How to Paint on Canvas Shoes

Set yourself apart by painting your canvas sneakers.

Painting canvas shoes can give new life to your sneakers, and can give you personalized shoes that will add flair to any outfit. It's a craft kids will enjoy, as they can make their shoes look exactly the way they like. Painted shoes can also be given as gifts made just for the wearer. Before you begin this project, make sure the shoes are clean. Even if the shoes are brand new, there may be some soiled areas from handling. Most canvas shoes are machine washable -- check the tag. Allow the shoes to air-dry to keep them from shrinking. Remove the laces from the shoes, and protect your work surface with newspaper before you start painting.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas shoes
• Pencil
• Eraser
• Stencils
• Fabric paint
• Fabric paint markers
• Paint brushes
• Small jars of water
• Paper towels
• Silicone shoe waterproofing spray

Instructions

1. Pencil in your design lightly with the pencil. If you make any mistakes, you can easily erase them with the eraser. You can make a pattern on the shoes, or pick your favorite cartoon character and draw her on the shoes. Use your favorite illustrated books and comic books for inspiration. You can draw simple shapes on the shoes, such as stars or hearts. Use stencils to help you pencil in your design if you like. Make your design as simple or as detailed as you like.

2. Apply the fabric paint over your pencil marks. Use a paint brush to apply paint over larger areas, remembering not to overload the brush. Rinse the brush in a jar of water before you use a different color, and squeeze the brush dry with paper towels. Allow the paint to dry according to the label's instructions. Once the larger areas have been painted, use the fabric paint markers to paint in more detailed areas or outlines. Allow the paint to dry according to the label's instructions. You can use paint on the edges of the soles if you like, but it will wear off quickly and may have to be re-applied. Clean up any spills or globs with paper towels.

3. Apply two or three coats of a spray-on silicone shoe protector. Allow each coat to dry according to the instructions on the label.

4. Re-lace your shoes. If your white laces look a little dull now that your shoes are dressed up, use ribbon or colored laces to add some pizzazz.

Tips & Warnings

• The shoes don't have to be expensive, or new. You can give new life to a comfy pair of shoes, or pick up a cheap pair of shoes to paint on.

• You can use fabric paints on any canvas shoes, not just sneakers.

• If your shoes are older and not quite white, paint a layer or two of plain white over the entire shoe. This method can also be used if your design includes a background color -- just remember to do this before you pencil in your design.

• For an easy way to dress up shoes, splatter-paint them. Dip a paintbrush in a fabric paint, then flick it towards the shoe you are painting. Repeat with as many colors as you like. Be sure to stuff the shoes with newspaper, and to cover your work area completely before doing this, as it can be very messy.

• Wear old clothing when working with fabric paints.

• Remember to wash your brushes after painting.

• Do not leave children unattended while they are using paints.

• Silicone waterproofing spray should only be used by an adult, and should be used in a well-ventilated area.

References

• Guerilla Girls: Tips for Painting the Canvas Shoes
• Blog Her; Painted Canvas Shoes; December 2007
• Urban Paintbrush; How to Paint Converse; Brittany Alexander; February 2011