The second life of shoes: the nuances of painting yourself

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.

How to remove scratches and abrasions?

The main enemies of patent leather shoes are scratches, chips and cracks. They spoil the appearance, and usually the shoes are thrown away due to the appearance of such signs of wear. But if we are talking about small problems, you can try to remove them.

Marker

This method is suitable for not very noticeable scratches. You need to match the marker to the color of your shoes. If the line stands out too much, take a dry cloth and blend it a little. Please note that this is a temporary camouflage option - if moisture gets in, the crack will be visible again.

Wax and medical Vaseline

Wax perfectly softens the top layer of varnish, fills small scratches, preventing them from turning into cracks. Vaseline consolidates this effect. If you don’t have either one or the other on hand, the ingredients can be replaced with castor oil, olive oil or glycerin. They are all used the same way:

1. Wipe your shoes from dust and dirt.
2. Apply the selected substance with a cotton pad or microfiber cloth for 15 minutes.
3. Polish with a soft cloth.

You need to polish until any greasy marks from oil, wax or Vaseline are gone. Remember not to press too hard when polishing. And if stripes do appear, do not touch them. Let it dry and they will become less noticeable.

Eyeliner

Also a temporary measure, like a marker. The pencil should be matched to the color of your shoes and applied to the scratch. But keep in mind that, most likely, by the evening the deficiency will be noticeable again.

Nail polish

Nail polish will have a more reliable effect; it will successfully cover up scratches and abrasions. It also needs to be selected according to color so that it does not stand out on the surface. It is better to use more expensive brands of varnish, which contain high-quality and durable components.

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.

Coloring, reviews

The most popular brands among consumers are Salton, Salamander and Farell.

Farell shoe paint perfectly masks scuffs. The product dries quickly, but emits a specific smell.

Salamander spray is not recommended to be sprayed at close range. Do not apply it in a thick layer: streaks will appear on the surface.

Salton paint returns shoes to their original appearance. The product is easy to apply. An applicator is available in the kit.

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.

Features of patent leather shoes

The mirror shine in patent leather shoes is the main highlight. To create it, a varnish made of polyvinyl chloride (sometimes it is replaced with polyurethane), linseed oil and nitrocellulose is applied to a base of leather, natural or artificial. The cost of such a pair primarily depends on this. The surface coated with a special composition begins to shine to the delight of the burning eyes of customers. But it is this gloss on the leather base that makes the shoes so vulnerable.

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.

Why do you need to paint shoes?

Dyeing shoes at home is not difficult; this procedure will help restore the former attractiveness of shoes, boots and even boots. In what cases does it make sense to resort to coloring? The cases are:

• the surface of the boot has worn out during wear;
• mechanical damage is visible;
• the material has lost its attractiveness due to regular exposure to reagents used in winter for sprinkling roads.

You can wear shoes for two or three seasons only with constant care. To do this, you need cosmetics designed specifically for shoes. Damage to the coating requires repair. With the help of a coloring composition, even ordinary rubber boots are renewed. An original design can decorate a simple thing that simply protects your feet from water when there are only puddles all around.

Over time, shoes lose their appearance

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.

Drying and storage rules

1. Do not use electric dryers for patent leather shoes - this will cause cracks.
2. You can dry patent leather shoes only at room temperature in a place where there is no direct sunlight.
3. To speed up drying, place paper or an activated carbon tablet inside - it will remove excess moisture.
4. After the shoes have dried, treat them with a suitable care product - a moisturizer and color fixer. Don’t forget to polish the surface - this is another important point in care that should not be forgotten.

You also need to store patent leather shoes correctly:

1. Before putting your shoes or boots in the closet, clean them and treat them with products that will provide the necessary care.
2. Place a mold holder inside each shoe. If you don't have one, regular crumpled paper will do.
3. Shoes should not touch. Each shoe needs a separate bag. If this is not the case, wrap them in cloth, place a piece of paper between them, or simply store them in separate boxes.

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.

Store near me

Special creams are produced for painting shoes. Focus on the material from which the pair is made.

Information. Experts do not recommend using a product for one material if it is designed for another.

The following types of coloring agents can be distinguished:

1. Based on wax and oils. They make products soft and shiny. 2. Fatty, organic based. They protect from bad weather. 3. Emulsions are used in warm weather. They protect against stretching and cracking. 4. Silicone creams protect against dirt and loss of shape. 5. Sprays renew shoes and restore their shine. 6. Special impregnated sponges return the shade. They are used as an additional care product. They do not protect the material.

