You can paint the soles of your shoes to add your own style and personality to your shoes. Before starting, make sure the sole of the shoe is clean and choose a paint that can stick to the surface of the sole. Apply several coats of paint to get the color you want. Use paint adhesive to prevent the paint on the soles from breaking when the shoes are worn.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing the Shoe Soles
Step 1. Clean the shoes with rubbing alcohol
Take a clean cotton ball and moisten it with rubbing alcohol. Wipe the sole with the cotton ball until it is clean. Alcohol and a clean sole will help the paint to adhere perfectly to the shoe.
Wait for the alcohol to dry after cleaning your shoes. The alcohol will dry in a few minutes
Step 2. Cover the hem of the shoe with tape if necessary
So that the paint only sticks to the sole of the shoe and does not hit other parts of the shoe, use masking tape. Attach the tape to the edge of the shoe. You can also apply tape to the surface of the shoe that you don't want to paint.
Cut the tape into small pieces to make it easier to stick to the shoe
Step 3. Use a shoe primer for added protection
Applying a primer to shoes is not mandatory. However, it can help the paint adhere to the sole better. Use a primer that can stick to the sole of the shoe. For example, if the sole is made of rubber, use a primer specifically designed for rubber. Shoe primer can be purchased at your local hardware store or online. Use a soft brush to apply the primer evenly on the sole surface.
- You can also replace the primer with white acrylic paint.
- If you don't know the sole material, check the underside or inside of the shoe for the label. If you can't find a shoe label, search the internet.
Step 4. Wait for the primer to dry completely
Read the instructions for use on the primer packaging to find out how long you should wait. Generally, the primer will dry after an hour. However, if you're not sure, you can gently touch the primer with your finger.
The primer is dry if it doesn't stick to your finger when you touch it
Part 2 of 3: Applying Paint
Step 1. Choose a paint that matches the sole material
Generally, most people use acrylic paint to paint shoe soles. Acrylic paint will work best if you apply paint adhesive after painting the sole. There are also various paints specially designed for rubber or leather.
- PlastiDip is a popular paint brand commonly used for painting leather. In addition, PlastiDip also provides a variety of paint colors.
- Angelus paint is also a popular choice for painting leather.
Step 2. Use even strokes when applying the first coat of paint
Using a clean brush, apply the paint in even strokes to the sole of the shoe. Go slow and make sure the paint doesn't stick where it shouldn't, especially if you don't put safety tape on the shoes.
- Apply paint over the newspaper to prevent the paint from sticking to the floor or furniture.
- You can use a brush of any size. Make sure the brush is of sufficient size to paint the arch of the shoe neatly and cleanly.
Step 3. Wait for at least an hour before applying the next coat of paint
Let the first coat of paint dry. How long you have to wait for the paint to dry depends on the type of paint used. However, generally the paint will dry after an hour.
Step 4. Apply another coat of paint, if necessary
Shoe soles require 2-5 coats of paint, depending on the color and feel you want. Continue to apply the paint evenly and carefully. Make sure the coat of paint has dried before applying a new coat of paint.
- If you paint the soles of your shoes black, you may need 1-2 coats of paint.
- If the sole is painted in a bright color, such as yellow, pink, or light blue, you will need more than 2 coats of paint.
Step 5. Let the shoes dry all night
By doing this, the shoes have sufficient time to dry completely. Place the shoe on top of the newspaper and make sure the sole is facing up. This is done so that the sole can dry efficiently.
Shoes will dry faster when placed indoors or in a cold place
Part 3 of 3: Applying Paint Adhesive to Shoe Soles
Step 1. Apply a clear paint adhesive to protect the sole
Paint adhesive can prevent the paint from cracking or chipping when the shoes are worn. In addition, the paint adhesive will also protect the paint from sticking to the shoes. You can use Mod Podge or another paint adhesive.
You can choose a glossy or matte adhesive, depending on your taste
Step 2. Apply the first coat of paint adhesive and let it dry for 15 minutes
Use a clean brush to apply a thin and even coat of paint adhesive to the sole surface. Since the paint adhesive is clear and not visible, make sure that the entire surface of the shoe sole is coated with the paint adhesive.
Step 3. Apply a second coat of paint adhesive if necessary
How many layers of adhesive paint are applied to the surface of the shoe depends on your taste. However, 2 coats of paint adhesive can protect the sole of the shoe well. Make sure you wait about 15-20 minutes before applying a new coat of paint adhesive.
You can touch the sole of the shoe to see if the paint adhesive is dry or not. If the paint adhesive sticks to your finger, it hasn't completely dried
Step 4. Remove the tape from the shoe when it is dry
Once the sole has been painted and is completely dry, you can remove the tape from the shoe. Remove the tape being careful not to damage the paint.
