Can You Spray Paint Leather Shoes?

Spray Painting Leather Boots

Can You Spray Paint Leather Shoes? “What am I doing now?” is a question I hear often, particularly from my husband and occasionally from my children, who are all grown and married now. 

Even the dog gives me a questioning glance. But this time, I didn’t pay attention. I was too busy spray painting leather boots! It’s a project that might seem unconventional at first, but with the right approach, it can breathe new life into old footwear. 

Take a look at how a simple can of spray paint can transform your worn-out leather shoes into something fresh and exciting. It’s not just about changing the color; it’s about revitalizing a beloved pair of boots with a personal touch.

No Shoe Shortage

I’ll admit, my shoe department is far from lacking; with a collection that I honestly attribute to a hereditary obsession passed down from my mother, I’ve never been one to shy away from expanding it further. 

So, when I heard about Rustoleum’s spray paint challenge while attending a conference this month, my curiosity was piqued. 

I was immediately brainstorming for the perfect project, running through my mental list of projects and items that needed a makeover. 

I wanted something that would not just change but truly transform with a FUN outcome. Spray painting leather boots seemed like the ultimate challenge, combining my love for footwear with the thrill of creative transformation.

First, I Taped off The Rim of The Boots and the Brass Ring Detailing With Blue Tape.

After taping off the rim of the boots and the brass ring detailing with blue tape, I sprayed the boots red, ensuring good coverage and making sure to get into all the cracks and crevices. 

Two coats were necessary, and I kept a detail brush handy in case of any drips. While the paint dried, I prepared the design I would use for my stencil. Browsing the internet for inspiration, I found a flower shape by Rifle Paper that caught my eye.

 I hand-drew the shapes to resemble it, but you could also print and trace a design that you like. This process turned out to be not just a transformation but a deeply personal project, infusing my footwear with a unique character.

Making a Stencil: Can You Spray Paint Leather Shoes?

Using delicate yellow tape, I adhered enough of it onto a plastic bag to draw my design. Afterward, I simply cut it out while it was still on the plastic. Once the design was cut, I carefully lifted it off the plastic to place it on my newly painted boots. 

I made two of each design part, one for each boot. Since I planned to finish with some hand detailing, I wasn’t too concerned about them being placed the same way; I just let it work out based on the shape of the boot. 

This approach allowed for a personalized touch that complemented the boots’ new look without the need for precision placement.

Then I Sprayed Each Portion of the Design, Drying Between Colors, and Adding the Next One.

When they were fully dry, I carefully peeled off the tape. Although when spraying furniture, I would normally remove the tape while the paint is still damp, I waited for the boots to dry to avoid any unwanted paint particles and drips. 

Next came the super fun part! I added a little detailing and outlining using Bungalow 47 Furniture Paint. The colors were different enough to provide a good accent, giving them just the right detail that I had seen in the original Rifle Paper design. 

This step transformed the boots from a simple DIY project to a personalized piece of art, showcasing the unique capabilities of spray paint on leather.

Painting Leather Shoes 

Your shoes might need a fresh look, and painting them is a fun and easy way to do that. Online, many people enjoy customizing shoes, and you can find lots of ideas from them.

Here’s how to do it using a pair of plain dress shoes as an example:

• We’re going to make two-tone shoes (white and black) using a cheaper pair of black shoes.
• We’ll use Angelus Leather Paint because it’s flexible, comes in many colors, and is affordable.
• This guide is good for most smooth leather items like wallets or bags, but not for suede or rough leather.

Painting Leather Shoes is a 3 Step Process

Sure, here’s a simplified version of the instructions in points:

• Clean the leather by taking off any old polish or coatings using a cleaner.
• Apply paint designed for leather.
• Use a finisher that gives either a shiny or non-shiny look.

You will Need

1. Use a strong cleaner from a hardware store to remove old coatings (nail polish remover is not suitable).
2. Opt for special leather paint available from online craft stores, with Dharma Trading Company being a recommended option.
3. Always have Q-tips and paper towels ready for cleaning and touching up mistakes.
4. Use quality masking tape, such as blue or premium green “Frog Tape”, to cover areas you don’t want to paint.
5. Gather paint brushes in different sizes for precise painting.
6. You’ll need a shoe to paint on.
7. Optionally, consider using a special finisher or duller for the final touch to ensure your project has a standout color and professional finish.

Step 1: Prep the Shoe

Here’s a simpler version:

1. Clean the shoe to remove dirt.
2. Cover areas you don’t want to paint with good quality tape (like 3M blue tape or green Frog Tape) for neat edges.
3. In a place with fresh air, use the cleaner to take off old polish or coatings. Clean with Q-tips and paper towels until no more polish comes off on the towels, making the shoe look dull. This is important for making sure the paint sticks well!

Step 2: Paint the Shoes

Here’s a simpler version:

1. Use Angelus paints because they cover well and are easy to use.
2. When painting light colors on dark shoes, you might need several layers (5 layers for white on black, but 2-3 layers for other colors). Let each layer dry for at least 20 minutes.
3. Apply many thin layers instead of one thick layer for the best look.
4. Take off the tape before the paint is dry to make the edges smooth and to prevent the tape from damaging the paint.
5. The paint will look a bit shiny when it dries. For a less shiny look, mix a product called Angelus Duller into the paint. For a shinier look, use a product called Angelus Finisher after the paint dries.

Step 3: Apply Finisher

Here’s a simpler version:

1. Angelus paint dries with a bit of shine. For more shine, let the paint dry, then put on Angelus Finisher. 
2. It’s thin like milk and you brush it on generously.
3. Let it dry for a whole day before wearing the shoes.

The black and white shoes turned out great! I also made my plain boots more interesting with navy, light blue, and red colors. Feel free to be creative!

