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).
Equipment
- 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
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.
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.
70 comments | Click here to reply
Hello! Great blog post ! I wanted to ask if it’s possible to dye Birkenstock clogs? I’m interested in the tokio grip ones but they only come in white and black and would like a brown pair. Is it possible to dye them? Thank you and have a great one !
PriscillaYour shoes remind me of a pair of Dansko Mary Janes I have that were kinds cute in neutral honey brown, but are absolutely adorable bright red. No one believes that I dyed them. I wear them all the time now.
Amy WilsonHi- I have a pair of SHBs that I want to dye but I was worried about the staples- does the dye not stick to the staples? Seems like in your photos you had no issues!
sba18I don’t think I have any leather shoes to dye… but I’m loving the idea!
Alexandrea MarksI am super tempted to try this. My daughter has tan tap shoes and needs black for this season, which is annoying since hers still fit great and it’s her last year. Def do not want to spend $115 on a brand new pair. 🙄
Amy MelbyHi, can I mix the colors?
mollyI was so pleased to find your tutorial for dying clogs! Mine are Dansko’s in a camel shade (darker than yours are) and I’ve treated them with a protectant spray. Do you think the dye will take without any pre-treatment? If not, what would you suggest?
Thanks very much!
Also, I am new to your blog. Will your answer come to my email or do I need to come back to the blog to look for it? I’m hoping its the first option.
MaureenHi Chandra. I haven’t tried the colors you mentioned, but like you said…any darker color would be great if the shoes are light to begin with. 🙂 Hope that helps.
Brittni-Brittni
I have a pair of yellow/tan Patagonia booties and I’m super intrigued by your post. I bought them at a consignment store and I’ve maybe only worn them once but I think an updated color would be the trick. Have you ever used the burnt umber or pewter? Or any suggestions for a color that would be fun … maybe teal? The color is so light (like your original shoe) so I’m thinking any darker color would give good coverage. I would love your insight!
https://dtpmhvbsmffsz.cloudfront.net/posts/2013/02/26/512ce79e4b807522f5004f5a/m_512ce7a24b807522f5004f5c.jpg
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Shoe Win: DIY Painter Shoes Makeover - Paper and StitchWhat is the exact name of the Jacquard Dye-Na-Flow paint color you used?
AndreaThanks!
Thank you for posting this! I had thrifted a pair of light tan (almost cream) colored leather clogs for cheap that had a weird stain though, and I couldn’t really get them to work for me color-wise either. Ordered this same dye in black and they look fantastic! So great for fall!
EmmyHi Kelly. I’m not familiar with what the scarlet color looks like, but I’m sure it will be fine if you like the color. I’d recommend trying the dye first on a small (not as noticeable) portion of the shoe or a piece of leather that is a similar color to what your shoes look like before dying, to be sure you’ll like it before your dye the whole shoe. Good luck!
BrittniI have a white pair of Hasbeens I want to dye. Do you think the scarlet color would be too bright? I couldn’t find the wine color you used.
KellyHi Tanya. I used a small, soft bristle brush for this one.
Brittni-Brittni
Perfect timing. I just picked up a pair of clogs in the same color and want to dye them. Could you tell me about the brush you used for this project?
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6 DIYs to Try This Weekend - Paper and StitchHi Mary. Sounds like you might need a primer OR multiple coats of opaque paint. Hope that helps.
Brittni-Brittni
Hi Brittni, I have a question I have a pair of black patent leather shoes that I want to paint them Turquoise.But I can’t get the shine out. I tried the acetone that doesn’t work.Do you know what could take the shine out. By the way I am using Angelus Paint.
MaryAwesome! So glad to hear that Arlene.
BrittniI tried it and they look great.
ArleneHi Mary. I think you’ll probably end up with better results going from a lighter color to a darker color, rather than a darker color to a lighter color. So, my suggestion would be to dye the red shoes black for the best result. I think you could absolutely try going white with them, but I think they’d probably end up just looking like a lighter red or a pink going that route. Let me know how it goes if you give it a try though. I’d love to hear!
