A canvas shoe dyeing project can be fun.A package of dye, canvas shoes, and a little bit of know how can be used to make a pair of custom kicks.The project can get a bit messy, but it is just part of the fun.The best part of this craft project is that you get to wear it and show it off.
Step 1: Pick a color to use.
White shoes have nice pastels on them.Strong, bright colors work well and will show up better from a distance.The choice is yours to make.It's important to remember that the dye packaging may not be the same color that ends up on your shoes.When it comes to coloring, you need to be prepared for a little variation and fun surprises.
Step 2: You can purchase your supplies.
Many craft stores and online sellers have dyes for fabrics.If you want to use the dyes you buy, you need to read the packaging.Some dyes are more difficult to apply than others.Other supplies will be needed.Plastic sheeting, latex gloves, and rubber cement are some of the products that can be included.You will probably want to have paper towels on hand to clean up spills, as well as a paint brush to paint on detailed designs.At most supermarkets and office supply stores, rubber cement can be found.
Step 3: White canvas shoes are a good choice to dye.
It's great if you already own some shoes that you want to dye.Pick out white canvas shoes if you need to buy some.It doesn't matter if they are laces-ups or slip-ons.They can be dyed easily if they are white.Cotton canvas is a great fabric to dye because it will absorb and hold dye well.Natural fibers are easier to dye than synthetic ones.If you don't want to spend a lot of money on this project, and you have never dyed anything before, consider getting the cheapest sneakers or slip-ons you can find.If you mess up the dying process, they will keep you from getting really upset.
Step 4: If it's necessary, clean the shoes.
If your shoes are dirty, the dye on the canvas won't look right.Warm water and soap can be used to clean.If you just need to do a spot cleaning, hand washing canvas shoes may be easier than tossing them in the washing machine.You don't need to dry the shoes.If you want to dye your shoes, you should not dry them.
Step 5: Place your dying area.
A hard secure surface is the best place to put your dying basin.The dye spills over the edges if the basin is full.You may want to put plastic on the surface you are working on or the floor beneath your work area.In case of spills, this will protect the area.If you're in the middle of dying, set out all of your supplies so you don't have to look for them.If you are looking for something while your hands are covered in dye, it can be pretty annoying.Some dyes need to be heated on a burner.If you don't have a portable burner, prepare an area in your kitchen that will be the dying area if you use one of these dyes.cover sensitive surfaces with plastic if extraneous items get dye on them by accident.If you can, consider dying outside.If you have a portable electric burner, you can use dyes that need to be simmered outside.If you can't do your dying outside, you should look for an area in your house that will not be ruined by dye.This could be a utility room or unfinished basement.
Step 6: The dye should be ready.
Most fabric dyes need to be mixed with water.Salt is required in some dyes.The ratio of dye to water varies by brand, so follow the directions on the package.If you want to add your shoes to the container without spilling it over, you should use a container that is big enough.You don't want to have to deal with the mess of spilled dye, so you should have a lot of latitude in this area.If you have to heat your dye to high temperatures, you may need to mix it on the stove.Follow the manufacturers directions when using commercial dyes.
Step 7: If you have to protect the soles of your shoes, figure it out.
Depending on the type of dye you are using, you may or may not need to protect the soles of your shoes.You can wipe off any dye that gets on the sole if it isn't a rubber or synthetic one.Other dyes will permanently dye the sole.Put a small amount of the prepared dye on the bottom of one of your shoes to see if it will dye the soles.Try to remove the dye with soap and water.It's great if you can easily get it off.It's not necessary to protect the soles from your dye.All dye should not be on the soles.
Step 8: If you must, protect the soles.
There are areas on the shoe where you don't want the dye.You can use rubber cement to etch designs on the canvas.As soon as the rubber cement dries, you can peel it off with your hands.You can cover the soles with either painters tape or a thick layer of vaseline.If you plan on painting the dye on with a brush, this is the best way to protect the soles of your shoes.
Step 9: If you must, wet your shoes.
The shoes have to be wet before they enter the dye.If the dye doesn't have to do the additional work of moistening the canvas in the first place, it will move across the surface better.Warm water helps most dyes penetrate the canvas.
Step 10: The shoes should be in the dye.
Place the tops of the shoes in the dye if you want them to be all one color.If you want several colors, place one section of the shoe into the dye and keep the other part out.The directions tell you to keep the shoes in the dye.Depending on the dye you use, this could be anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes.You should wear gloves while you are doing this.This will allow you to hold the shoes without getting dye all over them.While most dyes that are sold for home use won't be particularly dangerous to get on your skin, they will dye it and take a long time to wear off.If you get dye on your fingers, you risk making a mess if you touch things that you don't want dyed.
Step 11: There are additional colors that you should apply.
Adding a few colors to your shoe is a good idea.If you use a second color, it will add a lot more fun to your shoe design.If you want to dye your shoe multiple colors, be strategic.If one color is light and the other is dark, apply the light color first.It's easier to dye the whole shoe a light color and then cover it up with a darker color afterwords than it is to die a specific section.Try dyeing your laces as well.If you want to add a pop of color to your kicks, you can either dye them the same color as your shoes or pick a different color.
Step 12: Add fun designs.
Don't limit yourself to just one color.Paint your shoes with additional colors using a paint brush.Is it possible you could cover them with polka dots?You could draw your favorite animal onto the top of your shoes.You can draw whatever you want.New colors can be created by mixing colors of dyes.The dye can be used to make a variety of blended colors.
Step 13: The shoes are wet.
After use, most dyes need to be washed.It doesn't get all over your socks if you remove the extra dye from the shoe.Most dyes should be washed with cold water until the water runs clear.
Step 14: The protection on the soles needs to be removed.
It should peel off if you use rubber cement or painter's tape.Once the shoe dye is dry, Vaseline will need to be washed off with soap and water.Don't do this immediately after you dye your shoes, as the dye could get on to the soles.Wait a few minutes until you're sure there won't be any more drips.You could use a paper towel to get rid of the excessive dye on the soles.
Step 15: Allow the shoes to sit down.
You can either put the shoes in the dryer or allow them to dry naturally.After your shoes are dried and before you put clean laundry in it, be warned that a bit of dye may rub off in the interior of your dryer, so you may want to wipe it out thoroughly.
Step 16: The dye should be set if needed.
Some dyes need to be set in the dryer.It's important to make sure the dye won't come out.In the case of home dyes, high heat is applied to the canvas.If you have this kind of dye, check your package.You can use a hairdryer to set a dye.If this is an option for you, check your packaging.