During rainy weather, shoes quickly lose their original appearance. In winter, street sidewalks are sprinkled with reagents, which also damage shoes, sneakers, and boots. It is not surprising that the beloved couple quickly becomes faded and unattractive. Using paint for leather shoes will help restore the products to their former beauty. Each product is intended for a specific type of leather or suede and has its own specific application.
The need to use shoe dyes
Paint for shoe leather is needed in the following cases:
- in case of mechanical damage;
- when the surface is abraded over time;
- with constant contact with reagents that are sprinkled on sidewalks.
If you want to wear your favorite shoes for two, three or more seasons, use shoe cosmetics. If defects, scratches and abrasions appear, they can always be eliminated. A good dye for boots will extend the life of your favorite pair, and you won’t have to buy new boots.
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.
Types of coloring compositions
There are several types of coloring compounds:
- sprays that restore previous shades;
- sprays to completely renew shoe colors;
- substances that remove old dye (they are used if you plan to completely repaint your shoes).
Important! When choosing paint for boots or other types of footwear, consider the structure of the material. There is smooth leather, suede, nubuck, varnish. Each type of material requires a certain type of paint.
Smooth skin is dyed with substances that contain wax. Forms of release of dyes - sprays, creams and pastes. To dye suede shoes, use containers with sprayers. There are universal compositions that change the main shade. They skillfully mask scratched and worn surfaces.
Preparing for painting
Once the paint has been purchased, you need to prepare your shoes for the procedure. To ensure that the color is distributed evenly, the bottle must be mixed well by shaking. The white coloring composition is applied exclusively to a previously degreased surface. In another option, it will not be possible to obtain a uniform layer, since the coloring agent will flake off. To remove fats from material that needs updating, you can wipe your shoes with the following means:
- alcohol;
- vodka;
- laundry soap.
To degrease the work surface, it is prohibited to use washing powders, liquid soap and dishwashing detergents, as they negatively affect the structure of the material. When cream paints or other preparations containing silicone were used for shoes, it was not possible to degrease the surface with alcohol and laundry soap. It is necessary to use specialized products, for example, anti-silicone.
Nuances of the dyeing process
When purchasing dye for leather shoes you will also need:
- soft napkin;
- brush;
- sponge;
- a little polyethylene and adhesive tape (if your shoes or boots have inserts).
Before staining, shoes must be completely washed (soles, surface, heels). A degreasing compound is applied to the top of the clean product, and the inserts are sealed with adhesive tape. Use a brush to treat greasy areas. Pre-cleaning shoes can be done with a simple composition. It's easy to make it yourself. To do this, 50 g of regular vodka is mixed with a glass of clean water. Add a tablespoon of any liquid product (soap or dishwashing liquid) to the solution. The resulting mixture is whipped until foamy and the shoes are treated with it.
First you need to carefully paint over all the abrasions and scratches. When working with leather, it is unacceptable to use compounds containing acetone. In addition to store-bought creams and sprays, you can also use folk remedies. If your boots are brown, treat them with coffee grounds. The thickener should be rubbed into the shoes with a soft sponge until a pleasant dark color appears. In extreme cases, the use of felt-tip pens is acceptable.
How to paint at home
To paint your own shoes, there are many things to consider. Generally, it is recommended to do the following:
- Wash and dry your sneakers. Coat them with a degreasing compound. A special product or a handy solution of laundry soap and ammonia is suitable for this.
- Prepare the room. It is important that it is well ventilated. Dyes often have a strong and pungent aroma. Therefore, children or people with allergies should not be in the room.
- Apply paper tape to areas that you do not plan to paint.
- Shake the paint and apply it in a thin layer to the shoes. It is recommended to do this with a brush. At the same time, there should be no streaks or drips on the surface of the sneakers.
- Leave the sneakers so that the paint is completely absorbed and dry.
- After painting a smooth leather surface, you should apply a special varnish. This will make the texture smoother and shinier.
It is worth considering that it is recommended to dry shoes only at room temperature. Before carrying out work, be sure to wear gloves.
How to care for smooth skin
All compositions for coloring smooth materials contain wax. Wax helps to preserve the color and integrity of the coating for a long time. When purchasing shoes made of smooth leather, immediately purchase several products to care for them. Creams you will need:
- for degreasing,
- cleaning;
- material recovery.
