Dyeing Converse Sneakers Using Venus Dye

I bought a pair of high cut pair from a Converse Sale near where I live. I was never a fan of white, so the next step is to change its color in a way that seems natural: Dyeing seems the next legit step.

Initially, I wanted a patterned pair of shoes, so I was considering tie-dyeing it. But I couldn't find any string, or rubber bands for pattern making, so I settled on making it a plain color instead (if I can get a hands on another pair, I would tie-dye it).

The process was inspired by this: http://lynnandtonicblog.com/2010/03/05/how-to-dye-... It used a different dye than mine though, and this set of instructions took her at least 20 minutes.

This process takes at least 30 minutes, not considering the drying time. All in all, you can finish dyeing it within the day.

Materials:

A pair of white Converse Chucks: Get the canvass ones. Dyes work better in fabric.

Venus Dye: Very cheap. I bought it for 5Php ($0.11 in USD conversion). I bought two.

Salt

A big, big pot for the shoes to fit in

Stove

Stirrer (can be as ordinary as a piece of stick)

A place to hang the shoes dry.

Iron and ironing board

Prepare your shoes:

Prior to this, I have to clean the shoes first because they're looking a bit dusty. You can skip this step if you are content with how your shoes look right now.

Remove the shoelaces.

Note: I used the instructions at the pack of the dye packet. You can follow the instructions of the dye you bought.

Step 1: Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

First, wet your shoes.

Then fill the pot with water enough to submerge the subjects in.

Boil the water until it simmers.

Meanwhile, put your dye in a separate small container and add hot water to dissolve it. Set it aside.

Step 2: Step 2: Cook Your Shoes.

Yep. We'll need to cook your shoes. Don't worry. The hard plastic can take it.

Once the water started to simmer, pour in your dye. Mix it a bit before putting your shoes, sole up. Tip though, when you put your shoes in, make sure to pull out the flaps on the shoes so that it will get maximum exposure to the dye. One of the flaps of the shoes was a bit lighter in color than the other one, probably because that flap got pinned down in the dyeing process or something. In any case, expose the areas you want it dyed.

Let it soak for ten minutes, mixing as you do.

I used a ladle for this (because I couldn't find a stick), and keep on prodding the shoes to sink underwater.

Step 3: Step 2: Adding Salt and Cooking It Further

After ten minutes, add in salt. The packet says add a tablespoon of salt on every gallon of water used. I kinda just did an estimate (I think I put in two tablespoons' worth of salt in there). Cook it for twenty minutes with occasional stirring, prodding, and laughing like the witches of old (I kinda did that hahaha).

Step 4: Step 4: Rinsing and Drying

After twenty minutes, turn off your stove, and carefully drain the dye bath into the sink. Rinse the shoes until the water runs clear.

The packet said that I should squish it and force dry it to become moist before ironing it out, but instead, I let it dry outside, and just came back when it's not dripping.

Step 5: Step 5: Iron Your Shoes

Sorry for the quality of the picture. This step was done at night, and my lighting was dark than I thought it will be.

When the shoes are wet enought, I ironed it. I pulled the flap out and ironed that first using the tip of the iron...you know, the small, pointy bit that can go into small places? I also leaned a shoe on the side, and ironed it on the edges. I think I was able to iron most of them.

Since it's a bit wet, the iron sizzles on contact. It's normal, just as long as you don't put the iron on the same spot for too long.

Then, I leave it to dry for the final time.

Step 6: Step 7: and You're Done!

Put back the laces and see how it looks! For my now-blue shoes, I think I need to change the laces to black.

You can use this to re-color your fading Chucks, and works only for plain colors.

Next, I would try to tie-dye shoes. I think that's an interesting project, don't you think?

Thanks!

Comments

[AviiK]

Hi! May I ask if there were any issues with fading over time, when washing again, or when exposed to certain weather? Thank you!

[ushuaia]

This video (and my blue shoes) was dyed 4 years ago.

The color still looks good :D

[Erëka CovetR]

Pwede din ba to sa suede?? Yung nike shoes ko kasi sobrang fade na ng kulay.

[ushuaia]

I'd not recommend using this other than cotton fabrics or canvas.

[maryblood]

Ung nakita ko pong isang instruction, need daw 1 tablespoon ng detergent powder. Tapos kasabay daw ilalagay with the salt.

Tapos binanlawan muna nya ng warm water, bago cold.

Tapos di nya plinantsa.

I wonder what will be the difference kung hindi ginawa ung tatlong ito?

[ushuaia]

I just followed the instructions sa dye packet. Baka yun yung nakalagay kasi dun sa dye na ginamit nila. Pero as far as I know, Venus dye lang yung ginamit ko for the shoes, and so far okay naman yung walang warm water and detergent steps.

Make sure na basahin niyo yung instructions of any dye you're going to use before proceeding.

[KobeB4]

Saan po mabibili ang Venus Dye?

[ushuaia]

Sa National Bookstore po. P5 lang ang bili ko sa kanya.

[ekdd.eugenedaitol]

Hi.

Sang branch ng national ka po naka bili. Tnx. ?

[ChampyVill]

Hello ushuaia! Wondering if this would work even if the dye isnt washed off and the fabric isnt ironed.
You see, im planning to do this on the white stitches of a new Vans Sk8 hi, using a fine paintbrush. Yung maliliit lang na white stitches nya. I think it honestly looks better being black like the one pictured.
Maybe a small toothbrush and a blow dryer will suffice if kailangan talaga i-iron? Or could i just leave it on? Thank you heaps for your reply!

[ushuaia]

You can use instead black acrylic paint on the stitches. Dab or use brush on the areas you would like to be colored and let it dry :)

[Kevin JohnC1]

Maam ok lang po ba kung di fabric cotton yung shoes?

[EdselB]

ano pangalan nung dye na ginamit? salamat :)

[Banannikka]

Hey,

My favourite black dance ox ballet flats are basically dead. I have the exact same pair in light grey, and I want to dye them black. Only problem is the shoelaces aren't removable and I want to keep those white. Do you think if I cover them in clear nail polish it will prevent the laces from dyeing? Or is there no other solution?

Thank you!

[ushuaia]

I haven't tried that actually. You can test it with a spare material you have (if you have any).

I saw some comments when I looked in Google before (in regards to masking out areas like the white soles), I don't know if duct tape would work... haha.

Please let me know how it goes.

[RoderickC4]

Hindi po ba, na ddye yung side part nang rubber?

[ushuaia]

Hindi naman. Yung sakin hindi eh, pero kung medyo kinakabahan ka, pwede mong lagyan ng tape ang area na yun (siguro duct tape, yung silver, yung heavy duty na makikita sa Ace Hardware, etc.).

[JebB5]

Sana may actual video ka nito po sa youtube ndi ko maintindihan basta steps lng e dami ko tanong sa isipan ko hehe thanks

[ushuaia]

Pasensya na wala po akong video. Hirap magluto ng sapatos pag may video eh haha. If you have any questions on any steps, pwede niyo po akong i-PM.

[Charles DietherC]

Ano pong ginamit nyong color ng venus dye? Thanks po