How to Dye Shoes with Rit Dye | Vibes & Scribes

How to Dye Shoes

Supplies Needed

Immersion Method

  • Rit All-Purpose Dye
  • Vaseline or Electrical Tape (To Protect Soles)
  • Cloth (If Dip Dyeing)
  • 4 Gallon Container
  • Dishwashing Liquid
  • Measuring Cup
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Plastic Table Cover

Supplies Needed

Brush Method

  • Rit All-Purpose Dye
  • Electrical Tape
  • Foam Brush
  • Q-Tips
  • Scrap Piece of Fabric
  • Small Container
  • Scotchguard Fabric Spray (To Seal Shoes)
  • Rubber Gloves
  • Plastic Table Cover
  • Paper Towels

Dyeing shoes is one of our favourite transformations. That’s because you can create something incredibly custom and unique. Whether it’s a pair of shoes that you wish came in a specific colour (and doesn’t) or shoes you own that you are just sick of, use Rit to dye them to the colour of your choosing.

Important Notes

Shoes
For best results, we recommend dyeing canvas shoes or silk bridal type shoes. We do not recommend dyeing leather shoes. The only exception would be Uggs® Sheepskin boots.

Colour
If the shoes you are dyeing are white or off white, then you should be able to achieve true colour. If the shoes have an existing colour, then you can overdye them with a darker colour. If you are looking to: (a) dye a dark pair of shoes a lighter colour or (b) completely change the colour of a pair of shoes from one colour to another (such as from purple to blue), then you could try removing the colour using Rit Color Remover However, only use the sink or bucket method. We would only suggest trying this with canvas shoes. However, we cannot guarantee you will be able to remove all of the colour.

Patterns and Logos
If the shoes you are dyeing have a pattern or logo, the colour you use will mix with the existing colour(s) in the fabric and create new colours. In other words, the rules of colour mixing apply. When selecting a colour, think about how it will mix with the colours in the pattern. For example, if you were to use a blue dye on a white pair of shoes with a pink flower pattern, the pink flowers will turn purplish (blue and pink make purple) while the rest of the shoes will dye blue. Even if you were to overdye the patterned shoes with a dark colour, you may find that the colour will appear lighter along the patterned area.

Bleach Stains and Sun Damage
Sun and bleach actually damage fabric, making it very difficult to dye. You could try using Rit Color Remover on the entire shoe. If you are going to try this, only use the sink or bucket method. We would only suggest doing this with canvas shoes. However, we cannot guarantee successful results.

Select your Method

For general dye projects (or to dip dye), chose the immersion method below.

If you are dyeing delicate shoes (such as silk bridal shoes), choose the brush method below.

Immersion

Instructions

  1. Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the shoes. This will help achieve uniform colour results when dyeing. Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.

  2. Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.

  3. Remove shoe insoles (if your shoes have them), laces and set aside.

  4. To protect the soles of your shoes from getting dyed, brush a thin coat of Vaseline on the soles. You could also cover the soles with electrical tape. Do not use Vaseline if dyeing anything with silk or leather, as the Vaseline could stain the fabric.

    Hands holding a shoe with a roll of tape nearby.
  5. Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with three gallons of hot water. The water should ideally be 60°C. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath.

  6. Add 5 mL of dish detergent to help promote level dyeing.

  7. Wearing rubber gloves, add 120 mL of well-shaken Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye to the dyebath. If you are trying achieve a very dark or bold colour, double the dye quantity.

    A person holding a white shoe with a black sole and tape nearby.
  8. Mix well.

  9. Test colour by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. If colour is too light, add more dye. If colour is too dark, add more water.

  10. Wet the shoes you are going to be dyeing and add them to the dyebath.

  11. For a solid dye: Leave shoes in dyebath from 10 minutes up to one hour. Nylon tends to dye very quickly and much darker than other fibres so the actual time needed in the dyebath is less. When desired colour is achieved, remove from dyebath. Fabric will look darker when wet and will dry lighter.

    Hands holding a shoe with a roll of tape nearby.
  12. For a dip dye look: Soak the shoe in the dye for about 2 minutes, depending on how dark or light you want your shoes to be. Repeat the previous step; staggering the length of your dip along the shoes so that the lightest shade starts at the tongue and the darkest shade is at the tip of the toes.
    • For a smooth transition from dark to light: Take a damp cloth and gently rub the colour, blurring any harsh lines to create a smooth transition from light to dark. Dip the cloth into a watered down cup of dye if needed.

  13. To enhance the colour and reduce colour bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions. We recommend doing this with the spray method.

  14. Rinse in cool water until rinse water begins to run clear.

  15. Wash in warm water with a mild detergent, rinse and dry.

Brush

Instructions

  1. Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills.

  2. To protect the inside of the shoes from dye, cover them with electrical tape. Also, put tape along the outside edge of the shoes on the soles and at the back inside of the heels. Then, stuff the toes with paper towels.

    Hands holding a shoe with a roll of tape nearby.
  3. Wearing rubber gloves, mix 15 mL of well-shaken Rit All-Purpose Dye with 240 mL of very hot tap water. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove. Stir well.

  4. To apply dye, dip foam brush into dye. Dab on paper towels. (This will prevent dye from dripping or running.) Then brush dye onto dry shoe, starting in the heel area. We like to start on the heel to make sure we are satisfied with the colour. Use a scrap piece of fabric to wipe off any drips or unwanted dye. Use Q-tips to apply dye in narrow or hard-to-reach areas.

  5. Continue to brush dye evenly onto the sides and top of the shoe. When dipping brush in dye, always dab it on paper towels before applying to shoe.

  6. Before starting the second shoe, reheat the dye in the microwave.

  7. Set shoes on paper towels to dry overnight. Dye will appear lighter when dry.

  8. Save dye in case you want to apply a second coat.

  9. If a second coat of dye is wanted, reheat dye in the microwave. Then apply second coat of dye to shoes.

  10. To seal and protect the fabric, spray shoes with Scotchgard.