New shoes should be regularly treated with a cream that restores the structure of the material. Wax gives smooth skin an attractive shine and has a moisture-protective effect. It happens that one tube of cream comes to an end, and the new one is slightly different in shade. In this case, you need to replace the old brush with a new one so that two different creams do not mix with each other during processing.
If you live in an area where there is a lot of rainfall, you cannot do without water-repellent impregnation. It provides reliable skin protection from the effects of rain, sleet and reagents. Water-repellent compounds are used for shoes worn in winter.
Light cleaning of smooth leather shoes is carried out daily. Dust and dirt are cleaned with a brush, and to remove moisture, shoes or boots are wiped with a soft rag. Daily care may seem unnecessary, but it is not. It preserves the appearance of the shoe and the leather inside. The material wears less and lasts much longer.
Treatment should begin with the heels and sole, gradually moving to the toe and heel. Do not allow water to penetrate inside and do not treat natural leather with hot water to avoid deformation of the product. After treatment, you need to wipe the shoes with a soft, dry cloth. Drying is done at room temperature. Pads are inserted inside the product or simply stuffed with newspapers. Newspapers will absorb moisture from the inside and maintain the shape of the shoes.
How to paint the sole of sneakers
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.
Maintain white color
Taking care of white skin is not easy. The slightest scratches and damage immediately become noticeable on it. White shoe paint is more commonly purchased than other colors and shades because people want to maintain the attractive look of white leather sneakers or elegant long top boots. A high-quality dye is convenient to apply to the surface, it is easily absorbed, and the shoes retain their color without changing it during processing.
Paint for white shoes is available in spray form. First of all, it is used where abrasions and mechanical defects form. Surface treatment does not take more than 10-15 minutes, including cleaning. After applying the spray, do not rub it into the surface: it will distribute itself over the skin.
If there are heavily worn areas on white shoes, they are treated with softening agents from time to time. It can be a soft, colorless cream or Vaseline. Before buying white shoes, always check with the sellers about how best to treat them and buy the necessary creams and sprays in advance.
When is shoe paint needed?
There can be many situations in which shoe paint can come in handy. It is useful for restoring leather or dyeing it a different color. Defects on shoes appear when they are actively worn or handled carelessly.
Paint is useful in the following cases:
- scratches appeared on the shoes;
- There are abrasions on the leather product;
- there are dirt and stains on the surface that cannot be removed;
- the material has lost its brightness due to fading in the sun;
- there was a desire to give the shoes a new shade.
Minimal defects can be eliminated with shoe polish of a suitable color, but for significant defects it is not effective. Painting shoes can be treated not only as a necessity, but also as a creative process .
Over time, scratches and scuffs appear on shoes
Advantages of modern formulations
To update the color of leather or suede products, you don’t have to take them to a workshop; you can paint them at home. Modern compositions have many advantages :
- many colors;
- ease of application;
- quick drying of the coating;
- absence of toxic compounds;
- low price.
In addition, stores offer a large selection of products for different materials (leather, suede, textiles). There is even paint for white leather shoes.
Liquid leather coloring
Liquid leather strengthens products and renews their appearance. The restoration process with a liquid composition is sometimes more effective than restoration. They produce seven different colors of the composition. To paint 1 m2, one small container will be enough. The level of consumption will depend on how damaged the product is.
First, the shoes are thoroughly washed and cleaned. After cleaning, it is inspected, identifying abrasions and scratches. They are treated first of all by pressing down with a soft cloth. This helps maintain a uniform surface. If there are small cuts on the skin, they can be sealed with liquid leather, tightly fixing the edges. After preliminary painting, the paint must be leveled with a brush and left to dry.
After drying, the product is completely painted, making sure that the paint goes on evenly.
Requirements for dyes
Experts say that special pigments are not produced for coloring leather. The fact is that dyes for smooth surfaces are intended for painting different types of structures. These types of paints have their pros and cons.
In turn, all compositions are divided into several categories:
- Penetrating. Their operating principle is based on deep penetration into the structure of the product;
- Covering. The action of pigments is based on the creation of a dense film that prevents deformation of the leather base. These types of paint allow you to create a water-repellent film.
Where can I buy coloring compounds? These products are sold in fur and leather stores. Mixtures that spread evenly on the surface of a leather product can be used for models made from a porous base. The main difference lies in the methods of operation and storage of the liquid emulsion.
Dyeing nubuck and suede
These are rough materials that require special handling. To process them, special dyes are used that evenly penetrate the fleecy structure of suede and nubuck. Suede shoes need to be tinted on top from time to time so that uneven areas do not appear on them. Touch-up is best combined with regular cleaning.
