How to Paint Canvas Shoes Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide Featuring Skinz Customs

Before you touch any paint, proper prep is key to ensuring your custom design sticks and stays.

What you need:

• Angelus Foam-Tex Cleaner Kit – gently removes dirt, grime, and oils from fabric.
  

Instructions: Use Foam-Tex Cleaner and a brush to thoroughly clean the fabric. Wipe off excess moisture with a towel and let the shoes dry completely. Clean surfaces = better paint adhesion.

Goal: Keep the fabric soft and flexible after painting.

• Mix Angelus 2-Soft Fabric Medium with Angelus Acrylic Leather Paint in a 1:1 ratio.
• Apply thin, even coats using a brush or airbrush.
• Heat set with a heat gun or hair dryer once dry to the touch.
  

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.

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.

To lock in the flexibility and prevent cracking or peeling, you’ll need to heat set the paint.

What you need:

• Heat gun or household dryer (on high heat)

Instructions: After your final layer dries, use a heat gun or dryer to heat set the painted area for about 2–3 minutes. Keep the heat moving and avoid holding it too close.