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.

Using the tongs, carefully place the shoes in the pot of simmering water, one at a time, until both are submerged. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer (roughly 82 degrees Celsius). Wait until the pot is at a simmer before proceeding to Step 5. To protect the soles of your shoes from getting dyed, brush a thin coat of Vaseline on the soles. You could also cover the soles with electrical tape. Do not use Vaseline if dyeing anything with silk or leather, as the Vaseline could stain the fabric. For a dip dye look: Soak the shoe in the dye for about 2 minutes, depending on how dark or light you want your shoes to be. Repeat the previous step; staggering the length of your dip along the shoes so that the lightest shade starts at the tongue and the darkest shade is at the tip of the toes. 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.

For all leather products (shoes, handbags, belts, purses and any other leather accessories), synthetic leather and canvas

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. Firstly you must remove any dirt, shoe creams, and protectors on the leather which would prevent a correct application of the leather paint. 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. 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. Add in the marigold powder and walnut powder. Continue to stir until the alum, iron mordant, marigold powder and walnut powder have dissolved. The water should be a yellowish-brown color.Let the sneakers air-dry. The drying time required will depend on the sneaker. However, expect to wait roughly 12 to 24 hours. To apply dye, dip foam brush into dye. Dab on paper towels. (This will prevent dye from dripping or running.) Then brush dye onto dry shoe, starting in the heel area. We like to start on the heel to make sure we are satisfied with the color. Use a scrap piece of fabric to wipe off any drips or unwanted dye. Use Q-tips to apply dye in narrow or hard-to-reach areas. Before dyeing, remove any visible stains on the shoes. This will help achieve uniform color results when dyeing. Pre-wash item in warm, soapy water without any fabric softener. This helps to remove any finishes that may interfere with dye absorption.