How to Customize Your Graffiti Shoes
Graffiti art, since the dawning of its pop culture existence, has had a major impact on fashion, especially on sneaker culture. Today, you cannot walk into a sneaker or urban clothing store without coming across a pair of sneakers that's been graffiti painted, and that you have to have. Yet sometimes you need that special look and style that cannot be found in a boutique, a pair that is truly your own. So why not customize a pair? Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- 200 cotton balls
- Rubber garden or cleaning cloves
- Acetone
- Paint brushes
- Angelus Dyes (or some other leather dye)
- Paint remover
Instructions
-
-
1
Create your design ahead of time by sketching it out on paper where the design will lay out on your shoes, so you should have already picked out a style of sneaker (Vans, Chuck Taylors, Nike Dunks, Nike Blazers, etc.). Let's assume you are going to use a pair of leather sneakers.
-
2
Wipe your shoes down with acetone. It will take about 30 to 50 cotton balls per shoe (depending on size and the amount of paint you are going to use). It is important that you wear rubber gloves (cleaning or garden gloves, but something definitely thick) to help protect your hands, because the acetone will eat through and burn your fingers. The acetone helps to remove the glossy waxy finishes the factory puts on the sneakers to give them that fresh, clean look. You need to remove it all or your paint will not stick and will bubble up into balls when applied. Do not worry about the glossy look. Your paint reinstates it.
-
-
3
Sketch out your design on the shoes. Graffiti styling your shoes does not mean spray paint is your only option. Most often sneaker artists paint on their designs to achieve a more precise look. If this is your first time customizing your shoes, painting will allow you less room for error, so choose your paint wisely. Because you intend to wear these shoes in all weather conditions, use a leather-binding paint. Try Angelus paint dyes; they are popular among sneaker artists and not too expensive. Do not use an acrylic or oil paint; they will not bind to the leather, but will flake and melt off. Remember, if you make a mistake, leather paint remover can take it off.
-
4
Take your time preparing and painting your shoes. Half of your time should be spent prepping and the other half should be used sketching and painting. Once you have finished painting, tag your shoes with your special trademark so they are recognized.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
When you want to put a design on a light surface (white sneakers), you should paint it in white first (lightly) and then paint over it in the desired color. Black shoes are a lot easier to prep with acetone because you can see exactly where the glossy wax has been removed.
