be kept at the same distance from the entire surface. Then the density and tone will be uniform. To purchase paint that most closely matches the base color, it is recommended to take washed boots with you to the shoe department.

Since paint is a chemical substance, safety precautions must be observed when working with it. Protective gloves must be worn on hands. The can should be held in such a way that the spray does not accidentally get into your eyes. The process should take place in the fresh air or in a ventilated area, since the strong smell can cause a headache.

If paint gets on your hands while dyeing, you need to take immediate action, otherwise it may get into the skin. First, you should try simpler methods: laundry soap, washing powder, vegetable oil. If this does not help, you will have to use a solvent or acetone. Considering that these products dry out the skin, do not neglect the recommendation to paint shoes while wearing gloves.

Before painting, cover part of the shoes

There are many coloring compounds designed specifically for shoes. You should not take risks and use automotive and construction paint to completely paint sneakers or other wardrobe items, because the result can be unpredictable.

The choice of paint depends on the type of surface and the desired result:

It is recommended to use liquid emulsions for coloring summer shoes;
shoes and boots are painted with greasy compounds with a dense texture;
The leather surface is covered with spray paint containing water-repellent impregnation;
to paint sneakers and trainers, you should use white acrylic dye;
if you just need to update the black sole, the most affordable option would be to tint it with an ordinary marker;
tire paint in an aerosol can does not crack and protects the product from temperature effects and other harmful factors, so it can be safely used to repaint the soles black.

In addition to the coloring composition, to paint the sole of the shoe you will need:

latex gloves;
mask (when working with aerosols);
oilcloth;
masking tape;
sanding sponge;
brush (or foam sponge, brush with soft bristles);
surface degreasing agent (industrial or homemade).

There are different options for shoe dyes. There is no need to experiment when purchasing automotive or construction paint - now it is not a problem to buy specialized shoe paint. As a rule, manufacturers make it on a water or acrylic basis.

You can also find dyes on the market in the form of a powdered substance, from which paint is prepared at home immediately before use. But this method is time-consuming, so it’s better to buy a ready-made option.

The most convenient way of painting is to use spray cans.

Different materials behave differently with the same dye due to their physical and chemical properties. Therefore, the approach to working with different shoes has its own characteristics. You should also carefully study the instructions on the paint before use and follow them during the process.

Leather and leatherette

Since the surface of leather products is even and smooth, the dye applies to it without any problems. It is recommended to pour the paint into a separate container and mix thoroughly to obtain an even color.

The paint should be applied in one go to avoid streaks. After complete drying, the procedure can be repeated to obtain a more saturated color.

This is a very practical material to use. But you can paint it efficiently and accurately only with paint in the form of spray cans.

Painting must be carried out outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. The surface of the table or floor is covered with any material that can later be recycled. It can be fabric or paper. The sneakers are placed on the surface and an aerosol is carefully sprayed over them at a distance of 20-25 cm. Pay special attention to abrasions and cosmetic defects.

When choosing paint for sneakers, you need to rely on the type of material from which the sneakers are made, their color, as well as the desired additional result.

As a rule, coloring agents for shoes are produced in the form of cream paint, liquid paint, spray paint or aerosol. There are paints in powder form, which you then need to dilute yourself.

What to give preference to? — Consider these recommendations:

Sneakers made of smooth leather or leatherette are easy to dye and are usually painted with cream paint or liquid paint.
But if you want to achieve a uniform layer, it is still preferable to purchase an aerosol.
Renewing the color of textile or synthetic materials is easy to do with a paint solution.
But shoes made of nubuck and suede can only be painted with aerosol or spray paint.

Cream paints are suitable for painting over scuffs, refreshing and restoring color.

The advantage of such paints is that their composition is more gentle and they also provide additional care for your shoes.

What is the best paint for shoes? - Take note of the following:

Cream paint for white shoes Deckweiss from Solitaire is waterproof, contains solvents and does not crack on bends.
Fans of stylish sneakers will be pleased with the color palette of the Collonil brand restorative cream; gold and silver are especially interesting.
And for those who believe that all cream paints have a weak coloring effect, we recommend trying Super White from Tarrago. In addition to the high content of coloring pigment, this whitening dye has another characteristic advantage - it does not stain other surfaces after drying.

