Dyeing Satin Wedding Shoes: Can It Be Done?

Dyeing satin wedding shoes is a great way to add a pop of colour to your bridal attire and give your shoes a new lease of life. You can dye your wedding shoes yourself with a DIY kit or send them off to a shoe dyeing service. If you're thinking of dyeing your wedding shoes yourself, you'll need to protect your hands as alcohol-based satin shoe dye can be toxic if it comes into contact with your skin. You'll also need to protect the inside of your shoes from dye by lining them with electrical tape. If you're sending your shoes off to a service, you can pick the shade of colour you like and even send in a swatch to have them dyed to match.

Dyeing satin shoes: a step-by-step guide

Dyeing satin shoes is a great way to add a pop of colour to your bridal attire or to give your wedding shoes a new lease of life. It's a fun, affordable and sustainable way to transform your wedding shoes into occasion shoes that can be worn again and again.

There are two main options for dyeing your satin wedding shoes: doing it yourself or using a shoe dyeing service. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Option 1: Do It Yourself

Step 1: Prepare your work area

Cover your work area with plastic or an old sheet to protect it from spills. Have paper towels or an old sheet handy to protect your work surface.

Step 2: Choose your satin shoes

Check the fabric content of your satin shoes. Alcohol-based dyes will not adhere to polyester satin, so choose cotton or silk satin. Most boxes of white satin shoes include a fabric sample, which you can use for testing the dye.

Step 3: Clean your shoes

If you are dyeing a used pair of shoes, clean them first with a fabric cleaner to remove any dirt or scuffs. Use a low-abrasive cotton fabric or a rag and work in a slow, circular motion. Allow the shoes to dry completely before dyeing.

Step 4: Protect the soles and insides of your shoes

If the outer soles are made of leather and you don't want them to be stained, apply masking tape to protect them. If the soles are plastic, wipe them with alcohol. To protect the insides of the shoes from dye, line them with electrical tape.

Step 5: Prepare the dye

Choose the colour you want from a fabric dye chart. When selecting a colour, consider a shade 10 degrees darker than the outfit, especially if the shoes are for a stage performance. Mix the dye according to the instructions, using a mixing cylinder, universal lightener, and eyedropper (if needed). Always wear gloves to protect your skin from the dye.

Step 6: Test the dye

Before dyeing your shoes, test the colour on the fabric sample that came with your shoes. Allow the test swatch to dry to see the true colour that will occur on your satin shoes.

Step 7: Start dyeing

Using a foam brush or dauber, apply the dye to your shoes in circular motions, working in small areas at a time. Start with the heel, then move to the back, side, toe, other side, and inner edge. Reheat the dye in the microwave as it tends to cool down. Let the shoes dry overnight.

Step 8: Apply a second coat (if needed)

If you want a darker shade, apply a second coat of dye after reheating the dye. Let the shoes dry overnight again.

Step 9: Seal and protect the fabric

Spray your shoes with a fabric spray, such as Scotchgard, to seal and protect the fabric.

Option 2: Use a Shoe Dyeing Service

If you don't want to dye your satin wedding shoes yourself, you can use a shoe dyeing service. Simply send your shoes, a swatch of material for colour matching, and your name to the dyeing service. They will dye your shoes the shade of your choice and send them back to you. This option is faster and more efficient, and it ensures a precise colour match.

DIY vs professional shoe dyeing services

Dyeing your wedding shoes can be a fun way to introduce colour to your bridal style. You can either opt for a DIY approach or engage professional shoe dyeing services. Here is a detailed comparison of the two options:

DIY Shoe Dyeing

If you enjoy hands-on projects and want more creative control, you can choose to dye your wedding shoes yourself. DIY dyeing kits are readily available, specifically designed for satin shoes. These kits typically include specialist satin dye and application tools like brushes or sponges.

The process itself is relatively straightforward: you clean and prepare the shoes, apply the dye, and let them dry. However, achieving a smooth and consistent colour across the entire shoe can be challenging, especially for intricate areas. You will also need to factor in drying time between coats and for the overall project.

DIY dyeing gives you the freedom to experiment with colours and techniques, but there is a higher risk of ruining your shoes if you are not careful or lack experience. It is essential to follow instructions carefully and do your research beforehand.

Professional Shoe Dyeing Services

Engaging a professional to dye your wedding shoes is the fastest and most efficient way to ensure consistent and high-quality results. Professional dyers have the expertise and experience to choose the right dye and application method for your shoes, minimising the risk of damage. They often offer a wide range of colour options and can even colour match to your specifications.

While professional dyeing may be more costly, it saves you time and effort. You simply select the shade, send in your shoes, and wait for them to be returned, freshly dyed. This option is particularly advantageous if you want to achieve a precise colour match or if your shoes have intricate details or embellishments that could be challenging to work around.

Professional dyers can also advise on aftercare, ensuring you know how to care for your dyed shoes to maintain their colour and finish.

Both DIY and professional shoe dyeing services have their advantages. If you are confident in your abilities, enjoy creative projects, and want more control over the process and outcome, DIY dyeing may be the right choice. On the other hand, if you value guaranteed results, precision colour matching, and convenience, engaging a professional is the way to go. Whichever option you choose, always ensure you are working with high-quality materials and following proper procedures to achieve the best outcome for your wedding shoes.

