I recently dyed my suede shoes. It was a fun project. However, I made some mistakes that damaged the shoe's material. Therefore, I have listed 5 important mistakes to avoid while dyeing your suede or Nubuck shoes.
Moreover, I have shared recommended materials and tools necessary for this operation. Explore the details in the blog.
Recommended Tools and Materials
To dye Nubuck shoes without an issue. You need to have these essential tools and materials:
◈ Fiebing's Suede Leather Dye - Shop Here
◈ Suede and Nubuck Cleaning Kit - Shop Here
This kit will have the following tools:
◈ A Brass Suede Brush
◈ Nylon Suede Brush
◈ Suede Eraser
5 Mistakes to Avoid Dyeing Suede or Nubuck Shoes
Although dyeing suede or Nubuck shoes is a simple process. You need to avoid these mistakes for a successful treatment:
01 Applying Wrong Dye
Do not use generic dyes on suede or nubuck shoes, as their fibers are more porous than those of materials like leather and mesh.
The commonly used dyes are aggressive, can over-saturate in these fibers, and create stains. They can even damage the texture of the shoe fibers.
What Should You Do?
Always use a dye specifically formulated for suede and nubuck shoes. It won’t cause stains that could ruin the texture.
02 Do not Clean the Surface Before Dyeing
Skipping cleaning of dust, dirt, debris, and any other impurity before dyeing the Nubuck Shoes is a common mistake. It results in uneven dye application. It gets trapped in these dust areas.
What is the Solution?
Take a suede brush, cleaner, or an eraser to remove dust before dyeing.
03 Skipping the Testing Before Dyeing
Many people don’t test the dye on a small area of nubuck before applying it to the entire shoe. If the dye is not compatible with the shoe material's chemistry, it can destroy the whole shoe's look and finish. Therefore, a pre-dye test is mandatory.
How Can You Avoid This Mistake?
Select a small and hidden area in the shoe (Such as near the sole). Apply the dye using the same method you have planned before. After dye application, wait for dry.
Check for unexpected results or any damage. If the dye matches the Nubuck shoes material, go for full application. Otherwise, leave it.
Also Read this Blog: How to Care for Suede Accessories at Home (Clean + Deodorize)
04 Applying Heavy Dye Coat at Once
Do not apply thick layers of dye on the Nubuck shoes at once because they can absorb the liquid quickly. It will saturate extra dye and create undesired patches after drying.
How Can you Fix it?
Apply several thin layers of dye instead of one thick layer. Allow each coat to dry before the next coat. Repeat this process until you achieve your desired results.
05 Not Using Nubuck Specific Glue
Adding decorations such as sequins or studs with generic glue is another mistake. It can damage the material structure and give a bad finish.
What Should We Do?
You should use the Nubuck Specific Glue. Moreover, use the glue in the recommended quantity to avoid damage.
Avoiding these mistakes you can restore the natural look of your Suede or Nubuck shoes. Additionally, you can save your money that otherwise have to pay for a new pair of shoes.
Conclusion
Dyeing suede or Nubuck shoes is an easy and cost-effective way to give a new life to your shoes. However, you can avoid these common mistakes to make this task successful. Share your dyeing experience in the comment section for public awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the best dye for suede shoes?
You can use the Eagle Suede Dye for Shoes, Boots, Uggs, & Accessories.
Q2: What should I not apply to Suede shoes?
You should not apply polish or wax at suede shoes. It can deteriorate its distinctive look and damage material.
Q3: How to seal suede shoes after dyeing?
You can use the Leather Hero Shoe Protector Spray to seal after dyeing.
Q4: How can I stop suede dye from transferring?
You should not wear it against a light coloured clothing to stop color transfer.
Q5: Can I use bleach on suede?
Please do not use bleach on suede. It will cause irreparable loss to the suede material.
