Repurpose Your Old Canvas Shoes: A Step-by-Step Painting Guide

Updated at: 05/06/2025

Have you got a pair of old canvas shoes gathering dust in the back of your closet? Don't toss them just yet! Those worn-out kicks hold the potential for a stylish and unique makeover, transforming from drab to fab with a little creativity and paint. Canvas shoes, with their durable material and blank canvas-like surface (pun intended!), are the perfect foundation for a fun and personalized DIY project. Whether you're aiming for a subtle update or a bold, artistic statement, painting your old shoes is a surprisingly simple and rewarding endeavor.

This guide will equip you with everything you need to breathe new life into your beloved (or once-beloved) footwear. Forget expensive replacements; prepare to discover the joy of upcycling with our easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions, transforming your tired canvas shoes into head-turning masterpieces. Let's get started!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Old canvas shoes
  • Sponge
  • Brushes (thin and thick)
  • Palette
  • Acrylic paint
  • Fabric medium
  • Paper sheet
Safety Guidelines
  • Always work in a well-ventilated area. Acrylic paints and other crafting supplies can release fumes.
  • Protect your work surface. Canvas shoes can easily stain tables and floors. Use a drop cloth or newspaper.
  • Allow paint to fully dry before wearing shoes. This prevents smudging and ensures longevity of your design.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • Prepare your workspace and clean your shoes.
    Prepare your workspace and clean your shoes.
    Preparation

  2. Mix Paint

    • Mix fabric medium and acrylic paint on the palette.
    Mix fabric medium and acrylic paint on the palette.
    Mix Paint

  3. First Coat - One Shoe

    • Apply the paint mixture to the edges of the shoes using thin brushes, being careful around grommets. If you paint the rubber, wipe it off with your finger.
    • If paint is too thick, gently brush it down with a thicker brush.
    If paint is too thick, gently brush it down with a thicker brush.If paint is too thick, gently brush it down with a thicker brush.
    First Coat - One Shoe

  4. First Coat - Second Shoe

    • Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other shoe.
    Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other shoe.
    First Coat - Second Shoe

  5. Clean Rubber

    • Before the paint dries, clean up any paint on rubber areas using a wet cloth.
    Before the paint dries, clean up any paint on rubber areas using a wet cloth.
    Clean Rubber

  6. Second Coat

    • Apply a second coat of paint, adding more where needed to ensure no white shows through.
    Apply a second coat of paint, adding more where needed to ensure no white shows through.
    Second Coat

Read more: DIY Reversible Baby Slippers: Easy Sewing Tutorial

Tips

  • Use thinner brushes for detailed areas and thicker brushes for larger areas.
  • Don't worry about accidentally painting the rubber; you can easily wipe it off.
  • If you make a mistake, gently rub it off with your finger or a slightly wet brush.
  • Take your time and be careful around details.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using the Wrong Paint

Reason: Acrylic paints are best for canvas, but using other types like watercolor or oil-based paints can lead to cracking, peeling, or poor adhesion.
Solution: Always use acrylic paints designed for fabric or canvas for best results.

2. Skipping the Primer

Reason: Applying paint directly onto the old canvas can lead to uneven color distribution and the original color showing through.
Solution: Prime the canvas shoes with a fabric medium or gesso to create a smooth, even surface for painting.

FAQs

What kind of paint should I use on my canvas shoes?
Acrylic paints are best for canvas shoes because they're durable, water-based (easy cleanup!), and available in a huge variety of colors. Fabric paints also work well, but acrylics are generally more readily available.
How do I make the paint last longer on my shoes?
After the paint is completely dry (allow at least 24 hours), apply a sealant specifically designed for fabrics. This will protect your artwork from chipping, cracking, and fading, extending the life of your painted shoes.