Suede is made from soft leather used primarily for fashion items such as clothing, shoes, and purses. The good thing about suede is that it can be dyed to regain the original color or create a new look through a simple process. Let’s discuss how to dye suede shoes.
Tips on How to Dye Suede Shoes
It’s important to apply the same color as the previous or a darker one. There are always manufacturer instructions on what colors you can use for your suede shoes. The dying process should take a few hours. Ensure that you follow the manufactures instructions closely.
Here are some of the things you will require before you start the dyeing process
- Rubber gloves
- A sponge
- Fabric dye
- Warm soapy water
- Old newspaper
- Clean shoe brush
Step 1 – Prepare for the dyeing process
Get a good space – preferably on a hard flat surface and cover it with old newspapers or sheets. Place all your dye materials near so that you can easily access them during the dying process.
The next thing is to wear your rubber gloves before starting – to guard your hands against staining and irritants.
Step 2 – Clean your sued shoes
Some people make the mistake of starting to apply dye before properly cleaning the shoe. Ensure that you remove all the debris and then brush the surface of the shoes to ensure that there’s nothing left – but the sued material. Continue with a suede cleaner (only use a suede cleaner) to soften it and allow it to dry after you are done.
Step 3 – Restore the quality of the leather material
Prior to starting to apply dye to your suede, ensure that you have restored its quality using the suede restorer spray. This will help in bringing back the fabric and make it easy to apply the dye. Apply the spray in a well-ventilated area. If you are inside the house, then open all the windows in the room.
Step 4 – Apply the dye
Most suede dyes come with a special applicator such as a brush, dauber or wool. Take any of them (one that’s convenient for you) and apply a uniform coat of dye on the surface. Note that suede is porous meaning some spots might soak up more color than you expected. Remove excess dye by blotting the material from such places.
Some of the colors sometimes require more than just one coat to get a proper shade. Therefore, after you are done with the first coat, give it time to dry for approximately one or two hours before adding another coat. However, avoid doing too many coats because doing so can wear out the leather easily.
Step 5 – Brush once more
Pass the brush all of the shoe while it’s drying up to prevent it from becoming stiff. As soon as your shoes have dried up, get back your suede brush (with back and forth movements) to raise the nap. After that complete the dyeing process by applying a suede protector spray – to protect your shoes against stain and moisture.
