Suede is a soft and beautiful type of leather that is commonly used to make shoes, furniture, or clothing. Unlike other types of leather, suede can be challenging to care for and maintain. If you happen to have a pair of faded suede shoes and don’t know how to restore them, follow the step-by-step guide below. Your suede shoes will look much better in just a few minutes.
1.How to restore suede shoes: Tools you need to prepare
- A brush specially designed for suede. This is a specialized brush with soft bristles that won’t scratch the suede but can still clean any dirt or marks. You can use a toothbrush instead of a suede brush.
- A suede eraser to remove stubborn stains.
- A stiff-bristled brush to clean shoe midsole.
- A bowl and cloth.
- Tissue paper or old newspaper.
- A cleaning solution for suede shoes.
- Dye for suede shoes.
- Spray to protect suede shoes from water.
2. Simple Steps to Renew Suede Shoes
2.1. Clean the Suede Shoes
One of the important steps in renewing suede shoes is to clean any dirt or stains on the shoes.
- Remove the shoelaces and insert a shoe tree to make it easier to brush the suede. Taking out the laces from the shoes will help to make them smoother to clean
- Remove any stains. If you come across any hard stains, rub them with a suede eraser or a specialized rubber brush for suede.
- Cleaning Process: Mix a cleaning solution with water in a bowl, dip the soft-bristled brush into the solution, and brush the shoes in a circular motion. Please use specialized suede shoe cleaning products. Tips: Try to use as little water as possible.
- Drying Process: Start by patting them down with a towel to remove as much water as possible. Next, place some paper towels inside the shoes to absorb any remaining moisture and help them dry faster. Avoid using a dryer or leaving them in direct sunlight, as the heat can damage the shoes. The best place to let them dry is in a Dry and well-ventilated room. Follow these steps to properly dry your suede shoes and keep them looking their best for longer.
2.2. Restoring Suede Shoes: Dyeing
After cleaning your suede shoes, the next step in restoring them is to dye them. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Dyeing
- Using a brush or a dye-soaked sponge, apply the dye evenly all over the shoe. At first glance, it may seem like simply painting the shoe, but it takes a delicate touch to avoid smudging the dye onto other parts of the shoe. Dyeing suede shoes is easy, but it requires precision because the dye can easily spread to the sole and upper shoe making it difficult to remove and ruining the shoe’s appearance.
- After the first layer of dye has dried, apply a second layer. Be sure to apply it evenly to prevent uneven coloring on the shoe. Repeat this process of applying dye for about 3-4 layers until the shoe is completely covered in the new color and the color is even.
- Allow the shoes to dry naturally before moving on to the next step.
Step 2: Waterproofing the Shoes
After the dyed shoes have dried, it’s important to apply a waterproofing nano-spray to protect them from water damage. The nano-spray not only gives the shoes a shiny finish, but also repels water and liquid stains. The nano-particles create a barrier that prevents water from seeping into the shoes, which helps maintain the color of the dye for a longer period of time. It also makes cleaning and maintaining the shoes easier.
Finally, once the shoes are completely dry, use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush the surface of the leather to maintain its original appearance.
If you lack experience and are concerned about the risks of renewing your suede shoes at home, it is better to take them to a professional shoe care store. Here, you will receive careful advice and have your shoes renewed according to your desires. Not only will your shoes be restored to their original color, but they can also be dyed to a different color.