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.

Removing stains

If you do not wipe the dust off your patent leather shoes in time, a noticeable stain may form. It must be removed carefully. Never use alcohol or thinner. The contamination will spread wider and penetrate even deeper into the coating.

Milk

Just like egg white, which easily restores shine, milk copes with stains of varying nature and complexity.

Procedure:

1. Clean the products from dust and dirt.
2. Soak a cotton pad in milk at room temperature and gently wipe the stains with it.
3. Dry your shoes and polish with microfiber, or use polish to seal the result.

Eraser

A regular school eraser is very helpful in getting rid of black streaks and stains on patent leather shoes. It is recommended to use a white elastic band:

1. Carefully begin to rub the eraser onto the stains on the previously cleaned surface.
2. If the dirt does not increase, continue to rub it, but do not forget to remove the rolled particles.
3. After the stain disappears, polish your shoes or boots.

Lemon juice

Black stripes, wine and coffee stains on varnish can be removed with lemon juice. Half a citrus is enough:

1. You need to squeeze the juice out of the lemon.
2. Soak a cotton swab in it.
3. Treat the surface, paying attention to the seams.
4. After the procedure, wipe and leave to dry in a dark place.

Onion + vinegar

If you are not afraid of tears, which the strong smell of onions can cause (it will also “give” the smell to your shoes, but this is only temporary), then try this method:

1. Finely chop, or better yet, grate one onion.
2. Squeeze out the juice using gauze.
3. Add 1 tbsp. l. vinegar and stir.
4. Soak a cotton pad in the mixture and apply to patent leather.
5. Wipe dry, polish and place the shoes in a dark but well-ventilated place so that the pungent odor disappears.

Nail polish remover

Patent leather shoes are difficult to care for, but if they are also light-colored, it is doubly difficult. All imperfections, such as black stripes and spots, are very noticeable. Nail polish remover will help remove them, but it must be without acetone.

Before wiping stains, test the liquid on an inconspicuous small area. If everything is in order, pick up a cotton swab and proceed:

1. Dip one end of the stick in the liquid.
2. Apply the product only to dirt.

Ammonia + glycerin

This method is also suitable for caring for light patent leather shoes. Ammonia will cleanse the skin of stains, and glycerin will soften it and remove minor scratches and cracks.

Algorithm of actions:

1. Mix 1 tbsp. l. ammonia and the same amount or slightly less glycerin.
2. Apply the resulting mixture to patent leather shoes.
3. Rub gently with a cloth. Leave for a few minutes.
4. Wipe with a dry microfiber cloth and let the shoes dry.

Salt

Mix 1 tbsp in water. l. salt. Make sure the crystals are completely dissolved, otherwise they may scratch your patent leather shoes:

1. Apply the solution to a cotton pad and wipe the stains with it.
2. Leave for 5-10 minutes to work.
3. Rinse off any remaining product with a damp cloth and wipe dry.

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.

Professional leather painting

Painting is considered to be a popular way of decorating shoes. Different techniques and materials are used for different models.

Acrylic paints are most often used for painting. They allow you to apply a design to any surface.

This is interesting: How can you remove the smell from feet, dampness, mold, rubber from shoes

As acrylic dries, it turns into a moisture-repellent film that protects against external factors.

With the help of various additional tools, you can create customized prints and textures. Experts use rollers, sponges, and brushes.

Not all masters limit themselves to flat ornaments; they often resort to three-dimensional techniques. Dot painting involves the execution of contours that form semicircles on the skin.

As a result, not only an interesting pattern remains on the surface, but also a texture that is original to the touch. Dots are applied over the entire surface or in one area.

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.

Necessary equipment for care

It is recommended to care for varnished products using a microfiber cloth, which perfectly absorbs moisture and does not leave lint. It is better to always have it with you, since dust and other contaminants are very noticeable on the glossy surface. It is better to remove them immediately, since individual components can enter into a chemical reaction with patent leather. This will cause cracks or clouding.

If microfiber is not on hand, you can use cotton pads. If necessary, remove dried dirt by moistening them with water. Cotton wool is also safe for coating and does not leave any marks.

Attention! Even with cotton wool or microfiber, you cannot clean patent leather shoes with force. Such delicate materials can be detrimental to the mirror surface of shoes.