How to customize skate shoes

This guide demonstrates a particular way to modify skate shoes. The lace protectors are a very practical modification, they actually prevent grip tape abrasion. However this mod requires the use of a stud setter which is not so easy to come by. Graffiti paint jobs are practiced as a method to enhance the value of shoes. This particular technique adds an aggressive edge to otherwise plain shoes. The paint job is applied to shoes with a synthetic upper material. The paint shows up better on the smooth synthetic material and not as good on the suede area. Pick out shoes that don't have too much layering and stitching. Stay away from materials that are too porous or absorbent.

My recommendations for this project would be first find some inexpensive shoes to work on. Have the studs done at the end after the painting is complete. Just find a factory that can do the studs for a couple of bucks.  Finally go out and buy a some quality spray paint enamel. The paint used here is early edition Belton Molotow. On a side note I stick to this paint brand because they also manufacture the Li tips which are used ubiquitously.

Supplies
brand new skate shoes with synthetic upper
shoe box with tissue
paper towel
tape
scissors
liquid masking fluid
Belton Molotow Paint
NY fat cap (Li)
eye dropper
drinking straw
cheap craft brush (for effects)
nice synthetic bristle brush (for masking fluid)
paint thinner
tweezers
latex gloves
mask
card board

Step 1 Stud Setter Tips

The stud setter takes a little practice to get it to work properly. If a stud is not set correctly it can fall off or rotate loosely in position. The most important thing is to have the Dye adjusted correctly so that the rivet can be jammed into the stud at the right depth. If the dye is adjusted to tight, the dye can get damaged. Adjust the dye with a test stud and material, make sure the pedal can hit the bolts with out too much pressure. The rivet and stud should make a tight bond, but not so tight that the rivet is damaged. Once the settings are dialed in for a particular dye and the material thats being used, then the machine will be simple to use.

Comments

[chinost1]

wow sick i love it

[masterochicken]

By no means do you need a stud setter.

[berky93]

or studded shoes