How can i paint white keds?

Question

i have a pair of white keds and i want to make them colorful..i was thinking of spray painting them or tie dying them..any ideas or advice on what kind of paint to use?

Answer 1

Spray paint doesn't work really well.  Although the kind for plastic would probably work better on the soles.  Try fabric paints or dyes.  They also have fabric markers.

Answer 2

First I'd buy some of the cheap $2.99 Keds knock offs at Wal Mart to play around with first.  

I have tried to dye a pair of sneakers before... It doesn't work well.  The shoes have some sizing, and it effects how the dye works.  Each fabric part of the shoe came out slightly different.  Also, areas around the sole where there was (invidible) glue turn bright white.  You also have to use hot to boiling water for a period of time...

I'd try some craft store paints for fabric.  You do have to heat set many of them, but you might be able to use a hair drier instead of an iron.

Spray paint is an option but it won't go well on the rubber areas.  There is no lead in modern spray paints, but it will make the fabric hard!  

Ideally if you could get some of the airbrush ink/dye they use on t shirts like at a Flea Market booth that might work very well.

The rubber parts will basically have to stay the same color they are now.  Paint doesnt stick (well) to rubber.

Answer 3

Don't spray paint, it will make a mess (it's hard to control) and probably be ultra stiff. I'm not sure how you'd tie dye a shoe that is already fixed to the sole. Hmmm...

Go to walmart or a craft store like Michael's or Hobby Lobby and get some craft paint that can be used on fabric. You can apply it with sponges or use a brush and/or stencil for pattern. You can outline with paint markers. Good luck!

Answer 4

Try craft paint then finish it with that clear coat that people use to keep puzzles together.  Or your only other option would be to by some fabric dye and give them a dunk.  I really dont think it will take unless the material on the shoe is fabric themselves.  If the material is plastic, it may come out just lightly stained.

Answer 5

1)I don't think any paint has lead in it anymore, so don't worry about it

2)even if it did, it's only a problem if you eat it, so if you don't plan on eating it, it's not a problem

3)it doesn't have to be 'safe' and 'non-toxic', unless you are worried about your kids eating the paint

4)fabric dye is nicer looking for fabric  (but useless for rubber)

5)spray paint is the cheapest and easiest to use, you can buy lots of colors at WalMart at ~$1 a can, and you'll have lots left over for other projects, make sure you get LATEX paint, it dries faster than oil, the less you use the more flexible it will be, do it outdoors to avoid problems

Answer 6

Definitely do not try spray painting them. You must use safe, non-toxic paint. Use of lead-based paint can lead to lead poisoning.

Try to purchase a type of paint that is advertised as body paint, so you'll know it's safe for your kids.

Answer 7

Hang them out side, put a newspaper under below the shoes, and get your pain ready or paints, you can just used brush, make sure to use permanent out door paint, not water soluble. good luck