Maybe you're out of luck and can't find suede shoes in a color you like. Or, want to change the color of old shoes to make them look more trendy. Well, dyeing suede shoes can be a more economical alternative than throwing away shoes. This project may sound difficult, but it's actually quite simple. All you need is a special suede dye, a stiff bristle brush to apply the color, and a little time to allow the layer of color to soak into the fibers. Do this work carefully so that the result is not messy and don't forget to spray the suede with a waterproof spray when finished to lock in the new color.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Shoes
Step 1. Purchase a dye specially formulated for suede
Unlike conventional dyes that cover the outside of shoes, dyes specifically designed for suede can penetrate soft, textured materials such as natural leather. Try visiting several stores to find the right color for the shoes to be modified. The more striking the color, the better.
- Keep in mind that you can't change a dark color to a lighter one. So, you'll get more satisfying results if you color your shoes in a light, neutral color, such as white, gray, or khaki.
- Well-known brands for dyes specifically designed for dyeing suede include Fiebing, Angelus, Lincoln, and Kiwi.
Step 2. Brush the shoes using a special soft-bristled shoe brush
Make sure you brush the entire surface of the shoe. Brushing your shoes first will remove any dust or dirt that interferes with the staining process and will make the fibers stand up, making it easier for the dye to seep into the suede.
Make sure you brush in multiple directions, not just in the natural direction of the fibers
Step 3. Clean the suede if necessary
Thorough brushing should be effective enough to remove dry dust and dirt. However, if the condition of the shoes is very dirty, you may need further treatment. Use a damp (not soaking wet) sponge or washcloth to wipe the entire surface of the shoe. It is important to wipe the entire surface of the shoe to ensure each part is cleaned properly and has a uniform appearance.
- Treat stubborn oil stains by sprinkling cornstarch on the problem areas. Wait for the flour to absorb the oil stain before brushing it clean.
- To deal with stains that are quite severe, you should take your shoes to a professional shoe cleaner.
Step 4. Cover or remove any accessories that are on the outside of the shoe
If your shoes have laces, remove them first and set them aside. Use tape to protect all other visible accessories, such as buttons, zippers, logos, and embellishments such as sequins. Don't forget to cover the sole, unless you plan to color it too.
- The dye will leave a permanent stain on all surfaces it comes into contact with. Therefore, cover all the parts that will be damaged if the dye stains.
- If necessary, cut the tape so that it can cover complex areas such as logos and lines.
Step 5. Fill the shoe with newspaper
Squeeze a few pieces of newspaper into a ball and tuck them into the front and back of the shoe. Filling the shoe with something thick will help keep the shoe in shape as long as you color it. Also, this trick can prevent dye from seeping through and damaging the inside of the shoe.
- For boots and sneakers, you'll also need to fill the ankles with newspaper.
- If you don't have newsprint, you can use an old cloth, but keep in mind that the dye will leave a permanent stain on any surface it touches.
Part 2 of 3: Getting Started Coloring
Step 1. Use a brush to make the job easier
Most suede dyes come with a special tool for easy application. In general, this tool is just a piece of cotton attached to a wire, but you will get better results by using a more powerful tool, such as a small brush with a handle.
- The brush you use should have stiff bristles that can reach all the small nooks and crannies of the skin.
- You can use a fresh, clean toothbrush as an applicator if you don't have any other tools.
Step 2. Dip the brush in the dye
Wet the bristles evenly and let the excess dye drip into the container. Watch for drips and splashes as you move the brush from the dye bottle to the shoe. Aim to use about half a teaspoon of dye for each application.
- If it's not stated in the instructions for use, you don't need to dilute the dye or mix it with other ingredients.
- To avoid staining your hands, it is best to wear rubber gloves.
Step 3. Apply the dye to the shoes
Move the brush over the surface of the shoe to apply the dye in one large stroke. Make sure to start with a reasonable amount because you can always add more later if you need to.
- Start with a wide, flat surface, such as the heel or toe of a shoe, before tackling the narrower area.
- Be careful not to apply so much dye that the suede is drenched. If you apply too much dye to an area, it can cause permanent dark patches that will be difficult to match with the rest of the area.
Step 4. Apply the dye in a circular motion
Treat one small area first before moving on to another until you have colored the entire shoe surface. Make sure no parts are missed. The new color will be visible soon.
