How to spray paint a shoe

Spray painting your shoes is a good option if you want to change the look of your boring shoe to a new look, but it is not an easy task.

You need to know about the correct steps in order to spray paint your shoes well. This blog will walk you through the steps to spray paint your shoe at home.

Don’t miss any point if you are a newbie or just starting to paint things to give them a new look.

This DIY task will be very exciting if you follow my instructions and tips which I am gonna share with you guys.


How to spray paint a shoe

Here is the list of some tools which you need to spray paint your shoes and these items can be found easily in homes or at nearby hardware stores.

  • Acetone/dish soap for cleaning dust
  • Face mask
  • Gloves
  • Glasses for eye protection
  • Cotton balls/rags for applying acetone/any other cleaning chemical
  • Spray paint
  • Newspaper for stuffing toes of shoes
  • Masking or painters’ tape

Wear protective gear

First, you need to put on a pair of gloves to protect your hands from the paint. Next, you need to put on a mask to avoid breathing in the fumes.

Finally, you need to put on a pair of goggles to protect your eyes from the paint. Once you have all of your gear on, you are ready to start spray painting your shoes.

Clean the shoes

Acetone is an effective solvent for cleaning dirt from shoes before spray painting.

When used in conjunction with a brush, it can quickly remove any excess dirt or grime that may be present on the surface of the shoes.

spray paint a shoe

Additionally, acetone will help to prepare the surface of the shoes for the spray paint, by ensuring that the paint will adhere evenly to the surface.

Apply the acetone or dish soap with cotton balls or rags.

Stuffing shoes

To ensure that your shoes are evenly and smoothly coated with paint, it is important to stuff the toes of the shoes with newspaper before spray painting them.

This will help to avoid any paint pooling or dripping in the toe area and will create a nice, even finish.

Simply crumple up some newspaper and stuff it into the toe of each shoe, then proceed with your spray painting as usual.

Start painting shoes

The process of spray-painting shoes is not as difficult as one might think. With a few simple supplies, you can easily add a personal touch to a pair of shoes.

First, you will need to gather your supplies. You will need a pair of shoes, spray paint, and a piece of cardboard.

Next, you will need to prepare your work area. Make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area and lay down the piece of cardboard to protect your surface.

Then, you will need to remove the laces from the shoes.

Once the laces are removed, you can begin to spray paint the shoes. Be sure to evenly coat the shoes, and allow them to dry completely before wearing them.

With a little bit of effort, you can easily add a unique touch to a pair of shoes with spray paint.

Protect the shoes

There are several ways to protect spray-painted shoes. One way is to apply a clear sealant over the top of the paint.

This will help to protect the paint from wear and tear, and also from weather conditions. Another way to protect spray-painted shoes is to store them in a cool, dry place.

This will help to prevent the paint from fading or chipping.

What kind of paint do you use on shoes?

There are several types of paint that can be used on shoes, but some of the most commonly used types include:

  1. Acrylic paint: This is a water-based paint that is widely available, easy to clean up, and dries quickly. It’s also flexible and durable when used with fabric medium and a sealant.
  2. Leather paint: This type of paint is specifically formulated for use on leather and is available in a wide range of colors. It’s a good choice for painting leather shoes, but it may not be as durable as acrylic paint and may crack over time.
  3. Fabric paint: This type of paint is formulated for use on fabric and can be used on shoes made of canvas or other fabric materials. It’s also flexible and durable.
  4. Sneaker paint: This is a special type of paint that is specifically designed for use on athletic shoes and is available in a wide range of colors. It’s also flexible and durable, and can also be used on synthetic fabrics.

It’s important to note that all of these types of paint will require a clear sealant or varnish to be applied over the paint to protect it and make it more durable.

How do you permanently paint shoes?

To permanently paint shoes, you will need to use a specialized paint that is specifically formulated for use on footwear and other flexible materials.

Some examples of such paint include Angelus Leather Paint, Jacquard Fabric Paint, or even acrylic paint.

You can also use a fabric medium to mix with the acrylic paint so it sticks better.

  1. Clean the shoes thoroughly and let them dry completely.
  2. Apply a base coat or primer specifically designed for use on shoes, or use white acrylic paint as a primer.
  3. Once the primer is dry, apply the paint of your choice, using a brush or sponge to apply it evenly.
  4. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly. You may need to apply multiple coats, depending on the desired opacity.
  5. Once the paint is fully dry, you can apply a clear sealant or varnish to the shoes to protect the paint and make them more durable.

