Dying Shoes

[renegade13]

So I have a pair of brown shoes. i've messed around with a lot of dye, and I know in paris they strip shoes with acetone and redye them to create patinas. But my question is: should I use acetone to strip the dye from these brown shoes, or something else. What dyes are best, and will the dye hold or do i need to fix it, and if so, what is the finish that is most subtle?

Thanks for any help you might be able to offer. I'll post pics when I do this.

[rickybobby]

Hi,

I have done a few of these color changes. Here are the steps and products I used...

1. Use acetone to strip off any polish and color that will come off. Be very thorough removing anything that will come off.

2. I used #1000 grit sand paper to rough up the surface. I used the "wet and dry" paper used for automotive refinishing. (dry)

3. Use green "Frog tape" from Home Depot to mask off anything that you do not want to color. Buckles, soles, heels, or uppers if doing cowboy boots.

4. After a few hours of dry time to let fumes dissipate. Spray with Meltonian Nu Life spray dye (there are over 40 colors) several light coats work best, spray until covered and color is even. Thick material on edges will only chip off when removing masking tape. Pull tape when dry enough to handle (an hour or so).

5. After a day of dry time, use Meltonian Cream Polish (near the same color as the spray) for a color finish.

6. To seal the whole job, Meltonian Spray Shine is a clear finish. Just a couple light spray coats to seal the color.

Usually changing from a light color to a dark color works better then a dark color to a light color. I have done both and it has worked, good prep work will give you the best finished product.

Rick