Do your leather boots look worn? Luckily, recoloring leather boots is quite easy to do. If you want to disguise scuffs, scratches, or change the appearance of your shoes, you can recolor your boots at home. Coloring shoes is a good way to make them look nicer and more attractive.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Boots
Step 1. Clean the shoes
Mix 30 ml of skin bleach (leather bleach) with 500 ml of water. Use a brush to apply this mixture to the shoes. Scrub the shoes to remove any adhering dirt. If you don't have a skin whitener, you can use a leather cleaner.
- Clean shoes thoroughly. If the shoes are really clean, the end result will be very satisfying.
- Rub the shoes in a circular motion.
Step 2. Apply deglazer or preparer
After the boots are cleaned, you will need to remove the protective layer of the leather. Generally, leather shoes are given a protective layer when they are first stained. The deglazer will remove this protective layer so the dye can seep into the leather. For satisfactory results, remove the entire protective layer of leather shoes before coloring the shoes. Use a damp cloth or sponge to apply the deglazer to the entire leather surface.
- The gloss and color of the shoes may change when deglazer is applied.
- Do this process in an open room because the smell is quite strong.
- Use a white cloth or cloth to prevent the color from fading and discoloring your shoes.
- Use a toothbrush to apply deglazer to the area between the sole and the upper.
Step 3. Allow the deglazer to dry
Wait for the deglazer to evaporate. You may have to wait for 10 to 15 minutes. Once dry, wipe the shoe with a damp cloth to make sure all the protective layer of the shoe is completely removed. If there is still a shiny part of the shoe, you will have to apply the deglazer again.
- Removing the protective layer of shoes is an important step when dyeing leather shoes. Shoe dye will not penetrate the leather if the protective film remains.
- If you need to apply deglazer several times, let the shoes dry overnight.
Part 2 of 3: Applying Shoe Color
Step 1. Mix the shoe leather dye
Wear rubber or latex gloves to protect your hands. Turn the shoe color bottle upside down and shake it. Stir the shoe dye to dissolve the color pigment that has built up under the bottle. Pour the shoe dye into the prepared disposable container.
- Always read the instructions for using shoe leather dye.
- If you want to create an intermediate color, mix two or more shoe leather dyes at this stage. The basic rules for mixing colors also apply to shoe leather dyes. For example, yellow and blue when mixed will produce green.
- You can mix shoe dye with water to adjust the brightness of the color. Experiment with the water to dye ratio, then test the color on the swatch before applying to the shoe.
Step 2. Apply shoe leather dye
Use a sponge brush, brush, or cloth to apply the shoe dye. Apply a thin layer of dye lengthwise and evenly in the same direction (eg vertically or horizontally). Let the dye dry for about 30 minutes. After that, apply a second coat of dye.
- Some shoe dyes may have their own brush. However, use the tool that is most comfortable for you.
- If you're not happy with the color, you can apply a third coat of dye. Allow the dye coat to dry for 30 minutes before applying a new coat.
- If the first coat of dye was applied horizontally, apply the second coat vertically. This is done so that the dye coats the surface of the shoe evenly.
- Use a small brush to coat hard-to-reach areas of the shoe, such as the area between the sole and the upper.
- Before applying the dye to all parts of the leather shoe, do a test first on the hidden part of the shoe.
Step 3. Use intermediate colors if necessary
Dyes work best when used to darken the color of shoes. If you want to drastically change the color of your shoes, use an intermediate color for better results. The first color used will neutralize the original color of your shoe. After that, add the final color you want.
- If you want to turn white shoes into black, use green or blue dye first, then use black dye.
- If you want to turn white shoes brown, use light green dye first, then brown dye.
- If you want to turn red shoes black, use green dye first, then black dye.
- If you want to turn white shoes into red, use yellow dye first, then red dye.
- If you want to change white shoes to dark red, use light brown dye first, then use dark red dye.
- If you want to change the color of your shoes to yellow, apply white dye before applying yellow dye.
- Allow the dye to dry before applying the next coat of color.
Part 3 of 3: Shine Shoes
Step 1. Let the shoes dry
After coloring the shoes and satisfied with the results, let the shoes dry for 1-2 hours. If you apply multiple coats of shoe dye, allow the shoes to dry for at least 48 hours. The longer the shoes are left to dry, the better the results.
- Gently wipe the shoes with a cotton cloth to remove any wet dye. Do not rub the leather shoes, just wipe gently.
- The color of the shoes will be more striking and even when the shoes dry.
Step 2. Apply shoe polish
Boots may look dull when they are dry. Shoe polish will make the shine and color of the shoes stand out more. If you want to make your shoes shinier, use wax polish. If you want to make the color of your shoes stand out more, use a shoe polish cream. Insert a clean cloth into the shoe polish and then apply the polish to the surface of the shoe in a circular motion.
- Apply shoe polish thinly and evenly.
- Use a polish that matches the color of the shoe. Always read the instructions for using the polish before polishing your shoes.
- Let the shoes sit for 20 minutes after polishing.
Step 3. Brush the shoes
After the shoes are polished, use a shoe brush to brush all over the shoes. Make sure there is a light coat of polish on the entire surface of the shoe after you have finished brushing. Don't be afraid to brush your shoes vigorously; the boots will not be damaged.
- Choose a horse hair brush. This brush does a great job, and won't damage your boots.
- After brushing your shoes, use an unused cloth or t-shirt to buff your shoes.
Tips
- Color the shoes in a ventilated room away from carpet. Shoe dye will leave a permanent stain on any surface.
- Do not apply shoe dye to shoes that are still wet.
- Stuff the shoes with newspaper to make the process of coloring the shoes easier.
