dyeing shoes

I finally found a pair of Ray Rose dance shoes and ordered them, but I could only get them in white satin. Any suggestions on how to dye them a good tan color?

(I know I had read a thread on this at some point, but I tried to find it using the search and was unsuccessful. Sorry for the duplication!)

oh, i think this is the thread you're referring to:

http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=4501

I find that dyeing shoes can be tricky - i have my shoes professionally dyed because i didn't want to ruin my $120 shoes.

I have dyed many shoes over the years. I would try it first though on some scrap fabric. Superdance usually give you a piece of white satin when you buy their shoes - not sure if Ray Rose does (I have only ever bought their skin coloured latin shoes). There are a few options. Tea and coffe are the easiet and cheapest ways. You just make up a strong brew and let it cool. Try it on some scrap first to make sure you get the colour you want as the colour when wet is completely different to the colour when dry. I have also dyed ballet shoes (my daughters years ago) with foundation. Just find a colour you like. Again I would try it on a scrap piece of fabric. - Gayle

I used to dye my white satin shoes with RIT liquid dye in "tan." And I'd use the "hot water bath" method, which would probably drive most of you crazy but it works for me. Somewhere there's a thread on this where I described it in detail...suffice to say it involves dumping the shoes in extremely hot water with the liquid dye in it, and then letting them dry for a few days Not for the faint of heart.

I paint my shoes with Jacquard Lumiere. It's wonderful stuff. Dries quickly and has great coverage, plus is not at all tacky like most of the other fabric paints I've tried. You may need to make a mixture of bronze and gold to get your desired tan tone.

Melissa

Laura said:

Not for the faint of heart.

Click to expand...

Hey, "who dares wins."

Thanks for all the advice!

The shoes did include a rather large piece of white satin, so I have lots of testing opportunities.

I usually use Dylon dye - cold. Mix it with water (mix it well, and you only need a LITTLE dye for it to work), then I use a toothbrush to spread the colored liquid around on the shoe. It usually dries in a few hours, and you will be able to see if it is too light - you can put another layer (or few) on then if needed.

I had no problems with leaking, even application etc, with this, the only danger is painting the shoes too dark the first time around, but if you do it carefully (and test on your satin strip before you do it) you should be fine.

BTW, where did you order your Ray Rose from? I'm looking for some but not sure who has stock left - thanks!

I got them from DanceVision. The stock is really limited, but the price was good ($49/pair) so I thought I'd try a couple out.

I'll let everyone know how the dyeing goes . . .