For best results, we recommend dyeing canvas shoes or silk bridal type shoes. We do not recommend dyeing leather shoes. The only exception would be Uggs ® Sheepskin boots. If a second coat of dye is wanted, reheat dye in the microwave. Then apply second coat of dye to shoes.

For a smooth transition from dark to light: Take a damp cloth and gently rub the color, blurring any harsh lines to create a smooth transition from light to dark. Dip the cloth into a watered down cup of dye if needed. To enhance the color and reduce color bleeding, use Rit ColorStay Dye Fixative immediately after dyeing and before washing, following these instructions. We recommend doing this with the spray method.Firstly you must remove any dirt, shoe creams, and protectors on the leather which would prevent a correct application of the leather paint.

Test color by dipping a paper towel into the dyebath. If color is too light, add more dye. If color is too dark, add more water. Wearing rubber gloves, mix 1 tablespoon 15 mL of well-shaken Rit All-Purpose Dye with 1 cup 240 mL of very hot tap water. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove. Stir well. Fill a plastic container or stainless steel sink with three gallons of hot water. The water should ideally be 140°F 60°C. If tap water is not hot enough, heat water on the stove and add to the dyebath. For all leather products (shoes, handbags, belts, purses and any other leather accessories), synthetic leather and canvas

Wearing rubber gloves, add 1/2 cup 120 mL of well-shaken Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye to the dyebath. If you are trying achieve a very dark or bold color, double the dye quantity. Using the tongs, carefully place the shoes in the pot of simmering water, one at a time, until both are submerged. Continue to brush dye evenly onto the sides and top of the shoe. When dipping brush in dye, always dab it on paper towels before applying to shoe. Cover work area with plastic table cover and have paper towels handy to protect against any possible spills. If the shoes you are dyeing have a pattern or logo, the color you use will mix with the existing color(s) in the fabric and create new colors. In other words, the rules of color mixing apply. When selecting a color, think about how it will mix with the colors in the pattern. For example, if you were to use a blue dye on a white pair of shoes with a pink flower pattern, the pink flowers will turn purplish (blue and pink make purple) while the rest of the shoes will dye blue. Even if you were to overdye the patterned shoes with a dark color, you may find that the color will appear lighter along the patterned area.