It’s also important to note that some types of shoes may not be suitable for painting, and the paint may not last as long on certain materials, such as mesh or synthetic fabrics.

So it’s always better to test a small area before starting the painting process.

Is it possible to paint shoes?

Yes, it is possible to paint shoes, as long as they are made of a suitable material and are properly prepared.

Some materials like leather, canvas, and synthetic fabrics can be painted, but materials such as mesh or suede may not be suitable for painting.

The process of painting shoes involves cleaning the shoes thoroughly and letting them dry completely.

Applying a base coat or primer specifically designed for use on shoes, or use white acrylic paint as a primer.

Then, apply the paint of your choice, using a brush or sponge to apply it evenly.

Allowing the paint to dry thoroughly, you may need to apply multiple coats, depending on the desired opacity.

Finally, applying a clear sealant or varnish to the shoes protects the paint and makes it more durable.

It’s also important to test a small area before starting the painting process, as not all shoes are suitable for painting and the paint may not last as long on certain materials.

Additionally, the results may vary depending on the quality of the paint and the surface preparation.

How do you prepare shoes for painting?

Preparing shoes for painting is an important step in the process to ensure that the paint adheres properly and the finished product looks professional.

Here are the steps to prepare shoes for painting:

  1. Clean the shoes thoroughly: Use a damp cloth or brush to remove any dirt, dust, or debris from the shoes. If the shoes are particularly dirty, you can use mild detergent and warm water to clean them. Be sure to remove any excess water and let the shoes dry completely before proceeding.
  2. Sand the shoes: If the shoes are made of leather, canvas, or other rough materials, you may want to sand them lightly to create a smooth surface for the paint to adhere to. Use fine-grit sandpaper and sand in the direction of the grain.
  3. Apply a base coat or primer: Apply a base coat or primer specifically designed for use on shoes, or use white acrylic paint as a primer. This will help the paint adhere better and create a smooth surface for the final coat of paint. Be sure to let the base coat dry completely before applying the final coat of paint.
  4. Mask off any areas you don’t want to be painted: Use masking tape or painter’s tape to cover any areas of the shoes that you don’t want to be painted. This includes the soles, laces, or any other parts of the shoes that you want to keep their original color.
  5. Set up your painting area: Set up a well-ventilated area to paint your shoes. You will want to use a drop cloth or newspaper to protect the floor and have all your painting materials ready.

By following these steps, you will be able to prepare your shoes properly, making it easier to paint them and giving a better finish product.


FAQ’s of how to spray paint a shoe

Nova Color acrylic paint is the best paint to use when painting sneakers. The paint is extremely durable and will not crack or peel over time. Additionally, the paint is easy to apply and will not require any special skills or techniques. Simply apply the paint to the surface of the sneaker and allow it to dry.

Before painting your shoes, it’s important to apply a cleaning agent to remove any dirt or debris. This will help the paint adhere better and create a more even finish. Choose a cleaning agent that’s appropriate for the material of your shoes. For example, if they’re made of leather, you’ll want to use a leather cleaner. Apply the cleaner to a soft cloth and gently rub it over the surface of the shoes. Rinse the shoes with clean water and allow them to dry completely before painting.

After you have painted your shoes, it is important to apply a clearcoat to seal them. This will protect the paint from scuffs and wear, and will also make them waterproof. To apply the clearcoat, simply brush it on evenly over the surface of the shoes. Let it dry completely before wearing them.

Yes, acrylic paint is waterproof on shoes. This is because acrylic paint is a type of plastic, and plastic is waterproof. So, if you use acrylic paint on your shoes, they will be waterproof.


Verdict on how to spray paint a shoe

Finally, I hope that this blog has helped you learn tips and tricks that you can use when you spray paint a shoe.

I will continue to create content that will help you learn more about a wide range of topics, so make sure that you subscribe to our blog.

If you have any confusion still in your mind then don’t hesitate to ask here in the comments section I will answer those as a top priority and will for sure clear out your confusion.

Matthew Edward

Matthew Edward is a professional painter who loves to paint and wants to share useful tips and tricks which he had learned in many years of experience in painting. He also used many products that can be used for painting he has tried and tested each and every product to give an unbias opinion about it in his review. This blog is very useful for those newbies who want to learn painting without making mistakes.

Leave a Comment