Essential Tools and 10 Tips for Sneaker Painting
Mollies
Sneaker customisation has become a thriving art form, allowing you to express your unique style and personality. Whether you're a seasoned DIY enthusiast or just starting your sneaker painting journey, having the right tools and techniques at your fingertips is crucial for achieving stunning results.
At Mollies Make & Create, we're help creatives like you to unleash your inner artist by supplying top brands of sneaker painting supplies. Our family-owned Auckland business is your one-stop-shop for all the essentials you need to customise your sneakers.
Paint & Supplies
Acrylic paint designed for leather and vinyl are the go-to choice for sneaker customisation, as they provide vibrant, long-lasting color. We stock the main players -- Angelus, Tarrago, Jacquard.
Proper surface preparation is also key. Make sure to thoroughly clean and degrease your sneakers with deglazer before painting to ensure the best possible adhesion. Mollies carries a range of prep materials, such as alcohol-based cleaners and sandpaper, to help you get your sneakers ready for their transformation.
When you have finished your design, it is crucial to use a topcoat to seal your artwork in. Don't skip this step, as it will ensure longeivity.
Other sneaker painting tools that you will find useful are brushes, palettes and tracing paper. How about giving airbrushing a go when you get some experience under your belt.
10 Tips for Sneaker Painting Success
As you dive into your sneaker customization project, keep these tips in mind for the best results:
- Experiment with color mixing to create your own custom shades. Use a palette tray to help with mixing.
- ALWAYS deglaze your sneakers, regardless if they are new or old. Deglazing removes the factory finish and allows you to get maximum adhesion.
- Use leather/vinyl rated paint only and seal it well with the recommended top coat.
- Layer your paints for depth and dimension. Multiple thin coats work best.
- Plan your design. Use a sketch book or tracing paper. Try taking a photo or your shoes, and draw your design on the image.
- Practice patience and take your time - rushing can lead to mistakes. Practice on old shoes, or leather/vinyl scraps.
- Ensure every layer dries completely in between coats.
- Protect the area you don't want painted with masking tape or masking film.
- Experiment with flat colours, metallics and glitter for knockout designs.
- Use Rit Dyemore to dye sneaker soles - paint wont stick to this part of the shoe.