- To avoid unnecessary mistakes, especially if you have no experience with this technique, work slowly and systematically.
- Don't be surprised if the color in the stitching isn't what you expected. Many shoe models today are sewn with synthetic threads that do not absorb color as well as natural materials.
Step 5. Leave overnight for the first coat to dry
Place the stained shoes in a cool, dry area during the drying process. You may have to wait a few hours or a full day for the dye to dry to the touch. Wait at least 24 hours if you want the color to last longer. It is important to allow enough time for the dye to penetrate the soft suede surface.
- As long as the shoes are not completely dry, avoid touching them, as the wet dye will smudge easily.
- The exact drying time will depend on various factors, such as the type of dye used, the size of the shoe or the ambient temperature.
Step 6. Apply another coat of dye if you want a darker color
The final color may not be uniform if you apply only one coat of dye. If that happens, apply a second or even third coat, adding more color each time until you get the color you want. Wait until each coat of dye is dry to the touch before applying the next coat.
- On light-colored shoes, the initial stain may persist or fade once the dye has dried. Wait a while before you apply the next coat of dye to see how the color reacts with the leather.
- Do not apply too many layers of color as this can cause the leather to dry out.
Part 3 of 3: Protecting Your Newly Colored Shoes
Step 1. Brush the shoes to give the finishing touch
Again, use the brush to scrub the shoes to remove any suede fibers that lay during the staining process. To make sure all the suede fibers are completely dry, turn on the blow dryer and point it at the shoe while scrubbing it.
If you used the same brush you used before, clean it with warm soapy water or acetone to remove any traces of dye before reusing
Step 2. Protect the shoes with a waterproof spray
A good quality waterproof acrylic or silicone spray will help you maintain the new color of your shoes. Position the can about 15 to 20 cm from the shoe and spray the product thinly and evenly. Wait for the waterproof protective coating to dry completely (maybe about 20 minutes to 1 hour), after which you can proudly flaunt your “new” shoes.
- Make sure you spray the entire surface of the shoe, from the toe to the heel. Be careful not to get the suede soaking wet.
- Transparent and odorless waterproof products work by filling small gaps in the soft material, creating a water-permeable barrier.
Step 3. Carefully clean the stained shoes
Every now and then, brush your shoes to remove any dirt on the suede surface. To deal with dirt that has formed due to build-up of other materials (such as mud), gently scrub the suede by adding a small amount of water as you did before. However, preventing shoes from getting dirty is the most effective measure.
Excess moisture can actually spread the stain, or worse, the dye will run off
Step 4. Do not wear shoes in a wet environment
Even if you have protected your shoes with a waterproof spray, there is always a risk that the dye will run off if exposed to moisture. To avoid this, wear shoes on a sunny day and stay away from standing water, sprinklers, wet grass, or anything else that can expose your shoes to water. Your favorite shoes will stay in good condition for years if you wear them with care.
- Dyed sports shoes will look striped or faded after several uses for sports that cause a lot of sweating.
- If the weather is expected to rain, you should bring spare shoes.
Step 5. Store the stained shoes in a well-ventilated place
Put the shoes in a drawstring dust bag when not in use. Then, store them on the top shelf of a closet or other cool, dry place that won't get your shoes dirty. Leave the bag slightly open or remove the shoe every now and then to give it a chance to "breathe".
- Unlike a shoebox or sealed plastic bag, using a dust bag avoids the risk of suede drying out or trapping unwanted moisture, especially if you store it for too long.
- Consider buying a shoe straightener (shoe tree). A shoe straightener is a tool that has the same dimensions as the foot so that the shape of the shoe will be maintained when you store it and make it easier for you to take it out / put it in the storage area. For added security, you can easily put shoes that have a shoe iron on them in a dust bag or pillowcase.
Tips
- Do the stain outdoors, or lay out some plastic sheets or newspaper to keep the work area clean.
- Try mixing several dyes to create a unique new color that is like no other.
- Turn the old shoes you bought from the thrift store into fashionable walking shoes.
- Acetone or rubbing alcohol are effective at removing stains from your skin.
Warning
- The shoes will be a little stiffer than they were before you dyed them.
- It's best not to color the same shoe more than once. A build-up of dye will have a negative effect on suede.
- There is no guarantee that the color will be as stated on the packaging once it dries. If you dye leather, you can never be sure what color it will turn out to be.
