Introduction

Learn how to paint custom sneakers with artist, Enzo H. Kim in this easy-to-follow tutorial! Using Angelus leather paint and tools, Enzo shares his expert tips for prepping, applying thin layers, and sealing your design for a long-lasting finish. Perfect for beginners and sneaker artists alike, this custom shoe painting guide has all the essentials.

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Enzo H. Kim

Yo! My name is Enzo, born & raised in Los Angeles, California, now living in Portland, Oregon. I got into sneakers through playing basketball, and soon picked up customizing sneakers because of it. Received a ton of support for my work from friends, family & followers, which I’m so grateful for. I studied product design in college, which directed me to a path in footwear color design! Now, I design colorways while I continue painting sneakers. Being able to help people feel awesome through their kicks is one of my greatest joys!

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How to Paint and Customize Fabric Shoes: Step-by-Step Guide

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Step 1: Prep the Surface

Goal: Remove dirt, oils, and factory finishes so your paint can properly bond.

  • Use Angelus Easy Cleaner with a soft brush or cloth. Scrub gently but thoroughly, especially around seams and textured areas.
  • If the fabric has any kind of synthetic coating or glossy finish, lightly scuff it with fine sandpaper or a nail buffer.
  • Let the surface fully dry before moving to the next step.

Pro Tip: Avoid saturating the fabric, use a damp cloth instead and gently wipe around the areas.

Enzo wearing a respirator and gloves while prepping On Cloud Monster sneakers with masking tape before painting.

Goal: Remove dirt, oils, and factory finishes so your paint can properly bond.

  • Use Angelus Easy Cleaner with a soft brush or cloth. Scrub gently but thoroughly, especially around seams and textured areas.
  • If the fabric has any kind of synthetic coating or glossy finish, lightly scuff it with fine sandpaper or a nail buffer.
  • Let the surface fully dry before moving to the next step.

Pro Tip: Avoid saturating the fabric, use a damp cloth instead and gently wipe around the areas.

Enzo wearing a respirator and gloves while prepping On Cloud Monster sneakers with masking tape before painting.
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Step 2: Paint or Airbrush with 2-Soft

Goal: Keep the fabric soft and flexible after painting.

Pro Tip: You must heat-set each layer that contains 2-Soft before applying more coats of paint. Use either a heat gun or hair dryer to set up.

Close-up of Enzo using an airbrush to apply color to the white On Cloud Monster sneaker.

Goal: Keep the fabric soft and flexible after painting.

Pro Tip: You must heat-set each layer that contains 2-Soft before applying more coats of paint. Use either a heat gun or hair dryer to set up.

Close-up of Enzo using an airbrush to apply color to the white On Cloud Monster sneaker.
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Step 3: Let Paint Dry

Patience is key! Allow each layer to dry fully before adding the next. This will help prevent any streaking or smudging and give you that buttery smooth finish.

Detail brush work on a green and white On Cloud Monster sneaker, refining a painted logo design with Angelus Paint.

Patience is key! Allow each layer to dry fully before adding the next. This will help prevent any streaking or smudging and give you that buttery smooth finish.

Detail brush work on a green and white On Cloud Monster sneaker, refining a painted logo design with Angelus Paint.
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Step 4: (OPTIONAL) Apply Finisher

***This step is optional***
Once your final coat is completely dry, seal the painted leather with Angelus 4-Coat or Acrylic Finisher. This step adds durability and protects your couch from wear and tear. Choose between matte, satin, or gloss depending on your desired finish.

Artist Enzo smiling while holding up a finished pair of custom green On Cloud Monsters, with digital mockups on screen in the background.

***This step is optional***
Once your final coat is completely dry, seal the painted leather with Angelus 4-Coat or Acrylic Finisher. This step adds durability and protects your couch from wear and tear. Choose between matte, satin, or gloss depending on your desired finish.

Artist Enzo smiling while holding up a finished pair of custom green On Cloud Monsters, with digital mockups on screen in the background.
Enzo wearing a respirator and gloves while prepping On Cloud Monster sneakers with masking tape before painting.
Close-up of Enzo using an airbrush to apply color to the white On Cloud Monster sneaker.
Detail brush work on a green and white On Cloud Monster sneaker, refining a painted logo design with Angelus Paint.
Artist Enzo smiling while holding up a finished pair of custom green On Cloud Monsters, with digital mockups on screen in the background.

Creator Questions

I'm based in Portland, Oregon.

I found out about Angelus products through YouTube tutorials.

I use Angelus products for customizing & cleaning sneakers.

Don’t get caught up so much on “perfecting” your craft! Learn from your experiences, and your next piece will be even better.

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