To be fair, it should be noted that most liquid paints have a more pronounced coloring effect. They are mainly produced in a convenient form in the form of a balloon with an applicator:
Saphir's White Novelys dye solution is designed specifically for painting white items. However, the manufacturer himself does not recommend using dye for bags, since even after complete drying, staining is possible.

Painting the sole

The sole of any shoe is most susceptible to damage. In sneakers, this is usually the most solid and high-quality part; only over time, the design can suffer significantly. But there are no problems here either, you just need to know how to paint the sole of your sneakers. Just like the upper part, it is possible to restore it completely (or some fragments). The paint is sold in stores in various colors. Numerous owners of sports shoes use automotive aerosol paints to paint the soles. The painting process and preparation is similar to the upper part of the shoe.

Maybe someone has their own recipe, but this article discusses the best options for how to paint sneakers.

Washing sneakers

First you need to remove the laces and wash them separately. We wash the sneakers themselves in the machine:

We place them in special fabric bags for machine washing shoes or in a regular unnecessary white pillowcase.
We set the delicate mode on the dashboard - without spinning and with a temperature no higher than 40 degrees.
We start the washing machine.
After the cycle is completed, take out the sneakers and put them in a warm place to dry.
To prevent wet shoes from becoming deformed, you can put crumpled newspapers in them.

After the shoes have completely dried, you can finally start painting them.

How to dye white sneakers at home

As sad as it is to admit, over time, any shoe wears out. And if you can still wear it, then its appearance raises serious doubts that you will ever wear it again. However, a couple that has lost its attractive appearance can still be put in order. Therefore, now we will tell you how to paint sneakers so that they look like they were just bought.

Yes, this is a completely doable task. Of course, you can contact the nearest shoe shop, where they will select the paint of your desired color, depending on the type of material. But you can do it yourself, because the availability of a large assortment of coloring agents for shoes makes this possible.

Video material

There are actually many ideas for giving old shoes a new look. In this article, we have posted only the most interesting and simple options for finishing sneakers and sneakers. By following these helpful tips, you can enjoy wearing your favorite shoes for several more seasons.

No matter how sad it may sound, time is merciless to everyone and everything. Shoes are no exception to the rule, because they wear out over time, losing their attractive appearance. The integrity of the shoes may be maintained, but the neatness leaves much to be desired. What to do then? A modern and quite interesting option is painting sneakers, which can give them a second wind. This can be done in specialized workshops, but by selecting the necessary tools, you can carry out the procedure at home. We'll talk about this in this article.

Preparing shoes

Before you start painting your sneakers, you need to prepare them. To do this, follow these steps:

Thoroughly wash your shoes from dust and dirt, and also remove any remaining shoe polish and wax.
After washing and drying completely, degrease the entire surface or individual areas that you are going to restore.

Important! Special cleaners will help you cope with these procedures efficiently, however, you can also use available materials, for example, a solution of laundry soap with the addition of ammonia.

Now dry the sneakers thoroughly - always in a natural way.

Important! Do not dry the steam on radiators or electric heating devices.

Preparing sneakers for dyeing

Painting shoes begins with preparing them. First of all, the surface should be cleaned of old coating. This can be done with a special composition for pickling using a napkin. After this, you need to dry the shoes for several hours. Before starting, you should cover decorative elements with masking tape: buttons, buckles, heels, welts, inserts.

It is recommended to paint shoes with creamy compounds using a soft sponge with small pores. Apply the composition in a circular motion, but do not press too hard on the foam. To apply liquid paint, use a brush, paying special attention to seams and folds. When using the spray, the can should be kept at a distance of 20 cm from the surface.

The dyeing technology depends on the type of material. Most often the skin is subjected to this procedure. In order for the paint to lay down in an even layer, the surface must first be degreased. For this purpose, professional shoe cosmetics in liquid and foam form are recommended. You can also use soap or alcohol solutions.

