If you’re tired of rocking the same sneakers everyone else has, it might be time to unleash your inner artist. Custom painted kicks are a major flex in the sneaker world—and the best part? You don’t need a design degree to do it. You just need the right tools, some patience, and a clean pair of shoes (spoiler alert: we’ve got you covered there).
Here’s how to paint your shoes without cracking, peeling, or making a mess.
Step 1: Start With a Clean Slate
Use Star Cleaner to prep your canvas.
Before you do anything, you need to strip your sneakers of dirt, grime, and oils. Paint won’t stick to a dirty surface—and it definitely won’t last. Spray Star Cleaner on a microfiber towel or brush and scrub your kicks until they look factory fresh. Make sure they’re completely dry before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Remove the Factory Finish
Use acetone or leather deglazer.
Most sneakers come with a protective finish that paint won’t stick to. Lightly wipe the surface with acetone using a cotton ball or clean rag to remove that layer. Do NOT soak your shoes—just a gentle wipe-down will do.
Step 3: Tape Off the Areas You Don’t Want Painted
Think like an artist AND an engineer.
Use painter’s tape to cover soles, midsoles, logos, or any area you want to keep clean. The cleaner your tape job, the cleaner your final design will look.
Step 4: Lay Down the Paint
Use high-quality acrylic leather paint.
Angelus is the gold standard for sneaker painting. Use thin coats—don’t glob it on. Let each coat dry completely before adding the next (a hairdryer on cool can help). Usually 3-5 layers will do the trick.
Pro tip: If you're painting mesh, canvas, or fabric—use fabric paint instead. Trust us, it matters.
Step 5: Add the Details
Get creative.
Once your base layers are dry, it’s time to add any designs, logos, lettering, or effects. Use fine brushes or paint pens for detailed work. If you're going for a vintage vibe, try some airbrush-style shading or distressing.
Step 6: Seal It In
Use a finisher to protect your masterpiece.
Acrylic finisher spray or matte/gloss sealant will help lock in the color and keep it from cracking or peeling. Apply it in light, even coats and let it cure fully.
Step 7: Keep Them Clean
Because dirty customs are a crime.
Once you’ve got your custom kicks looking right, don’t let them fall off. Star Cleaner keeps your sneakers crisp without damaging paint or materials. Just spray, scrub, and flex.
Final Thoughts:
Painting sneakers is more than just customization—it’s self-expression. And with the right prep, you can turn any pair into a wearable work of art. So grab your brushes, clean your kicks, and let your creativity run wild. Just remember: clean shoes paint better—and painted shoes deserve to stay clean. That’s where Star Cleaner comes in.