BrittniHi again,
MaryI asked if it would work to dye from red to white. Also if not, would it work better from red to black? Thanks again!
Hi there. Here’s the link to the dye I like to use… http://amzn.to/2ferzRS It’s on Amazon.
BrittniYou may have already mentioned it and I missed it….what was the name of the leather dye you used and where might one order this leather dye?
RedFabbGreat! Let me know how it goes Lexi. I think you’re going to love how they turn out.
BrittniMy mother in law just gave me some vintage frye clogs that definitely could use a face lift. I thought of dying them but felt nervous. So happy to stumble on this! I’m going to do it!
LexiGreat question, JD. One jar is plenty for what you’re planning to cover.
BrittniI am trying to gauge how much due to order. Was one jar plenty to cover your clogs? I understand more is used if you want darker results.
Thank you for this article! 8 can’t wait to spruce up my stark white Hasbeens to a nice Scarlett red!
JDThat’s awesome Kiley!
BrittniI have saved more than one pair of shoes by giving them a new color. It’s surprisingly easy. I have even gone so far as to re-dye an entire leather sofa, using the same basic method to turn a curb-side reject into a super comfy and expensive looking piece.
KileyYayyyyy!!!! I’m moving into winter with my nude hasbeens, and as much as I’d like to buy a new black pair, I just can’t. Soo… I’m going to try the dye!
PhoebeHi Anh. I’m sorry, I’m not sure what you’re asking? Can you rephrase? Happy to answer!
BrittniIt’s pretty easy to find online, Carol Lee. So that’s probably your best bet, if you couldn’t find it locally.
BrittniHow can you make paint around the thread of your shoes that it didn’t cover in paint? 🙂
AnhThank you! My local Michael’s did not carry the paint you suggested to use. I guess I’ll order on line.
Carol LeeThanks for your advice!!
Carol
It’s hard to say without seeing the stain, Carol Lee. But my first inclination would be that if you’re using a deep color dye like black you should be okay without doing anything else. If it were me and I was committed to dyeing the shoes regardless, I would wet the entire area of the grease stain and the surrounding leather with a damp cloth first. Then let it dry completely before dyeing. Hope that helps.
Brittni-B
I have a pair of beige colored sandals that have what looks like a grease spot on the front strap. I would like to paint them black. But I am concerned the grease spot will come through the paint as a darker hue. What do you think? If it will be darker any solutions…perhaps priming the area?
Thank you,
Carol LeeCarol
Thanks! The dye is permanent, so it’s been doing a great job holding up to the elements. Hope that helps, Dressu.
BrittniThat re-painted pair of shoes looked really amazing – I love the shade of red! Did the dye last long?
Dressu.orgThere are a pair of sandals I really, REALLY want, but they’re discontinued and only found on eBay.
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shoebuy.com%2Fpi%2Fwolve%2Fjb%2Fwolve508093_5626_jb.jpg&imgrefurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.shoebuy.com%2Fmerrell-henna%2F508093&docid=Su_zwb1mboNryM&tbnid=USSTfiDm2ps5JM%3A&w=450&h=270&client=ms-android-google&bih=604&biw=412&ved=0ahUKEwjU6pKe457MAhUBWmMKHbzXD4sQMwgeKAIwAg&iact=mrc&uact=8
They are dark so I’m not worried about the dyeing, but I am worried about the cord that goes around them. According to the seller, they’re decorative but tired into the sole; can’t t take em off temporarily.
So wondering if you think it would be a total fail to tape off that thin cord; if not, what do you suggest I tape/cover it with? I would be totally adverse to dyeing the cord, too, but do you think the cotton would take leather dye well?
I’ve looked all around and found Nada on the web; I called one cobbler and he said he wouldn’t take the job because of possible bad results.
JessicaA quick response would be GREAT. Thank you so much!
Awesome Candace! So glad to hear that.
BrittniThis DIY is the best! I bought a pair of Cape Clogs online & the light lime color didn’t go with anything in my closet. I was going to try & use shoe polish to darken the leather, but I am so glad I found this method first! I used the Ochre Dye-na-Flow and I wanted a neutral nudeish color (very similar to the color in your before photo). Capte Clogs come with untreated leather, so I think this helped make the dyeing process that much easier for me. The Ochre color worked perfectly! I am so pleased with the end result, they look straight out of an anthropologie catalog! Thank you for the great tip!