How to choose the right colour for your satin shoes

Dying your satin wedding shoes is a fun way to add a pop of colour to your bridal attire. It is also a great way to give your wedding shoes a new lease of life, allowing you to wear them for many years to come.

Consider the occasion:

Think about the occasion you will be wearing the shoes to. For a wedding, you may want to choose a colour that complements your dress or the theme of the wedding. For other occasions, you can be more creative and choose a colour that reflects your personality or the theme of the event.

Colour matching:

If you want your shoes to match a specific colour, such as your wedding dress or a bridesmaid's gown, consider sending a swatch of the fabric to a professional dyeing service. They can custom mix the dye to ensure an exact match. This is a great option if you cannot find the shade you are looking for in stores or online.

Complementary colours:

If you want your shoes to stand out, consider choosing a colour that complements the rest of your outfit. For example, if you are wearing a lot of neutrals, a pop of colour on your shoes can add interest and personality to your look.

Personal preference:

Ultimately, choose a colour that you love and feel confident in. If you are unsure, it may be helpful to try on different coloured shoes with your outfit to see what you are drawn to. You can also create a mood board or look for inspiration online to help you decide.

Practicality:

Keep in mind that satin shoes may not be suitable for all weather conditions. If you plan to wear your shoes in rainy or snowy weather, consider choosing a darker colour that will not show water stains as easily. Additionally, keep in mind that the dye on satin shoes may not be waterproof, so they may not be the best choice for outdoor events where your feet may get wet.

Dyeing your satin shoes is a great way to customise your look and add a unique touch to your style. Whether you choose to do it yourself or use a professional service, selecting the right colour can ensure you achieve the look you desire.

What type of satin is dyeable?

Satin is a weave style, not a unique fabric, and different types of satin can be dyed using different methods. The type of fibre your satin item is made from will determine which dye and process you will use.

Silk is the easiest type of fibre to dye. The process is also easy as you can use your washing machine to get the job done. Simply add the black dye powder to the water in your automatic washing machine, add the satin item, and allow it to agitate for roughly ten minutes. Then very slowly, add the dye fixer to the washing machine. Reset your washing machine to the start of the longest wash cycle and allow the machine to run until it shuts off. Leave the newly dyed item in the washing machine and fill the machine with warm water, running it through a normal cycle without detergent.

Polyester satin may be the hardest fabric to dye and it also takes longer than other types of satin. The shiny side of polyester satin does not absorb dye very well, and it washes out quite easily. To dye polyester satin, you will need to use a disperse dye, which is made for synthetic fibres. You can find this type of dye online at select companies, such as Aljo Manufacturing and Pro Chemical and Dye. Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the dye, and then add your satin item. Boil for at least 30 minutes, until the item has reached your desired shade. Remove the item and rinse it thoroughly in hot water to remove residual dye.

Nylon satin needs to be dyed using an acid dye. Dissolve the acid dye and salt in a pot that is large enough to accommodate the satin item. Add enough water to cover the item, and heat the water until it simmers for ten minutes. Then add vinegar and allow it to simmer for an additional ten minutes. Allow the mixture to cool before rinsing the item.

How to care for your dyed satin shoes

Dyeing satin shoes can be a great way to add a personal touch to your wedding look. However, it's important to care for your dyed satin shoes properly to ensure they stay in good condition. Here are some detailed instructions on how to care for your dyed satin shoes:

Cleaning

The worst thing to use on satin shoes is water, as even slightly hard water can leave stains. If your shoes are made from rayon, polyester, cotton, or nylon, they may be washable, but if they contain silk or acetate, avoid water. For washable satin shoes, use a very soft brush and a gentle cleanser to clean them. Avoid scrubbing the shoes too vigorously, as this can damage the fabric. For small scuffs, try using a pencil eraser or a suede eraser, and then buff with a lint-free fabric cloth. If your shoes are heavily soiled or stained, consider taking them to a dry cleaner that also offers shoe repair services.

Protection

To protect your satin shoes from stains and water damage, apply a fabric spray such as Scotchgard. This will help repel stains and keep your shoes looking new.

Storage

When storing your dyed satin shoes, keep them in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. If you need to travel with your shoes, wrap them in acid-free tissue paper to protect them from scuffs and scratches. You can also store them in a shoe box or storage bag to protect them from dirt and debris.

Re-dyeing

If your satin shoes become faded or stained, you may need to re-dye them. Follow the same process you used to dye them initially, ensuring you mix the colour accurately. Allow the shoes to dry completely before wearing them again.

Other Tips

• Always test any cleaning or protection products on a small, inconspicuous area of the shoe first to ensure they don't cause discolouration or damage.
• If you need to remove excess dye from your shoes, fill a sink with cool water and add a squirt of dish soap. Submerge the shoes and swish them until all the excess dye is removed.
• If you're using a brush to apply dye or cleanser, work in circular motions to avoid a striping effect.

By following these care instructions, your dyed satin wedding shoes will stay looking beautiful for years to come.

Frequently asked questions