Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti shoes are an interesting way to make a fashion statement. Graffiti shoes are almost always sneakers. There are ready made models from most sneaker manufacturers but if you want a look that is totally your own, paint your own with your own tag. For inspiration, look on the web at some of the commercial products to get a feel for the possibilities. The first step is deciding on the design you want to use. Then decide if you want both shoes to be mostly the same. Your design will suggest the technique you will use for painting your shoes. Your options will include stencil and spray paint, permanent markers and leather or fabric paint. Do not try to use oil paint or regular acrylic paint; they won't hold up. If you are planning to do a freehand design on each shoe, practice first on paper. Once the paint is on the shoe it's hard to get off. If you are using a stencil, make a practice stencil first and test it on a curved surface to see how it will look on your shoe. When you are satisfied with your design go ahead and start on your shoes. Please remember to let your shoes dry between paint applications to prevent accidental smudging of your design.

Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti Shoes

Graffiti Shoes

The first thing you have to do to your target shoes is prepare the surface. This is probably the most important step in the process if you want your graffiti shoes to be a success. If you are using canvas shoes, send them on a trip through the washing machine to remove all the sizing from the fabric. If you are planning to paint leather shoes you will have to remove the wax if you want your paint to adhere. Acetone is a good solvent for prepping the surface of the leather. Be sure to wear thick rubber gloves to protect your hands from the acetone. Scrub the surface of the leather with cotton balls or a soft cloth saturated with acetone until the wax is gone and the surface has a matte finish.