Candace GraceHi Julie. For a dark color, like black, you first would need to lighten the leather, and then go through the dyeing process that I outlined in the post. I don’t have much experience lightening dark leathers, but there are a few tutorials online, using natural light, acetone, and/or bleach that you can look up. Once you’ve done that, they should be okay to dye that fire red color you’re hoping for. Good luck!
Brittni-Brittni
Hi Brittni
JulieJust wondering how to stain black leather shoes in red….fire red?
Thanks a bunch
Julie 🙂
Hi Emmanuel. I don’t dye shoes professionally. I would recommend following the instructions in the tutorial above (first testing on a small surface to make sure that this project will give you the desired look). Hope that helps.
Brittni-Brittni
Bought some white leather nike boots, will like to dye the boots brown are dark brown. Can you help out please. Do your company dye shoe.
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AnitaGood luck Cathie! I think this would be a perfect experiment for sandals….especially if you haven’t worn them in a while.
BrittniI am intrigued. I have a pair of Doc Martens sandals that I haven’t worn in years, that would look super cool dyed. Praying for courage…..
CathieHi Sreynolds. I bought mine locally, but you can also get it on Amazon. The color I used can be found right here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009IJZJK/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0009IJZJK&linkCode=as2&tag=papernstitch-20&linkId=WX5PLJATYYS46IEB but there are plenty of other colors on Amazon as well. Just search Dye na Flow. Hope that helps.
BrittniWere do you buy your dye at? Love this idea of dyeing shoes ect.
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Ideas para el fin de semana - Demodéthanks for posting! I have some Frye boots I’ve wanted to dye. I bought them online in “banana” not realizing how yellow they really were in person. I now have to buy some dye.
CarissaHi Robin. There are lots of textile paints and dyes that also work on synthetic materials. Usually, it will say the types of materials the dye or paint will adhere to right on the label. The dye that I used (Dye na Flow) actually works on synthetic materials as well. So, it would be the same process that I shared in the tutorial. Hope that helps. 🙂
BrittniGreat idea! Any tips for painting shoes that are man made fiber?
RobinI found shoes I love so I bought a 2nd pair in a very light tan, with the plans to somehow paint them PURPLE. I was thinking that the paint they use to paint vinyl car seats might work. But I have yet to find a purple. AND I would rather not have a spray paint because the shoe has a flower on the front that would be hard to cover if spray painting. It might make a blobby mess. LOL
Any ideas?
Gotta try this with my leather purse. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
EleighThis is awesome! This would be such a fun way to revamp an old pair of shoes!
Paige
Paigehttp://thehappyflammily.com
Thanks, Brittni! I’m going to give the heat setting a try. I’ve been wanting to extend the life of my white handbag by dyeing it for ages!
KimberlyWow. I love what you did there!
http://imyownmuse.blogspot.com
UjjainiHa. I completely agree…life is too short for ugly shoes. 🙂
BrittniVery nicely done! Oh, I love red shoes! They go with everything! (: I like buying cheap shoes and dressing them up by dyeing and other DIY methods like painting on them/sewing beads etc. Life is too short for ugly shoes! (:
Love your shoes – they look so cheery now!
xx Jia, honeyandgazelle.wordpress.com
honey&gazelleThanks Lola and Amy.
BrittniI don’t think I have any leather shoes to dye… but I’m loving the idea!
Amy WThey turned out amazing , these are definitely on my try out list !
inspireparlamode.wordpress.com
LolaThat’s a good question Kimberly. I would say that it probably depends on the type of dye you are using, but if you use the same one that I use, you can actually heat set the leather, either with an iron or with this stuff called Airfix http://www.jacquardproducts.com/airfix.html if using an iron isn’t practical. For best results, the leather should be untreated. Hope that helps.
BrittniLove that wine color! Do you think this DIY would work just as well with a handbag…or would the dye rub off on clothing?
Kimberly