How to Paint Portraits on Sneakers with Angelus Leather Paints: Featuring Custom by Sara

Before any art goes down, your shoes need a blank, smooth canvas.

• Angelus Leather Preparer & Deglazer to remove the factory finish, dirt, and oils. This helps the paint stick and stay vibrant.
  
• Work in a well-ventilated area and use Angelus Applicator Pads to apply the deglazer.
  

Once your surface is ready, start sketching your design directly onto the sneaker.

• A pencil or fine-tip pen to lightly outline key facial features.
• Pro tip: Focus on the figure outline and especially the eyes first. Nailing the expression helps anchor the whole portrait.

Painting a face requires nuance—and layering colors is key.

Use: Angelus Acrylic Leather Paints in shades like:

• Capezio Tan, Light Brown, Georgia Peach, Brown, and Beige, for base skin tones.
• Dark Brown or Rich Brown for shadows and contours.
• Flat White and Black for highlights and definition.

Pro Tip: Mix custom tones on a palette. Dom often blends multiple shades for depth and realism. Dom used our Empty Paint Cups to mix multiple shades.

Once dry, you’ll want your masterpiece to last...especially on wearable art.

Use: Angelus Acrylic Finisher or any of the Angelus 4-Coat either Matte, Satin, or High Gloss, depending on your desired finish.

Pro Tip: Apply two light coats with a soft brush or airbrush. Don’t rush! Let it cure for at least 24 hours before wear.