Another fun and easy way to add a personal touch to your shoes is to paint leather sneakers into the new color scheme. With the correct type of paint, cheap tools, and patience, you can create a truly unique pair of sneakers that will turn heads. This guide will show easy steps on how to paint leather sneakers, what materials you need, how to prepare the shoes, and how to achieve a smooth, long-lasting finish.
Supplies
- Leather shoes
- Acrylic leather paint
- Paint brushes
- Painter’s tape
- Leather sealer
- Sandpaper (optional)
- Clean cloth or paper towels
Step 1: Clean the sneakers
Clean them thoroughly, as dirt or dust can cause paint to pill over time. Use a soft shoe brush and damp cloth. Also, you can use foam cleaner for more professional cleaning. Allow the sneakers to dry completely before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Sand the sneakers (optional)
Improve the paint adhesion by roughing up the surface using sandpaper. Brush off any dust with a clean cloth or paper towel. Remember: after this step, there is no way back, so apply it only if you are pretty confident in your skills.
Step 3: Apply painter’s tape
Use painter’s tape to cover areas you do not want to paint in the selected color. Do not forget such places as the soles or the inside of the shoes.
Step 4: Express Your Creativity with Paint
Now, you can finally paint leather surface. Start by painting hard-to-reach areas with a small brush. Then use a medium-sized brush to apply the paint to the larger areas of the sneakers. Be sure to spread thin, even coats of paint, if you want to avoid paint streaks. Allow the paint to dry completely between coats. Repeat steps 3 and 4 until all colors are applied.
Step 5: Apply the sealer
After the painting is entirely dry, carefully remove the painter’s tape and apply a thin layer of leather sealer. Use a soft brush or sponge for application, or just spray the aerosol based on the sealer form. It will help to protect the paint from wear and tear and ultraviolet rays. Allow drying entirely before wearing them. This may take several hours or overnight, depending on the humidity and temperature inside your home.
Additional tips
- Always test the paint on an inconspicuous area before paint the entire leather shoes. Ensure that you are happy with the color and finish before applying it to the whole surface.
- Avoid contact with moisture for at least 24 hours after painting.
- Be careful not to take too much paint with your brush. This can cause drips and an unpretty, uneven finish.
- You can still remove paint from the leather if something goes completely wrong.
Related Video: Angelus Leather Paint
Conclusion
In conclusion, another great way to add character and uniqueness to your footwear – is painting your leather shoes. You can easily achieve a smooth, long-lasting finish with the right materials, techniques, and patience. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of creating your very own unique sneakers.
