If you were unable to find a pair in a color you liked or just want to update to a more fashionable look, dyeing old suede shoes is a thrifty alternative to throwing them out.It may sound like a lot of work, but it can be done in a matter of a few minutes with the right tools.Work carefully to prevent making a mess, and be sure to seal the suede with a waterproof spray when you lock in the new color.
Step 1: Purchase a dye that is specifically formulated for suede.
These types of dyes are designed to penetrate soft, textured materials like natural leather, unlike ordinary varieties which will simply roll off.The bolder the color, the better for the shoes you are modifying.For this to work, your shoes must be pure.This won't work if they are partially synthetic.It will not be possible to go from a darker shade to a lighter one.You will have the most success dyeing shoes in light and neutral colors, like white, gray, or khaki.The brands that offer suede-specific dyes are Fiebing's, Angelus, Lincoln, andKiwi.
Step 2: The shoe brush is soft andbristled.
The brush needs to be swept over the entire shoe.It is easier for the dye to soak into the fabric if the tiny fibers are standing on end.Make sure you brush the grain in all directions.
Step 3: If it's necessary, clean the suede.
Most dry dust and dirt can be removed with a brush.The shoes may need more intensive treatment if they have seen a lot of hard wear.To wipe down the shoe all over, use a damp sponge or cloth.The "all over" part is needed to make sure that the shoe has a consistent appearance.Once it's had time to absorb the worst of the mess, you can remove oil stains by sprinkling them with cornstarch.It's best to leave heavy staining to a dry cleaner or shoe repair expert.
Step 4: All external accessories need to be covered or removed.
Put the shoes aside if they have laces.Use small strips of painter's tape to protect buttons, zippers, stamps, and accents from being seen.While you are at it, fold a few strips around the outsole of the shoe.If you don't want the dye to ruin anything, tape it up.To hide logos and stripes, cut the tape.
Step 5: Put the shoes in the newspaper.
Push the loose balls into the toe and heel section.To hold their shape throughout the dyeing process, fill the shoes with a bulky material.It will prevent the wet dye from entering the shoe.Stuffing the ankle or shin is required for boots and high top sneakers.The old rags could be used instead of newspaper.Don't forget that the dye touches will be marked for good.
Step 6: It's easy to apply a brush.
A special tool for more convenient use is what most suede dyes come with.The cotton ball is attached to a piece of wire.You can get better results by using a small scrubbing brush with a handle.It's important that the brush you use has stiff bristles that can reach down into the suede.A toothbrush can be used to make a makeshift applicator.
Step 7: The brush should be put into the dye.
Let the excess dye go into the container.As you move the dye bottle, watch out for drips and splatters.Rub on half a spoon of dye with each application.Unless specified in the direction, there should be no need to mix the dye with other substances.Pull on a pair of rubber gloves to prevent your hands from getting stained.
Step 8: The shoe should be covered with the dye.
The brush should be run over the surface of the shoe to transfer the dye.You can always apply more later if you need to, but first make sure you use a conservative amount.Start with a broad, flat surface, such as the toe, and work your way to the tighter sections from there.Don't oversaturate the suede.Dark spotting can be difficult to even out if too much dye is used in one area.
Step 9: Using smooth, circular motions, massage the dye into the suede.
Proceed in small sections until you have covered the whole shoe.The new color should be taken on immediately.When you're first getting used to the technique, work slowly and carefully.The seams might not take the new color very well.Synthetic thread may not be as absorbent as natural materials.
Step 10: Allow the first coat to be dry.
The shoes should be left in a cool area with low humidity.It can take anywhere from a few hours to a full day for the dye to dry.Leave them to sit for at least 24 hours for a more stable base color.It is important to give the dye enough time to set.Don't handle the shoes in the meantime.The dye will rub off quickly.Depending on the type of dye you use, the size of the shoes, and the temperature of your environment, your dry times will vary.
Step 11: If you want a darker color, brush on more coats.
The finish may not be after a single coat of dye.If this is the case, add more dye until you get the desired depth of color.Wait until each coat is dry before moving on.It may hold fast to light-colored shoes, or it may fade once it is dry.Wait to apply coats until you know how the pair will react.Too much dye can dry out the leather if you layer on too many coats.
Step 12: It's a good idea to buff the shoes.
The shoe brush can be used to fluff up the nap that has been weighed down by the dye.It is possible to blow a hairdryer over the shoes to make sure they are completely dry.If you use the same brush, you should clean it thoroughly with warm soapy water or acetone to remove the remaining dye before putting it to work again.
Step 13: The shoes should be treated with a waterproof spray.
The waterproofer will help preserve the updated color.Hold the can close to the shoe and mist it with a light.You will be able to model your new shoes once the waterproofing has dried completely, which can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour.If you want full coverage from the toe to the heels, aim for it.A barrier that repels water is created by the filling in of the tiny gaps in the soft fabric.
Step 14: Carefully clean your shoes.
To remove clinging debris, brush out the suede every once in a while.It's best to lightly scrub the suede with a small amount of water, as you did with your initial cleaning, to deal with stains and other substances.Keeping them from getting dirty in the first place is the wisest course of action.If the stain is spread around, it could cause the dye to bleed.
Step 15: Don't wear shoes in wet conditions.
The dye is prone to running when exposed to water.Save your refurbished footwear for clear days and steer clear of puddles, sprinklers, wet grass and other watery pitfalls.You can get more use out of your shoes if you wear them cautiously.After a few sweaty workouts, athletic shoes can become discolored or faded.If the forecast calls for rain, it is a good idea to keep a spare change of shoes with you.
Step 16: Store your shoes in a place with good air circulation.
It's a good idea to keep your shoes in the dust bag when you're not wearing them.Once inside the bag, the shoes should find their way to the top shelf of your closet or another cool, dry place where they're not likely to encounter any messes.If you want to give the shoes a chance to breathe, leave the mouth of the bag slightly open.With a dust bag, you won't have to worry about drying out the suede when the shoes remain in storage for a long period of time, unlike a sealed plastic bag.Invest in a shoe tree.Shoe trees allow footwear to be hung up on branches that are similar in size to feet so they can easily be moved in and out of storage.A dust bag or pillowcase can be slid over the entire shoe tree for added security.