How to Paint the Soles of Your Shoes

PDF download Download Article
Plus, how to maintain your kicks to preserve your paint job
PDF download Download Article

Painting the soles of your shoes is a great way to add your own personal style or flair to them. In this article, we’ll show you exactly how to prep, paint, and seal your soles with tips from shoe care specialist Rio Jongsae Kim. We’ll also share how to maintain your paint job to keep your soles vibrant for as long as possible. Read on to learn more!

Painting Shoe Soles: Quick Steps

  1. Clean your soles with rubbing alcohol or acetone and let them dry.
  2. Lightly sand the soles with fine-grit sandpaper.
  3. Tape off the edges of your soles and add 1-2 layers of primer.
  4. Add thin, even coats of acrylic paint, letting each coat dry before adding more.
  5. Let the shoes fully dry and add 1-2 coats of a clear sealant.
  6. Let the sealant dry and cure overnight or for up to 24-48 hours.
Section 1 of 5:

Preparing the Soles for Painting

PDF download Download Article
  1. According to Kim, it's very important to “clean the soles first” before you paint or prime. First, wipe or scrape away any loose dirt or debris with a soft-bristled brush or old toothbrush. Then, take a clean cotton ball and dip it in rubbing alcohol or acetone (nail polish remover). Use the cotton ball to wipe down each sole, cleaning off any remaining dirt. The rubbing alcohol and clean surface will help the color adhere to the shoe. [1]
    • Wait for the rubbing alcohol to dry once the shoe has been cleaned—this should only take a few minutes.
  2. 2
    Sand the soles lightly with fine-grit sandpaper. To help your primer and paint adhere to the sole, use fine-grit sandpaper (about 600-800 grit ) to lightly scuff up and texturize the rubber sole. No need to press hard—a light pass over will do. Afterward, go over the sole again with an even finer grit ( 1400-1600 grit ). [2]
    • Troubleshooting tip: If your paint starts peeling or cracking, it may be because the sole surface wasn’t cleaned or sanded thoroughly.
    Advertisement
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Paint Soles of Shoes
    To prevent getting paint or primer on places other than the sole of the shoe, use masking tape or painter’s tape. Apply the tape to the edges and other sections of the shoe that you want protected from paint. [3]
    • Cut the painter’s tape into shorter or thinner strips to make applying the tape easier.
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Paint Soles of Shoes
    Priming the soles isn’t a required step, but it will help the paint stick to the soles better. Use a primer that will adhere to the material of your shoe. For example, if your soles are made of rubber, you’d want a primer designed for rubber materials . This could be found at a local hardware store or online. Use a clean paintbrush to apply the primer evenly to each sole. [4]
    • If desired, you can also just use a white acrylic paint or even nail polish as a primer.
    • If you're not sure of the material of the sole, check the bottom or inside of the shoe for a label. If you can't find a label, search online to find the shoe's material.
    • You may need to apply several thin, even coats to get even coverage.
    • Wait for the primer to dry completely before continuing (at least for an hour or so). If you're unsure if the primer is dry or not, lightly touch it with your finger.
    5. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

Painting the Sole

PDF download Download Article
  1. Kim recommends that you “apply acrylic paint with a paintbrush.” It’s common to use acrylic paint on soles, which works as long as you add a sealant afterwards (more on that below). There are also paints designed for rubber or leather .
    • PlastiDip is the most popular paint choice for rubber and comes in many different colors.
    • Angelus paints are popular when painting on leather.
    • You might also consider enamel paint , which is more durable than acrylic and works well on both rubber and plastic surfaces.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Paint Soles of Shoes
    Using a clean brush, apply the paint in even strokes over the sides and bottoms of your soles. Go slowly and make sure you don’t apply paint in any places where you don’t want it, especially if you’re not using painter’s tape. [5] Kim emphasizes that you should “apply a couple of light coats of paint” instead of one heavy coat.
    • Paint the shoes over a piece of newspaper to protect your surfaces.
    • The size of the brush that you use is up to you. Just make sure it's small enough to paint the curves of the shoe adequately and cleanly.
  3. Let the first coat of paint you applied fully dry. How long you wait will depend on the type of paint you used, but waiting at least an hour is a good rule of thumb.
    • Troubleshooting tip: If you apply the paint too thickly or don’t wait for coats to dry between applications, the finish may look uneven. Thick paint can also result in bubbles (especially in humid conditions).
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Paint Soles of Shoes
    Your soles are going to need anywhere from 2-5 coats of paint, depending on the color, shade, and coverage you’re going for. Continue painting evenly and carefully, waiting for each coat to dry before painting the next one. [6]
    • If you're painting the soles of your shoes black, you’ll most likely only need 1 or 2 coats of paint.
    • If you're painting the soles a lighter or brighter color, such as yellow, pink, or bright blue, you'll need more than 2 coats of paint.
  5. This will give the shoes time to completely dry. Place the soles on a piece of newspaper, soles up, so that they can dry more efficiently.
    • Leaving the shoes indoors in a cooler environment will allow them to dry faster.
    • Depending on the paint and number of coats, it may take 24-48 hours to dry fully.
    6. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

