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How to paint the heels of a pair of shoes

I purchased a pair of shoes on line for myself to wear to my daughter's wedding. The upper part of the shoe is white satin with beading on it. I was told that I would be able to dye the shoes. The heel of the shoe is made of a hard plastic (kitten heel). I am planning on getting the satin part of the shoe dyed taupe, can you tell me what I can do to change the color of the heel as well.

Robin Rogers
Mother of the Bride - Cut Off Louisiana USA
April 26, 2011

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Hi, Robin.

If you have a shoemaker anywhere around, I'd ask there first. But lacking that, I would think that Krylon Fusion or vinyl upholstery dye would work. Good luck.

Regards,

Ted Mooney, P.E.
Striving to live Aloha
finishing.com - Pine Beach, New Jersey
April 26, 2011

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May 18, 2011

I agree with the Krylon idea. Just use masking tape and plastic bags to block off the main part of the shoe.

Another idea -- try it on the inside of the heel near the sole of the shoe in case it doesn't work well, is to use a magic marker or indelible ink of some kind. Often the plastic will absorb it.

For single use shoes, consider contact paper or other covering, even delicate beads that match your beading -- such as seed beads or decorative glitter/sand. You may have to scuff the plastic with a fine grit sandpaper to give some teeth to the plastic with the gluing idea. E-6000 is a terrific glue, but often it doesn't like smooth plastic surfaces and will peel. White glues won't work either. Try getting a glue that is good for use with plastic model kits.

Another idea for the dye for your shoes, 'cause it can be HORRIFICALLY expensive to get shoes died and they may not guarantee the bead work will survive, which is probably why you purchased the shoes.....

Use liquid foundation -- yes, really ladies liquid make-up foundation. You don't need expensive. You'll only need one bottle for one pair of shoes. Apply it with your fingers and some Q-tips ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] or makeup applicator/spreader -- you know, the sponges. If the beading gets loose, re-glue it with E-6000. It will maintain it's elasticity as the shoe moves and won't pop off. The color of the make-up, may need two coats to get it even, will be the color of the shoe, and typically it will have a matte finish. It absorbs beautifully on white fabric shoes.

Many Ballroom dancers use this technique so their shoes are the same color as their legs and appear longer. Multiple costume changes, but few shoe changes. Can you tell I did some of that in another life....

Enjoy the event! and good luck!

Catherine Newton
- Selma, North Carolina, USA