How to Dye Leather Tennis Shoes the Right Way

Dyeing leather tennis shoes is a great way to add a personal touch to your footwear. However, it’s important to do it the right way to avoid ruining your shoes. Follow these tips to learn how to dye leather tennis shoes the right way.

What You’ll Need

You’ll need a few supplies before you start dying your leather shoes. You’ll need rubber gloves, a small bowl, a spoon, a clean rag, and of course, the leather dye. Make sure to choose a dye that’s made specifically for leather. You can find this at most craft stores.

Supplies

-Tennis shoes
-Water
-Paper towels
-Rubber gloves
-Sponge or old toothbrush
-Mild soap
-Bucket
-Powder or liquid dye (optional)
-Fabric dye (optional)
-Finishing spray or sealer (optional)

Tools

To complete this project, you’ll need the following items:
-dye
-bucket
-sponge
-towel
-old toothbrush
-(optional) masking tape

Prep the Shoes

You’ll need to purchase a good quality leather dye, as well as some other items to help you with the dying process. You’ll also need to make sure the shoes are clean and free of any dirt or debris. Once you have all of your supplies, you’re ready to start dying your leather shoes.

Clean the shoes

The first step is to clean the shoes. You can use a leather cleaner or saddle soap. If you have never dyed leather before, it is best to do a test swatch on the tongue or back of the shoe to see how the color will take. Allow the shoes to dry completely before you begin dyeing them.

Prep the work area

Before you start, test the dye on an inconspicuous spot to make sure it looks the way you want it to. Once you’re ready to start, prep the work area by covering it with a drop cloth or plastic sheet. You’ll also need a bowl of clean water and a soft rag nearby.

Dye the Shoes

You will need the following supplies: leather tennis shoes, leather dye, rubber gloves, and a brush. It is also recommended that you do this project in a well-ventilated area. First, you will want to clean the shoes with a mild soap and water to remove any dirt or debris. Next, you will want to apply the leather dye to the shoes. Make sure to evenly coat the shoes and pay special attention to any creases or folds. Once the shoes are completely covered in dye, you will want to let them dry for at least 24 hours.

Apply the dye

Once you have your shoes, dye, gloves, sponge, and container ready, it’s time to get started! Wipe down your shoes with a damp cloth to remove any dirt or debris. This will help the dye to adhere better.

Put on your gloves and mix the dye according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re using a foam sponge, dip it into the dye and then squeeze it out until it’s no longer dripping wet.

Gently apply the dye to your shoes in a circular motion, being careful not to soak them. You can also use a spray bottle to apply the dye if you prefer. For best results, work in small sections and continue until the entire shoe is covered.

Let the shoes dry for 24 hours before wearing them.

Let the dye dry

Be sure to let the dye dry for at least 24 hours–48 is better. Once the dye is dry, you’re ready to add a topcoat.

Finish Up

If you are looking for a new and creative way to update an old leather item, you may want to try dying it. You can use this same technique to change the color of any leather shoes, clothing, or accessories. Dying leather is a simple process, but there are a few things you need to know before you get started.

Apply a sealant

After the shoes have completely dried, it’s time to apply a sealant. This will help the color stay put and prevent it from rubbing off on your clothes or skin. You can purchase a leather sealant at most craft stores. Follow the directions on the packaging, and apply a thin layer to the shoes. Let them dry for 24 hours before wearing them.

Let the sealant dry

Congratulations, you’ve successfullydyed your leather tennis shoes!Before you go out and show off your new kicks, there’s one more important step to take:let the sealant dry.

Sealant protects the dye job from wear and tear, and it also helps the color last longer. Make sure to give the sealant plenty of time to dry before you wear your shoes; otherwise, the color may rub off on your clothes.