DIY Project

Paint

Custom painted sneakers

Plain white canvas or leather sneakers painted with your own design, flexible enough to wear every day.

Custom painted sneakers
LevelIntermediate
AgesAges 12 and up
Time3 hours plus drying
Cost$15 to $40 plus shoes

What you'll need

Materials

Tick them off as you find them.

Tools

How to make it

Safety

Use leather prep and alcohol near an open window.

  1. Step 1: Clean the shoes
    1

    Clean the shoes

    Wipe leather shoes with prep or alcohol on a cotton pad. Wash canvas ones and let them dry.

  2. Step 2: Tape the soles
    2

    Tape the soles

    Run painter's tape along the sole edges so paint stays on the uppers.

  3. Step 3: Sketch lightly
    3

    Sketch lightly

    Draw your design in pencil. Start simple: checkers, flames or stars.

  4. Step 4: Paint thin coats
    4

    Paint thin coats

    Brush thin layers. Wait 15 minutes between coats. 3 thin beats 1 thick.

  5. Step 5: Seal them
    5

    Seal them

    Brush on finisher once dry so it doesn't crack or rub off.

  6. Step 6: Let them cure
    6

    Let them cure

    Wait 24 hours before wearing.

Edie's tip

Stuff the shoes with paper towels so the surface stays smooth while you paint.

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