Shoe Win: How To Dye Leather Shoes Like A Pro - Paper And Stitch

Learn how to dye leather (shoes, bags, belts, and more).

So…I may be completely crazy for doing this…but I painted my Swedish Hasbeens.

Now, before you pull your hair out in disagreement, I feel like I should mention that I have literally NEVER worn these shoes out and I have had them for YEARS. No exaggeration.

Which is exactly why I decided to paint them. So that I could actually wear them.

Okay, so now that I’ve over explained myself. Let’s get to the before and after photos. Here’s the side by side…

I’ve been searching for a more colorful neutral lately, so I went with a rich wine color. Which works with pretty much every outfit I own…or close to it. Mission accomplished.

Now I can finally get some use out of these puppies.

To dye leather like a pro, you’ll need a good textile dye, a paint brush, and some painter’s tape.

My favorite textile dye is Dye-na-Flow by Jacquard. That’s what I used for this project and the leather bound notepads DIY. Good stuff!

AND it also helps if you’re dyeing a lighter leather, like mine.

Supplies needed for dyeing leather

• Dye-na-Flow by Jacquard
• paint brush
• leather item (like shoes)

How to Dye Leather

1. Tape off any areas you don’t want to dye.

First things first – be sure to tape off the areas that you do not want the dye to go. You want to make sure the tape is nice and secure to get a crisp clean line.

This really helps to make the finished shoe look like it was always the new color (as opposed to painted on, which isn’t always a cool look).

2. Then it’s time to dye.

As for the dyeing, it works just like paint. The only difference is that it’s less forgiving than paint.

You need to apply pretty even coats for the leather to maintain an allover color that doesn’t appear blotchy. It’s still simple to do though, even with a larger surface area to cover.

You’ll just have to go over the entire area several times with a paint brush and more dye to get even coverage that builds up over a few layers.

3. Remove the tape.

Once the dye is completely dry, carefully remove the tape and they’re ready to wear.

More Tips for Dyeing Leather

I also found that painting in just one direction and not overfilling your brush with dye helps with getting even coverage.

Once you’ve reached the desired color, allow the dye to dry completely before using.

You can get your blow dryer out to speed up the process, if you’re impatient like me.

What other leather items can be dyed this way?

Really anything that is leather can be dyed using this same technique. It’s a great way to refresh something that you aren’t using. Or just a way to customize pieces you already have in your closet.

Here are some ideas…

• leather belt
• leather bag
• leather wallet
• leather napkin rings

What other items can you think of that this technique would work for? I’d love to hear your suggestions.

More dyeing projects to love…

• My favorite dyeing process….reverse tie dye.
• Dip dyed watercolor stationery – Great for special occasions and holiday cards too.
• Dyed tree skirt ideas for the holidays.
• A little dye and a few rubber bands turned some plain canvas bags into cute DIY Halloween candy bags.
• And one more DIY idea… for dyeing carpet.

Learn how to dye leather (shoes, bags, belts, and more).

Brittni I may be completely crazy for doing this...but I painted my Swedish Hasbeens. Now, before you pull your hair out in disagreement, I feel like I should mention that I have literally NEVER worn these shoes out and I have had them for YEARS. No exaggeration. Which is exactly why I decided to paint them. So that I could actually wear them. Okay, so now that I've over explained myself, let's get to the before and after photos. No ratings yet Print Pin Recipe

Equipment

• Dye-na-Flow by Jacquard
• paint brush
• leather item (like shoes)

Instructions

Tape off any areas you don't want to dye.

• First things first - be sure to tape off the areas that you do not want the dye to go. You want to make sure the tape is nice and secure to get a crisp clean line.
• This really helps to make the finished shoe look like it was always the new color (as opposed to painted on, which isn't always a cool look).

Then it's time to dye.

• As for the dyeing, it works just like paint. The only difference is that it's less forgiving than paint.
• You need to apply pretty even coats for the leather to maintain an allover color that doesn't appear blotchy. It's still simple to do though, even with a larger surface area to cover.
• You'll just have to go over the entire area several times with a paint brush and more dye to get even coverage that builds up over a few layers.

Remove the tape.

• Once the dye is completely dry, carefully remove the tape and they're ready to wear.

Notes

More Tips for Dyeing Leather I also found that painting in just one direction and not overfilling your brush with dye helps with getting even coverage. Once you've reached the desired color, allow the dye to dry completely before using. You can get your blow dryer out to speed up the process, if you're impatient like me. What other leather items can be dyed this way? Really anything that is leather can be dyed using this same technique. It's a great way to refresh something that you aren't using. Or just a way to customize  pieces you already have in your closet. Here are some ideas... leather belt leather bag leather wallet leather napkin rings What other items can you think of that this technique would work for? I'd love to hear your suggestions. Did you make this?Mention @paperandstitch or tag #paperandstitch!

Photography by Linda Jednaszewski Concept and styling by Brittni Mehlhoff

So now that you know how to dye leather shoes like a pro, think you’ll give this DIY a try?

I bet there’s at least one pair of shoes in your closet that you could get some new use out of it with a quick dyeing facelift.

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