If there are abrasions and scratches, these areas should be sanded with fine-grained sandpaper. To deal with deep cracks and cuts, you should resort to liquid leather, applying it with a small spatula. After preliminary preparation, before the main process, the shoes should be allowed to dry at room temperature. You should not resort to hair dryers or other methods.

Before painting suede shoes, they must be thoroughly cleaned. This is done using a double-sided brush. Stiff bristles on one side are used to remove dirt and dust, rubber teeth on the other are used to loosen the pile. Grease stains are removed with ammonia, and shiny stains with a vinegar solution. After drying, you can start spraying the spray. A brush is used to process seams. Suede sneakers are also dyed in the same way.

Before you start painting your shoes, you should prepare them properly. If this is not done, the paint will lie unevenly and will begin to peel off the surface very quickly in heterogeneous fragments.

Procedure:

remove the laces, if any;
clean shoes from dust, stains, shoe polish residues, wash them in a machine (if this method is applicable);
dry naturally, avoiding sneakers near heating devices to avoid damage;
degrease the surface using a special solution, which is sold in household chemical stores, or make such a product yourself (a solution of laundry soap with ammonia);
dry the sneakers well again;
In order not to accidentally paint unnecessary elements, you can seal them with masking tape while painting.

It is better to paint outdoors or near an open window, on the balcony. Procedure:

Place oilcloth or thick paper on the stool.
Wear gloves, a mask and other protective equipment.
Prepare the paint (dilute the powder, shake the container with the emulsion composition) and tools.
Take out the laces and cover with masking tape the elements that do not need to be painted.
If there are scratches on the sole, sand it, then coat it with a leather primer and wait about 20 minutes.
Apply paint with a brush or sponge, carefully spray the aerosol.
Before applying the next layers of coloring composition, you need to wait several hours for the shoes to dry completely.
After 12-24 hours, it is advisable to cover the completely dry surface with polishing shoe wax.

Paint selection

Many people wonder: how to paint white sneakers? Depending on the shoe material and the result you want to get, you need to buy special shoe paint.

It can be in the form of a ready-made water-based or other paint, in the form of a spray or a powder coloring agent that will need to be prepared to create a ready-to-use solution.

Important! To apply decor, you can use acrylic shoe paint. Modern hardware stores have a huge selection of paints for shoes, so you can choose a product from both domestic and foreign manufacturers.

Popular brands

Many domestic and foreign manufacturers produce high-quality products. The most popular of them:

Salamander. Manufacturer's products intended for leather shoes are popular. The base is beeswax.
Kiwi. In the popularity ratings, color creams of this brand take the first places. They absorb well, dry quickly, and provide water resistance.
Niki Line. The brand's sprays are in demand for various materials.
Prize. This manufacturer has popular paints for suede care.
Saphir. A French brand that produces cosmetics only for leather shoes.

Of course, purchasing high-quality expensive paints is recommended only if you have the financial means. But if everything is done correctly, the updated pair of shoes will look like new and can last for many more seasons. When choosing a paint, you should definitely rely on the reviews of other people.

Shoe painting

Painting sneakers at home is not difficult if you follow certain rules:

Prepare a place where you will do coloring - away from food and children, preferably outdoors.

Important! Often the paint has a very unpleasant and pungent odor. Therefore, if you work indoors, it should be well ventilated.

Cover the floor with paper or polyethylene.
Depending on the type of paint, apply it to the surface of the shoe using a brush, sponge or brush. Try to apply the paint in a thin layer, evenly.

Important! Before application, be sure to carefully read the instructions for use.

After staining, it is necessary to evaluate the result obtained and carefully look to see if there are any unpainted areas left.
If you are completely satisfied with the result, leave the sneakers for the paint to completely absorb and dry.

How to clean the sole before painting

Nubuck shoes are beautiful, comfortable, lightweight, but a little finicky to care for. You can paint such products using white paint for sneakers in aerosol form. The basic recommendations for using aerosol paint for nubuck are the same as for leather products.

