How To Dye Shoes

Knowing how to dye shoes can come in handy, especially when you don't have time or money to buy new footwear. In little over a half hour you can revamp your old shoes or boots by applying a new color.

In order to dye shoes you will need the following:

• A pair of shoes
• A damp rag or dry brush
• A container of liquid shoe dye
• A pair of rubber gloves
• A roll of paper towels

         1. The Dye. To prepare your shoes before applying dye, you have to clean them of dust and dirt. You can do that with a damp rag or by brushing them with a dry brush. Don't worry about scuff marks or other surface blemishes. The dye will cover all of that. After the shoes are clean, you must make sure they are perfectly dry before proceeding. Dye for shoes comes in a variety of colors. Shoe dye can be purchased in liquid form with an applicator. Once you have selected a color, shake the container well before you take off the cap. Be sure to cover every area of the shoes. That includes the tongue and the seams.  Since it is a dye and penetrates deep into leather and permanently adheres to plastics or other material, it is imperative to use rubber gloves when applying the liquid.  Keep a roll of paper towels on hand incase of spills or misapplication to an area of the shoes you don't want dyed.    

         2. After the Dye is Applied. Once you have applied the dye, making sure every surface of the shoe is covered, let the shoes dry for 30 minutes before applying another application. If you decide that you would prefer another color, the shoes can be re-dyed. Just make sure you allow the dye to dry overnight before applying a new color. The dye should dry for the same length of time before applying polish, silicone or any preservative. Even after a finish has been applied, the shoes can always be cleaned and dyed once again.  

         3. Dyeing Shoes Can Save Time and Money. It is much cheaper to dye shoes to coordinate with your wardrobe than to go out and buy new shoes. There is no need to spend hours of time looking for the right shoes when an application of simple dye can save the day.