Since suede is not as strong as traditional, full-grain leather, how can you paint suede shoes without damaging the fabric?
If this question bothers you, let yourself know that even suede is thinner and softer than traditional leathers, you still can paint suede shoes without doing any damage. Keep scrolling to know more.
![How to Paint Suede Shoes? 4 Simple Steps! [Acrylic, Spray, Angelus]](https://paintersvilla.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/How-to-Paint-Suede-Shoes.jpg)
This article will help you to know:
- What happens if you paint suede shoes
- The best paints to use on suede shoes
- 4 easy-peasy steps to paint your suede shoes
- Suede shoes cleaning procedure
- Additional tips covering some do’s and don’ts
- And, some most-asked questions regarding the topic.
Table of Contents
What Happens When You Paint Suede Shoes?
Since natural suede material has water intolerance, people often feel fear to paint suede shoes.
But I’ll tell you what. The problem arises exactly when you choose the inappropriate paint or follow the wrong steps to do the job. Otherwise, it’s okay to paint your suede shoes.
For example, if you mistakenly dye the shoes instead of painting them or use the wrong painting methods, your shoes may lose their flexibility. Also, the shoes can be stiffer. Or perhaps, you want to use liquid paints using brushes. In this case, there’s a chance the liquid can soak deep into your suede shoes and make the fabric weaken.
Therefore, avoid making these mistakes.
In addition, you may face difficulties removing the paint when it’s needed. You need to embrace the fact that painting suede shoes is kind of a one-way street only. So, try to paint without wanting it to come off.
Overall, if you can abide by some basic rules and follow the right way to paint your suede shoes, you’ll be satisfied with the result.
The Best Paints to Apply on Suede Shoes
Since painting on suede is a sensible work, you must be very careful about choosing the paints. Double-check your priorities and purchase a quality product. If you mess up while choosing the paint and grab some low-quality products, you’ll end up having unwanted results.
To help you out, we can suggest some options so you can think wide and choose the best fit for you. So, let’s start answering the question,
can you use acrylic paint on shoes?
Yes, you can. Speaking of acrylic paint on suede shoes, the first name that springs straight to my mind is Wilkins Premium acrylic Suede Shoes Paint. This is one of the best options when you want a customization acrylic paint for suede shoes.
Wilkins sneakers pen is durable, waterproof, and flexible at the same time. Also, you’ll love it if you want a natural matte finishing color shade.
Another great feature of this marker is, it has a 3 in 1 head tip that covers large areas, small areas, and corners & tough areas while painting the shoes.
Therefore, you don’t have to worry about the stains on your shoes, Wilkins acrylic paint is enough to cover the stains and renew your shoes. Although it’s super easy to use the paint, use it carefully to avoid a messy application.
Now, let’s come to the price. It’s a very low price to pay considering you’re resurrecting a $150-$180 pair of Adidas or anything like this. You can water test the marker, it will not start fading like other products!
People also ask,
can I spray paint my suede shoes?
Of course, you can! In fact, it’s even a great alternative until you get too much spray painting on your shoes. Because this mistake can ruin the nap. Another point worth mentioning here is, don’t stay in one spot for long because it also can ruin the look.
Well, enough talkies about suede spray paint but do you know what’s the best suede paint from the thousands of available options on the market?
Since you should purchase the spray paint that is made specifically for covering suede or fabric materials, we recommend using Apple Brand Garde Suede Spray Paint. Now, let us take responsibility for our words.
This product is a whiz at painting suede shoes, it can successfully repel water for suede fabric and protect it from being faded. So no worries if you get caught in the rain!
If you’re stubborn about keeping the shade or color of your shoes, this spray paint will not alter the shade or color. You can use this spray paint over any of your suede shoes like a pair of knee boots or simply anything.
But Apple Brand spray paint has a very strong scent, so it’s recommended to use it in a well-ventilated area. Overall, the product works a great job at covering your shoes from dirt, spots, and stains.
Also to know,
can you use Angelus paint on suede shoes?
Yes, using Angelus paint is also an option. But you need to pick the specific angelus paint that’s made for use on suede fabric. You can try Angelus Suede Paint as it makes sure that you get top-quality paint on suede projects.
Tell me first, do you want to turn your yellowed soles back to bleach white? Or, you have some sneakers that got discolored from not having them in a box? For whatever reason you need the paint, this product will be a relief.
It’s available at a pretty impressive price so you should have one right now. If you’ve had stubborn stains on your shoes for a long time, it may take a while to cover them with this paint but trust me, the patience is totally worth it.