How to Spray Paint Shoes

Spray painting shoes is a simple and budget-friendly way to update the look of leather and synthetic shoes. Here’s how to do it for great results:

Choose the right spray paint meant for leather shoes. Saphir Tenax is a good option that works on leather, vinyl, or plastic. It dries fast and comes in many colors. This paint works for leather and fake leather but not for suede or nubuck.

Spray Paint and Tools You Will Need to Spray Paint Shoes

Here’s a simpler list of what you need:

1. Leather cleaner or a strong cleaner
2. Optional: finisher or sealer
3. Cotton balls or a cloth
4. Protective gloves
5. Newspaper or plastic bags to fill the front of the shoes
6. Tape for covering parts you don’t want to paint

Before you begin, ensure you have all your supplies and work in a well-ventilated, well-lit area. Ventilation is crucial because many paints release fumes harmful to your airways. 

The best way to enhance ventilation is to paint shoes near a large open window. Also, make sure to protect the surface you’re working on.

How to Prep Shoes for Spray Painting

• Prepare Your Workspace
  • Ensure your workspace is organized, well-ventilated, and well-lit.
  • Protect the surface you’ll be working on.
• Prep the Shoes
  • Whether new or used, prepare your shoes for painting to enhance color durability.
  • Use a deglaze, preparer, or acetone to remove any waxy finish, dirt, and oils. Apply this using a cotton pad, ball, or cloth, rubbing until the shoe looks dull.
  • Check for and remove any cotton fibers on the leather.
  • Let the deglaze evaporate for about 15 minutes before starting to paint.
• Painting Process
  • Have your shoes and the best shoe paint ready for use.
  • Approach spray painting with patience. It’s a slow process, and rushing may cause the paint to crack or flake.
  • Remember, the paint dries more slowly than you might expect.

6-Steps on How to Spray Paint your Shoes

• Prepare Shoes for Painting
  • Stuff the toes of the shoes with newspaper or plastic bags to smooth the surface, reducing cracks and mistakes.
• Mask Areas
  • Use masking tape to cover parts of the shoes you don’t want to paint.
• Spray Paint Technique
  • Spray paint lightly using a long, even, sweeping motion. Keep your hand steady.
• Apply Multiple Thin Coats
  • Opt for several thin coats rather than a few thick ones for better durability. Take your time.
• Drying Time
  • Allow each coat to dry for 1 hour before applying the next one.
• Final Steps
  • After the last coat, let the shoes dry for 1 hour, remove the masking tape, and then let the paint cure for 24 hours.
• Patience is Key
  • The process involves a lot of waiting, but patience is essential for a pristine finish.

How to Protect Your Spray-Painted Shoes

To make sure your spray paint lasts, it’s a good idea to protect it with finishes on your shoes. Finishes aren’t necessary, but they do help. 

They keep your paint job looking fresh, and you can choose between a matte (not shiny) or glossy (shiny) look for your shoes. Always apply a few light coats of the finish, letting each one dry before putting on the next.

Tips for Spray Painting Shoes

Newspaper

If you’re painting soft shoes, fill the toes with newspaper or plastic bags to make the surface smooth.

Base Coat

If you’re using metallic colors, start with a base coat in a similar but non-metallic color for a smoother surface for the metallic coat.

Light Color First

If painting shoes with many colors, begin with the lighter shades and then move to the darker ones. This makes it easier to cover up any mistakes, as dark colors can easily hide errors made with light colors.

Do Nots

Avoid using wool daubers for painting. They are designed for applying dye or polish, not for paint.

The Best

Choose the best spray paint for leather shoes available. Angelus Leather Paint is a great option.

Can you Use Regular Spray Paint on Shoes?

Yes, regular spray paint can be used on shoes, but it’s important to use the right type of paint and follow proper application techniques. 

Fabric or leather spray paint is recommended for shoes, as it is designed to adhere to those surfaces without cracking or peeling.

It’s important to clean and prepare the shoes properly before painting, and to apply multiple light coats of paint, allowing each coat to dry before adding the next. 

Using a sealer or topcoat is also recommended to protect the paint and increase durability.

FAQ

Does Spray Paint Stick to Leather Shoes?

It is possible to give leather a great look without dying it. Change up the look of your leather upholstery, shoes, or accessories with the judicious application of leather spray paint. You’ll need to carefully prepare the leather surface for painting.

What kind of Paint Do you Use on Leather Shoes?

To paint on leather you’ll need a leather item, acrylic leather paints such as Angelus paint, and paint brushes.

Does Spray Paint Last on Leather?

Spray paints can be easily used on any leather surface without worry. Make sure to use paint designed for leather or other flexible surfaces, such as vinyl, for better application and permanent pigmented color. These spray paints are specially designed to adhere to leather types of surfaces.

Does Pint Stay on Leather Shoes?

Yes, you can paint leather shoes. The best way to do this is to use leather paint specifically designed for painting leather items. It is important to clean and condition the shoes before applying the paint, as this will help ensure that the paint adheres properly.

Does Spray Paint Crack on Leather?

You’ll need paint that can flex and move with the material, so it won’t crack or peel over time. Look for spray paint that’s specifically designed for leather or fabric. These paints are often labeled as “flexible” or “fabric” paint.

Will Spray Pint Stay on Shoes?

Using regular spray paint on shoes can be done, but it may not yield the best results, especially if the shoes are made of materials like leather or fabric. Standard spray paint is not designed to adhere well to flexible and porous shoe materials, and it may crack, peel, or wear off quickly.

What Paint is Permanent on Leather?

Acrylic paint with any kind of sealer is your best option. You can even use permanent markers. You may want to prime your surface first so the paint sticks better.

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