Sealing the Soles

PDF download Download Article
  1. Kim explains, “after [your soles] dry, you have to apply a finisher or sealant to protect [the] paint from peeling off.” In addition to making sure the paint on the soles doesn't peel off as soon as you wear them, a sealant will help protect the paint job in general. You can use Mod Podge or any other protective sealant for paint. [7]
    • You can choose a shiny or matte clear coat, depending on which you’d prefer. Most sealants also come with spray-on or brush-on options.
    • Acrylic sealants are flexible and a popular choice. Urethane sealants are even more durable against water and scuffs and are a good choice if you’ll be wearing your shoes frequently.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Paint Soles of Shoes
    Use a clean paintbrush to apply the sealant in a thin, even layer. Since it's clear and harder to see, check to make sure you've covered the entire sole.
    • How many coats you choose to do is entirely up to you, but 2 coats of sealant on your soles will give you more protection than just 1. Wait at least 15-20 minutes for each coat to dry.
    • Do a touch-test to determine if the coat of sealant is dry or not. If your finger comes back with sealant residue, it's not dry yet.
    • To make sure the sealant fully cures, let your shoes sit overnight before wearing or handling them. You may need to wait up to 24-48 hours to be confident the sealant is dry.
  3. Once your soles are completely dry and finished, you can take off any painter’s tape that you used. Peel it off carefully so that you don’t ruin the paint job. [8]
    • For extra protection, apply a coat of waterproofing spray to the soles (and the rest of the shoe) to preserve your paint job.
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 5:

Maintaining Your Painted Soles

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Clean your soles with water and gentle soap. To keep your paint job looking brand new, wipe your soles down with a damp cloth after each wear. If they’re looking dirty, use soapy water (a mild dish soap will work fine). Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, which can eat through the sealant or paint.
  2. 2
    Reapply the sealant every few months or as needed. As you wear your shoes, you may notice that some parts of the sole wear down faster than others. Keep track of where the wear and tear is, and reapply sealant to preserve the paint underneath. Even if you don’t see much wear, it’s a good idea to reapply every 2-3 months or so for maintenance.
  3. 3
    Handle your shoes with care and avoid harsh weather when possible. Handle your shoes gently when you’re taking them off or putting them on and try not to bend or scrape the sole more than necessary. When you’re not wearing them, keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight (like a closet or drawer). The UV rays in sunlight can degrade the sealer and the vibrancy of the paint. [9]
    • Try not to wear your shoes outside when there’s heavy rain, snow, or mud, which can cause wear or fading.
    4. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

Frequently Asked Questions

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    What’s the best paint to use on shoe soles? In general, acrylic paint is a great choice. It’s the easiest to find and works well on nearly all shoe sole materials, including rubber. Leather paint for leather soles, enamel paint for more durability, or paints designed specifically for rubber are also good choices.
  2. 2
    Can you dye shoe soles? Yes! To dye your soles, mix equal parts of dye (like Angelus Leather dye or Rit dye ) with a sole whitener . Apply thin, even coats of the dye mix to the shoe with a brush, letting each coat dry before adding the next. Let the soles fully dry after the last coat, then wipe down the soles with alcohol or warm water to remove excess dye. You may need to repeat the process a few times to get the coverage and saturation you want. [10]
  3. 3
    How can you add designs to the soles of your shoes? There are tons of ways to show off your artistic side on your soles. Here are a few ideas for inspiration:
    • Grab a fine brush or paint pen to add text or logos.
    • Tape a stencil to the sole and add paint with a sponge for precise designs.
    • Try layering different colors of paint to create custom colors and add depth to your soles.
    • Use metallic or neon paint to make a bold statement!
  4. 4
    Why is my sealant yellowing? The sealant may yellow or your paint color may start to fade from UV exposure from direct sunlight. If you notice this, strip the sealant with a solvent (like acetone or xylene ) and retouch the paint job if needed. Then, reseal the sole with a UV-resistant sealer instead.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Dye Crocs Shoes
      How to
      Make Croc Charms
      4 Ways to Customize Nike Air Force 1s
      How to
      Paint Sneakers
      How to
      Customize Cleats
      How to
      Color Your Converse
      How to
      Paint Shoes
      How to
      Cover Shoes with Fabric
      How to
      Customize Your Converse Shoes
      How to
      Bedazzle Shoes
      How to
      Make Glitter Shoes
      How to
      Decorate Converse Shoes
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.fashionlush.com/diy-colored-soles/
      2. ↑ https://www.just1.shoes/blogs/news/standards-for-shoe-customizing-cleats-and-plastic-parts
      3. ↑ https://somethingturquoise.com/2013/06/21/diy-painted-something-blue-shoe-soles/
      4. ↑ https://www.fashionlush.com/diy-colored-soles/
      5. ↑ https://somethingturquoise.com/2013/06/21/diy-painted-something-blue-shoe-soles/
      6. ↑ https://somethingturquoise.com/2013/06/21/diy-painted-something-blue-shoe-soles/
      7. ↑ https://www.highsnobiety.com/2016/07/20/diy-adidas-boost-midsoles/
      8. ↑ https://somethingturquoise.com/2013/06/21/diy-painted-something-blue-shoe-soles/
      9. ↑ https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/physics/item/why-does-ultraviolet-light-cause-color-to-fade/
      1. ↑ https://angelusdirect.com/blogs/news/angelus-tutorial-how-to-dye-soles-paint-mesh

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To paint the soles of your shoes, all you need is some acrylic paint and a sealant so the paint doesn't come off. First, clean your shoes with rubbing alcohol to get rid of any dirt. Then, stick masking tape around the edges of your shoes to avoid getting paint on the sides. Apply acrylic paint in slow, even strokes to make sure you don't get paint on the sides by accident. After each coat, wait an hour for the paint to dry. You’ll probably need 2-5 coats to get the right color and shade. Leave your shoes to dry overnight, then apply a coat of sealant, like Mod Podge, which will help protect the paint from chipping. Let the sealant dry for 15-20 minutes before applying a second coat. For more tips, including how to add a primer to your soles to help the paint stick, read on!

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 203,263 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement