How to Darken Gold Shoes

Gold shoes can easily be darkened if they're made of fabric.

Gold shoes come in a variety of light and dark shades, but sometimes it's still necessary to darken a pair in order to match an outfit. If the shoes are fabric-based, darkening them can easily be done by using a packet of powdered dye. As long as the shoes are made of a fabric such as satin, it makes no difference if the shoes are gold; the procedure is the same as it would be for any other color fabric shoe.

Things You'll Need

• Pan
• Powdered dye packet
• Water
• Rubber gloves
• Newspaper
• Sponge

Instructions

1. 

   Shoes made of plastic materials won't take dye.

   Prepare the dye according to the packet instructions, boiling the amount of water needed in the pan and then adding the required amount of dye; put on rubber gloves before handling the dye to avoid staining your skin. Spread a section of newspaper on your work surface to protect it from staining.

2. Mix the dye using the long-handled spoon according to the packet instructions. Using the sponge, apply a tiny portion of dye to fabric at the underside of the shoe to check for color; if it matches the shade you want, proceed with dyeing, or add more dye to the water if you want a darker color.

3. Saturate the sponge with the dye and apply it to the shoe, gently dabbing the dye over the entire fabric area until the color is spread evenly; the dye will appear darker at first, but the color will lighten upon drying.

4. Place the shoes on a section of newspaper to protect the floor, and let them dry for at least 24 hours.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the shoes in both artificial light and direct sunlight in order to get the closest match to the shade you want. If you're wearing the shoes for a special occasion and the event is held outside, remember that dyed colors tend to look lighter in sunlight.

• Don't try to dye gold shoes that have beading, glitter or sequins; the trim won't take the dye and the shoes will be ruined. Likewise, don't try to dye gold shoes made of plastic materials, because the plastic won't take the dye.

Resources

• Shall We Dance? How To Dye Satin Dance Shoes
• Bridal Shoes: FAQ Shoe Dyeing