Colorants for suede products are divided into two types:
- lungs;
- for a complete repaint.
The purpose of light colors is to refresh the tone of shoes when they are worn constantly. Release form: liquid creams in tubes or bottles, as well as aerosol cans. If a dark or light stain appears on suede shoes, this paint effectively retouches it, maintaining the effect of uniformity for a long time. Light dyes have a gentle effect on the fleecy structure of suede products. Their tone is rich, bright and pleasant. They withstand external influences and do not wear out during prolonged wear.
Full repaint products are designed for professional painting. Most often they are used when the owner of suede shoes wants to completely change their color. Deep paints are produced on the basis of alcohol, so they have high durability and the ability to penetrate deeply into the material. When dyed, the pile remains velvety, does not pill, and the surface of the shoe is not deformed. When using such paints, fixatives are not needed.
How to choose paint for shoes
When choosing a composition, you must be guided by the following criteria :
- What material are the shoes made of? Different products are used for suede, smooth and regular leather.
- Method of application. For home use, it is better to use products in the form of aerosols.
- The purpose of coloring is to update the color, restore it or completely change it.
For the restoration of black or brown shoes, paints of any brand are useful. If the color is bright, then you should look for a suitable shade in the palette of the brands Salamander, Tarrago or Saphir. If you need to radically change the color, then you should choose it from the Tarrago brand: they have the widest selection of shades.
Shoe paints come in a wide range of colors
Wiping off excess coloring compounds
If the dye is water-based, it can be wiped off with a simple sponge. If there is no water base in it, there is no need to be afraid. After application, the composition softens and can be easily removed with a plastic card. After removing excess paint, wipe the area with a soft, dry cloth.
When using oil-based paint, residues are more difficult to remove. You will need baby oil, which you need to pour onto a piece of cotton wool and apply to the area. After application, blot it with a dry cloth and wipe until the coloring matter disappears. It is better not to rub oil into the skin. Next, the shoes are treated with a soap solution, removing any remaining oil. After cleaning, you can use shoe conditioner.
Shoe painting
There are two main options for restoring the color of white shoes - take them to a studio or do the manipulation yourself. When you decide to restore the paintwork on your shoes yourself, to give greater saturation and brightness to the color, you need to approach the matter responsibly and follow all safety precautions. The next important step after purchasing paint is preparing the workplace. It must meet the following parameters:
- the room is well ventilated;
- the work area (table) is sufficiently lit;
- there is nothing superfluous on the table;
- several pairs of rubber gloves have been prepared;
- a sponge or other tool for applying paint is clean;
- there is everything necessary for degreasing the surface;
- purchased the required number of bottles (minimum 2);
- the place where the shoes will dry has been prepared.
Variety of shoe cosmetics
“Budget” dyes and sprays that consumers often use are “Salamander”, “Salton” and “Farel”. Farel paint is effective for masking scuffs, dries quickly, but sometimes smells unpleasant. The Salamander product contains a pleasant fragrance, but it is not sprayed near the product and is not applied in a thick layer. A thick layer of the substance will cause streaks. The composition of the Salton dye returns the shoes to their original shine and newness. It is easy to apply and comes with a convenient applicator. They can be used to evenly distribute the dye over the entire surface.
There are dyes intended for professional use. They come in a variety of colors and are highly resistant to wear. Among them are paints from the French and Spanish manufacturer Tarrago. Composition form: creams, sprays, liquid skin. For daily coloring, you can buy an aerosol can. The substance must be applied at a distance of 15-20 cm from the product, and it is sprayed only in open air.
On a note! Never save dye by touching up only individual spots and abrasions. This will ruin the appearance of the shoes.
For suede and nubuck, the dyes are Nubuk Suede Color from Tarrago and Nubuck Velor Fresh from. French paint "Sapphire Tenax" is used half an hour before leaving. Before use, shoes are cleaned and the suede pile is raised. Since this is a spray, it must be applied outdoors, and the distance between the surface of the shoe and the can should be from 15 to 20 cm.
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 to choose the right paint for suede 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.
Features of dyeing suede shoes
Suede sneakers always look very attractive. However, after some time they lose their appearance.
To restore it, you should use special paints. It is important to make sure that the composition is intended specifically for suede shoes.
To avoid damage to the skin of your hands, it is recommended to wear gloves. It is recommended to pay special attention to areas where the shoes begin to shine or shine. You need to carefully go over them with a small brush.
