How to Dye Vans

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Vans are known for their comfortable and casual slip-on sneakers. Using your favorite fabric dye you can easily freshen up a pair you already own, or customize a new pair to fit any season.

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Things You'll Need

  • White canvas Vans sneakers or slip-ons

  • Liquid or powder fabric dye

  • Petroleum jelly

  • Empty spray bottles

  • Paper towels or shop rags

  • Plastic drop cloth

  • Access to a sink

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Step 1: Apply Petroleum Jelly to Soles

Rub a thin layer of petroleum jelly onto the rubber edge of your shoes to prevent staining. Avoid rubbing any onto the fabric parts of the shoes, as this will make it impervious to the liquid dye.

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Step 2: Mix Dyes

In clean spray bottles, measure and mix fabric dyes according to directions on packaging. Keep in mind many dyes require additives like salt to work as a color fixative with natural fabrics. Shake spray bottles well to mix and dissolve dye.

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter
Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Warning

Fabric dye can stain hands, clothing and surfaces -- so be sure to adequately cover your workspace with plastic sheeting and wear gloves while dyeing.

Step 3: Spray Dye onto Shoes

Roll up two rags or paper towels to place in the soles of the shoes to absorb run-off dye. Spray desired dye colors onto the canvas of the shoes, saturating the fabric evenly from front to back.

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter
Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Tip

Try blending two contrasting colors for a modern ombre look.

Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

Step 4: Rinse and Dry

Run your shoes under cold water in a sink before sitting in the sun to dry. Use a warm rag and dish soap to remove any remaining petroleum jelly from the soles of the shoes. If you're concerned about colors bleeding or transferring onto skin or clothing, spray your Vans with a coat of waterproofing sealer.

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Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter
Image Credit: Lindsey Crafter

After your shoes have dried, replace laces and sport your colorful kicks all around town.

Have questions about which dye to use? Want to suggest a perfect color combination? Leave them for us in the comments below!

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