Yes, you can use acrylic paint on shoes. Clean the shoes first (acetone or rubbing alcohol on leather, soap and water on canvas), mix your acrylic paint with a textile medium, paint in thin coats and let each one dry, then seal it. Give the paint a full 24 hours to cure before you wear them.
For years I wanted to paint my own shoes but was too scared to try. I finally did it with cheap Apple Barrel acrylic paint on a pair of white leather Air Force 1s, and they turned out great. Here’s exactly how I did it, plus how to keep the paint from cracking.
What You Need to Paint Shoes
- Shoes: leather or canvas sneakers (I used leather Air Force 1s)
- Acrylic paint (I used Apple Barrel from Walmart)
- Textile medium, like FolkArt Textile Medium, so the paint stays flexible
- Acetone or rubbing alcohol (leather) or soap and water (canvas)
- Painter’s tape to protect the soles
- Small flat and detail paint brushes
- Spray sealer (I used Mod Podge Spray Sealer)
Acrylic Paint vs. Leather Paint for Shoes
Paint made just for shoes (leather paint like Angelus) is more flexible on its own, but it costs more and comes in fewer colors. Regular acrylic paint works too when you mix it with a textile medium and seal it. It’s much cheaper, and the color choices are endless.
Walmart has so many different colors of Apple Barrel Paints, there are around 150 in total. Don’t be fooled by the price, these are very much quality paints. I use them for so many untraditional things, from tie-dye to these shoes!
How to Paint Shoes With Acrylic Paint
- Clean the shoes. Wipe leather with acetone or rubbing alcohol to remove the factory finish so the paint can grip. Wash canvas with soap and water and let it dry.
- Tape off the soles and anything you don’t want painted.
- Mix your paint with textile medium. Follow the ratio on the bottle; this keeps the paint flexible so it bends with the shoe.
- Paint thin coats. Thick paint is what cracks. Use light layers, even if it takes 3 or 4 coats to cover.
- Let each coat dry completely before adding the next one.
- Seal it. Spray one light, even coat of sealer, let it dry, then add a second coat.
- Let them cure for 24 hours before you wear them.
How to Keep Acrylic Paint From Cracking on Shoes
Cracking almost always comes from skipping the prep or painting too thick. These are the steps that make the biggest difference:
- Clean and prep the surface first, so the paint sticks instead of sitting on top
- Mix in a textile medium so the paint stays flexible
- Use thin coats, and I’m saying it again because it matters most: thin coats
- Let every layer dry completely before the next one
- Seal the finished shoes and let them cure before wearing
How to Seal Acrylic Paint on Shoes
To seal my paint I used Mod Podge Spray Sealer. I sprayed in 1 even layer and then went back in and sprayed a second layer once the first one dried.
Once they’re sealed, you can even go back and paint designs on them to make them your own.
Acrylic Paint on Shoes FAQ
Can you use acrylic paint on canvas shoes?
Yes. Canvas soaks up paint, so mixing in a textile medium matters even more. It keeps the fabric soft and stops the paint from cracking where the shoe bends. I have more tips in my post on using acrylic paint on fabric.
Is acrylic paint on shoes waterproof?
Not completely. Sealing makes it water-resistant, so a little rain is fine, but don’t soak painted shoes or put them in the washing machine. Spot clean them with a damp cloth.
How long does acrylic paint last on shoes?
With good prep, thin coats and a sealer, painted shoes hold up to regular wear. Expect some wear where the shoe creases the most; you can always touch up those spots with the same paint.
Can you paint Air Force 1s with acrylic paint?
Yes, that’s exactly what I painted here. Clean off the factory finish with acetone first, then follow the steps above.
More Crafts to Try With Acrylic Paint
How To Use Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint On Shoes
Learn how to use acrylic paint on shoes. In this tutorial and video, I show you how to use Apple Barrel craft paint to change your shoes from noon to Woah!
Materials
- Apple Barrel Paint
- Textile Medium
- Acetone
- An Old Pair Of Shoes
Tools
- Paint Tray
- Paint Brushes
Instructions
- Gather all of your supplies and remove the shoelaces from the shoe. I used an old pair of Air Force 1s
- Using the acetone clean the shoes.
- Mix a little of the Folk Art Textile Medium in with your paints.
- Mix thoroughly before you start painting.
- Paint your acrylic paint in thin layers allowing each to dry between layers.
- Paint black lines randomly. (optional)
- Use something to clear the paint from the vent holes in the shoe. Replace your laces and allow them to dry 24 hours before wearing them.
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