Some tips for painting nubuck sneakers:

Before painting, be sure to test the paint on a small, barely noticeable area of the shoe.
Do not pay special attention to any area, try to apply the paint as evenly as possible.
To remove stains that have formed on nubuck, you can wipe the area with a wet sponge or piece of cloth, dry it and re-paint it.
If you want the longest possible effect from painting, and also protect your shoes from moisture and dirt, be sure to use water-repellent agents after using aerosol paint.

Snow-white sports shoes have not gone out of fashion for many years now. In order to maintain the ideal appearance of sneakers or sneakers, you will need to regularly clean and whiten them.

The most popular and affordable are the following whitening products:

stationery eraser (not suitable for textured soles; cleaning may take a long time);
melamine sponge (need to be slightly moistened with water and squeezed out, then walk over the white surface);
a concentrated aqueous solution of bleach (1 part of the substance to 2 parts of water), in which you should leave the sole for several hours;
tooth powder, baking soda or whitening paste (it is better to use an old brush with rough bristles);
acetone or nail polish remover (you should first test the substances on a small area).

After bleaching with household chemicals, shoes become more susceptible to new stains and get dirty faster. Over time, you will have to resort to bleaching after almost every walk.

Painting the sole is a great way to add personality to sneakers or other footwear and hide any imperfections. Before painting, you should thoroughly clean the surface and prepare all the necessary tools. It is important to choose high-quality paint that will adhere well and look beautiful.

Today, sports shoes are so relevant that many people ask questions about how to paint sneakers at home, and what products will be needed for this. However, most often the problem is different - the inability to keep shoes looking fresh if their soles have become dull. Fortunately, manufacturers have taken this feature into account and offer various products designed specifically for such cases. The most common colors for soles are white and black, but other options can be found if desired.

White sneakers, although they look great, quickly lose their original color. If their soles turn yellow over time, experts recommend using an acrylic composition. Painting is done in several layers, creating a durable surface. This is especially important, since it is the sole that bears the main load when walking.

Some people ask how to paint the soles of sneakers if they don’t have acrylic paint. A regular spray bottle is suitable for these purposes. The range of products is huge, in this case you can choose a color not only black or white. Since these are sports shoes, you can give free rein to your imagination.

Now the trend is white shoes or with snow-white soles. The sole of the sneakers quickly turns yellow or acquires an unsightly grayish tint. How to bleach soles?

The white sole can be rubber or synthetic (polyurethane, phylon or filayte). They give products elasticity and wear resistance.

Sometimes you can see grooves and patterns on the sides of the shoes. This gives additional aesthetics, but will be more difficult to clean or paint.

The material from which the sole is made is important.

First you need to thoroughly clean the white sole:

stationery soft eraser;
melamine damp sponge;
brush with toothpaste (for 20 minutes), then rinse with warm water;

stains can be easily removed with hydrogen peroxide;
Dilute baking soda and water to a paste and apply to a white surface, then rinse;
Rub citric acid or lemon pulp well onto the stains and leave for 15 minutes. leave on, then rinse with warm water.

Traditional household chemicals can also be used.

The sole may turn yellow if it is often dried near a radiator or left in the sun.

After cleaning, experts suggest painting it with high-quality acrylic paint (necessarily not water-based).

According to reader reviews, it is suggested to paint over the black surface with a black marker. Car tire paint is also great.

Painting the sole is absolutely no different from other parts of the sneakers; you just need to paint it in several layers and use automotive aerosols.

With proper care, you can wear your favorite pair of sneakers for a long time after painting.

Features of dyeing suede shoes

Suede shoes always look rich and very impressive. But nothing lasts forever, and over time it loses its beautiful appearance: it can fade and rub. However, such shoes can be transformed by restoring them using special paint for suede.

To do this, you can use the above procedure, making sure in advance that the paint is intended specifically for suede and carefully reading the instructions.

Important! Be sure to wear gloves to avoid damaging the skin on your hands.

Areas where the shoes have begun to shine or become worn over time should be given special attention - carefully walk over them with a small brush.

Features of dyeing leather or leatherette shoes

Leather products, as well as products made from leatherette, are the easiest to paint, since the paint applies easily, evenly and neatly to such a surface.

Important! If necessary, the shoes can be painted completely or some of its individual parts.

Thus, painting sneakers should not give you any difficulties:

In case of partial staining, it is recommended to seal the outline using, for example, paper tape. This will help you get a clear and even line. Then you can use the above-described coloring algorithm.
As a rule, leather dye is in a creamy or liquid form, so pour it from the bottle into a more convenient container, stir well and apply to the surface of the sneakers, paying special attention to the seams and joints.

Important! Try to paint your shoes in one go, without distractions, to avoid drips and streaks.

After the paint has completely dried, apply care products to the surface of the shoes - oil, cream or wax.

How to return sneakers and trainers to their original whiteness?

Naturally, the first thing that comes to mind in such a question is to simply wash it. You can do this manually using a household brush or use equipment. Nowadays, many washing machines have a “sports shoes” mode, which allows us to significantly simplify our life - for example, wash white sneakers quickly and efficiently.

However, if after these procedures the appearance remains unsatisfactory, do not be upset. There are several options to solve this problem.

The simplest and most effective ways to whiten sneakers, which don’t even require white shoe paint:

An ordinary stationery eraser will help you easily erase black streak marks from the sole.
Apply toothpaste or powder to a soft-bristled brush—whether it’s a household brush or an old toothbrush, it doesn’t matter. Rub into the surface of the sneakers. Pay special attention to the dirtiest places, but do it gently, without excessive pressure.
If you need to quickly make a pair of shoes look presentable, rub them with chalk. The result is achieved very quickly, but it is very short-lived. According to fans of this method, it works until the first rain.
A wonderful product for whitening sports shoes can be made from improvised materials. Mix equal parts washing powder, hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice or vinegar. The result should be a paste-like mixture. It should be used in the same way as toothpaste.

If the stains are strong and difficult to remove, use regular bleach powder. You need to wipe the surface with it, let it sit for a while according to the instructions, and then rinse thoroughly. If the above bleaching methods did not give the desired result or the material of the sneakers has minor defects, then paint for white shoes will come to your aid.

How to paint rubber boots?

Sometimes the question arises: is it possible to paint rubber boots, since such shoes were invented for the rainy seasons to withstand water? This material is quite problematic to paint, however, nevertheless, it is still possible to create an individual and creative design or eliminate some defects:

For these purposes, you can use enamel paint, acrylic paint or any other paint intended for rubber products - check with the seller.
Before painting, be sure to wash your rubber boots and wipe them dry with a cloth.

Important! Unlike leather shoes, rubber shoes should not be wiped with alcohol, as this may damage them.

To apply an original drawing or pattern, you can use a ready-made stencil or make it yourself.
After painting the rubber boots, it is advisable to leave them to dry for at least a couple of days.

How to paint sneakers?

If your fabric moccasins, slip-ons or sneakers were originally white, but over time they have lost their purity of color or you are simply tired of them, then you can easily transform them.

To do this you will need the following:

The container for painting is of such a size that it can easily accommodate a sneaker.
An old toothbrush or sponge.
Hand gloves.
Vinegar.
Petrolatum.
Soda.
Clean napkins and cloths.

So, once you have prepared everything you need, you can start painting:

Dissolve the paint according to the instructions in water.
Generously coat the rubber parts with Vaseline and dip the sneakers in the paint.
Leave them like this for 5-10 minutes, then take them out and dip them in a container of water and vinegar to set the color.
After this, rinse the shoes thoroughly under running water until they become completely transparent.
Air dry the sneakers and wash off the Vaseline with tissues and baking soda.

Cleaning the soles

You need to start by cleaning the soles. The top of sneakers is usually made of thick canvas, denim or breathable mesh, comfortable in hot weather. But the sole, as a rule, is made of rubberized materials. You need to clean it in the following way:

First, rinse your soles under cold running water as usual to remove any major dirt.
Prepare a paste mixture of vinegar and baking soda.
Rub the sole with the resulting paste, working especially hard on the side surfaces and toes.
After half an hour, rinse it under the tap.

We've sorted out the sole, but it's too early to start using acrylic or other paint. Shoes must be washed first.