How to paint the sole of sneakers?

It is sometimes so difficult to part with your favorite things that have fallen into disrepair or do not look quite presentable. After all, choosing a high-quality and convenient analog that is suitable for the price tag can be quite problematic. This question is very relevant in relation to sneakers. Sneakers that still perform their function well, but are in need of updating their appearance, can always be taken to a workshop. But why overpay? After all, it is now easy to paint the soles of your favorite pair of shoes at home.

How to prepare sneakers for dyeing

First of all, the sneakers need to be well prepared for painting so that the paint will stick. It is necessary to remove all dirt from the surface of the shoe.

Stages of shoe preparation:

• If it was not originally intended to dye the laces along with the sneakers, then it is better to remove them.
• Sneakers should be cleaned of dust, sand, and shoe polish residues.To make the process easier, you can use the “Sports Shoes” mode in the washing machine, or wash by hand.
• Dry your shoes naturally. It is better to avoid the proximity of heating devices during drying, as they can negatively affect the shoe materials and glue.

• For better adhesion of paint to the material, it must be degreased. Places that will be stained, or entire shoes, must be washed in a special solution. You can buy it at the store, or make it yourself. A solution of ordinary laundry soap with the addition of ammonia performs no worse than its market analogue.
• And finally, you need to dry your shoes well again.
• If you do not plan to paint the entire boot, then you should protect those parts that should not be covered with paint. You can use masking tape for this.

Which paint is better?

There are different options for shoe dyes. There is no need to experiment when purchasing automotive or construction paint - now it is not a problem to buy specialized shoe paint. As a rule, manufacturers make it water or acrylic based.

You can also find dyes on the market in the form of a powdered substance, from which paint is prepared at home immediately before use. But this method is time-consuming, so it’s better to buy a ready-made option.

The most convenient way of painting is to use spray cans.

Important! Be sure to select the paint for the job in accordance with the material from which the shoes are made. As a rule, on the packaging of pigments, the manufacturer indicates which materials the product is suitable for working with.

We paint sneakers from different materials

Different materials behave differently with the same dye due to their physical and chemical properties. Therefore, the approach to working with different shoes has its own characteristics. You should also carefully study the instructions on the paint before use and follow them during the process.

Leather and leatherette

Since the surface of leather products is even and smooth, the dye applies to it without any problems. It is recommended to pour the paint into a separate container and mix thoroughly to obtain an even color.

The paint should be applied in one go to avoid streaks. After complete drying, the procedure can be repeated to obtain a more saturated color.

Nubuck

This is a very practical material to use. But you can paint it efficiently and accurately only with paint in the form of spray cans.

Painting is required should be carried out outdoors or in well-ventilated areas. The surface of the table or floor is covered with any material that can later be recycled. It can be fabric or paper. The sneakers are placed on the surface and an aerosol is carefully sprayed over them at a distance of 20-25 cm. Pay special attention to abrasions and cosmetic defects.

Methods for whitening the soles of sneakers

Now the trend is white shoes or with snow-white soles. The sole of the sneakers quickly turns yellow or acquires an unsightly grayish tint. How to bleach soles?

The white sole can be rubber or synthetic (polyurethane, phylon or filayte). They give products elasticity and wear resistance.

Sometimes you can see grooves and patterns on the sides of the shoes. This gives additional aesthetics, but will be more difficult to clean or paint.

The material from which the sole is made is important.

First you need to thoroughly clean the white sole:

• stationery soft eraser;
• melamine damp sponge;
• brush with toothpaste (for 20 minutes), then rinse with warm water;

• stains can be easily removed with hydrogen peroxide;
• Dilute baking soda and water to a paste and apply to a white surface, then rinse;
• Rub citric acid or lemon pulp well onto the stains and leave for 15 minutes. leave on, then rinse with warm water.

Traditional household chemicals can also be used.

The sole may turn yellow if it is often dried near a radiator or left in the sun.

Experts offer after cleaning, paint with high-quality acrylic paint (necessarily not water-based).

Important! To fix the paint, dry it well, for example with a hairdryer. This can significantly increase the service life.

According to reader reviews, it is suggested to paint over the black surface with a black marker. Car tire paint is also great.

Painting the sole is absolutely no different from other parts of the sneakers; you just need to paint it in several layers and use automotive aerosols.

 

With proper care, you can wear your favorite pair of sneakers for a long time after painting.