This product is flooded with thousands of positive reviews for its super impressive performance. So, why not give it a try?
How to Paint Suede Shoes – 4 Simple Steps!
Here the time comes! Go through the simple 4 steps and make a huge change on your old suede shoes.
Step 1: Prepare The Shoes for Painting
Some sub-steps will come first before we start painting the shoes, okay? Have some patience please, these preparatory steps are important for the start.
If your shoes aren’t clean, make sure you brush out the suede using a soft-bristled shoe brush. It will help you to remove the dust and debris from the shoes. Eventually, this will make it easy for the shoes to hold the paint.
If the shoes aren’t clean yet, you can consider using a damp sponge/washcloth for wiping down your shoes all over. However, if you find some heavy stains, you better stop right there and consult a shoe repair expert.
Step 2: Collect a Brush for Easier Application
Maybe you’ll get a special applicator tool with the suede paint you purchase. These brushes help a more convenient use and they come with more than a cotton ball attached to a piece of wire. However, you may prefer using a sturdier tool such as a small scrubbing brush having a handle.
No matter what type of brush you’re using, make sure it has stiff bristles and it can reach down into everywhere possible of your shoes.
And, if you’re working with spray paint, you won’t be needing a brush.
Step 3: Paint The Shoes
Now, it’s time to make it happen! Gently paint the shoes (anything like acrylic, fabric, or spray paint).
An additional tip we would like to add here is, you can go through a test part with the paint first. It’s something like you can apply the paint somewhere else before applying it on the suede to determine whether it works or not.
While applying the paints on suede, you should apply a small amount of paint and then gradually work it into the leather. Try to avoid using the paint ‘on top’ of the suede. It works even better.
Once done, wait a few hours in order to let the shoes dry.
Step 4: Make an Embellishment for The Painted Shoes (Optional)
You can make some additional changes to decorate your updated shoes if you want. For example, you can use a headpin and load it up with a double-ruffled ribbon. Then apply some sewing fashion ideas here with the ribbon onto the headpin.
Maybe you’ll end up having a pair of flats and you can wear them in different ways.
Or, perhaps, you can have more impressive results, just give it a try!
How to Clean Suede Shoes
To let the painting last for long, be sure you clean the painted shoes in the right way. Here are some tips you should know about cleaning suede shoes.
- Purchase a suede cleaning kit. It should contain a special brush that works great for soft suede fabrics. And, make sure you start working only when your shoes are dry.
- Remove dirt and debris from the outside and inside of the shoes using the brush.
- If there’s any scuff mark on the shoes, make sure you brush vigorously to get rid of them.
- Remove stubborn marks using an eraser.
Additional Tips to Paint Suede Shoes
- Even if you’ve painted with waterproof spray or other paints, try not to wear the shoes in wet conditions.
- Make sure you store the painted shoes in a well-ventilated place.
- Do the painting outside, or spread some plastic or newspaper to keep the work area clean.
- You can mix different painting colors and create some new custom shades.
- Try to paint the same pair of suede shoes more than once.
- The general application process is to apply 2 layers of paint on your shoes and let the paint dry for at least 48 hours.
Most-Asked Questions About Painting Suede Shoes
How do I keep acrylic paint from cracking on shoes?
Think about using a primer before painting the shoes. It will offer a better adhesion between the paint and the suede fabric as well as prevent cracking.
What’s the best kind of paint I can use on suede shoes?
Top-quality spray paint would be the best choice. You also can go for acrylic paint but it won’t be a long-lasting coating.
How can I fix faded suede shoes?
Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on the area where your shoes are dirty. Then rub the area using a soft brush. Leave the shoes just like this for around 15 minutes. When you’ll be back, you should see a pair of new-looking suede shoes.
How can I darken suede shoes?
Using leather dye to darken suede is the preferable option. Many people use several leather cleaners or protectors to darken suede but it may damage the fabric.
Is suede waterproof?
No. To be honest, suede isn’t a waterproof material. But you can use petroleum jelly so the shoes can withstand a little rain. Still, we recommend you avoid walking in heavy rain wearing suede shoes.
Final Discussion
Have you got your answer to ‘how to paint suede shoes?’ this question?
Since we’ve covered everything regarding the topic, we hope that you’re saying yes. Now, you should agree with us that painting on suede isn’t hard but it requires carefulness. As long as you can be patient in choosing the paints and applying them properly, you’ll love the outcome!