What Type of Paint Do You Use on Shoes?

By Staff WriterLast Updated March 25, 2020

Leather paint is the best paint to use on leather shoes; if the shoes are made of canvas or fabric, acrylic paint, fabric paint or fabric paint pens are better options. Acrylic paint can also be mixed with a textile or fabric medium to ensure that the painted surface stays flexible and to prevent uneven application of the paint on the rough texture of the shoe.

Before the shoes are painted, they should be clean. Leather shoes can be cleaned with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol, and shoes made of synthetic materials can be cleaned with a cotton ball dipped in acetone. The shoes should also be stuffed before they are painted to ensure that they keep their shape and their smooth surface throughout the painting and drying process.