Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Tennis Shoes?
Tennis shoes are widely popular among both men and women. I personally love them because of their comfort. It will be a great pleasure if I can customize my own tennis shoes. And nothing can beat acrylic paint for DYI adventure.
But can acrylic paint be used on tennis shoes? Yes. Many tennis shoes can be painted with acrylic paint. However, the type of tennis shoes that you use for multiple purposes matters. Your sneakers or jogging shoes are not similar to the training shoes of an athlete. But both fall under the category of tennis shoes. So, it depends.
Here, I have discussed different materials and types of tennis shoes and if you can use acrylic paint on them.
Is Acrylic Paint A Good Choice To Use On Tennis Shoes?
If you are wondering whether acrylic paints stay on tennis shoes or not, you need to understand what tennis shoes are made of. Tennis shoes are usually made of different types of materials.
There are rubber, synthetic fabrics, cotton fabrics, leather, canvas, and even elastic fabrics used for making tennis shoes.
Most of these materials are quite flexible and can absorb acrylic paint easily. But some synthetic fabrics and rubber can be difficult to work with. For these materials, you can use a suitable primer that will help you to prepare the surface.
Acrylic paint is not harmful to tennis shoes. But if you apply a thick layer, then it can crack easily. Which will make your shoe look ugly and shorten its lifetime.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Any Type Of Tennis Shoes?
There are multiple types of tennis shoes. Some are for professional players and some are for casual uses. Also, shoe types defers based on where they are going to be used. Here I have explained how you can use acrylic paint on different types of tennis shoes.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Lace-Up Tennis Shoes?
Lace-up tennis shoes prioritize style and outlook while ensuring the comfort of the wearer. Manufacturers use fabric, mesh fabric, and leather to make the shoe upper. You can use acrylic paint on any of these materials.
Before painting your shoes, it is better to remove the laces from the shoes. If you want to paint your laces you can use a very thin layer of acrylic paint.
You might worry that acrylic paint will decrease the breathability of your shoes. But if you apply thin layers and let them get absorbed, it will not hamper the comfort.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Synthetic Tennis Shoes?
Synthetic tennis shoes are famous for their bright colors. These shoes are popular among the youth and women. Usually, cotton fabrics are used to maintain the comfort of tennis shoes.
But in these shoes, the synthetic fabric that is used is as comfortable as cotton fabrics. They are elastic and breathable as well.
Considering their elasticity, if you want to paint on them, you cannot use any heavy acrylic paint. Mix the acrylic paint with fabric medium and apply thin layers of them to get a better result.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Chunky Sole Tennis Shoes?
Chunky sole tennis shoes are good for absorbing the shock of high jumps and activities. You can paint the sole corners and shoe upper of these shoes with acrylic paint.
The heavy soles of chunky sole shoes are made of rubber. To balance the material the shoe upper is usually made of fabric or canvas.
Fabric or canvas can easily be painted with acrylic paint. But for the rubber sole, you need to be careful and give enough time for the paint to dry. Don’t do the painting in a hurry. It can damage the design and look ugly later.
To make the paint last longer and not damage your shoes, use a suitable primer before applying the paint and mix your acrylic paint with a fabric medium. So that it can be absorbed easily.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Hard Court Tennis?
It is difficult to paint on hard court tennis shoes. The outsole of the hard court tennis shoes is usually made of rubber.
Though they are flexible, they are not very fond of acrylic paint. If you use any thick layer of paint on the rubber outsole, the paint will start cracking after a few days. It will make your shoes look ugly and worn out.
If you still want to paint your hard court tennis shoes you better use very thin layers of acrylic paint. You can mix the acrylic paint with a good acrylic medium and apply them. If you want a more rigid color, use multiple thin layers.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Outsole Tennis Shoes?
You need to be careful while handling outsole tennis shoes as well. These tennis shoes are made of mesh fabric and wide rubber soles. If you want to paint on mesh fabric, you need to be careful.
Mesh fabric absorbs water-based color quite well. So, you can easily paint it with acrylic paint. But if you do not use the fabric medium or the paint is too thin, it will bleed and make the design messy.
So, make sure you add fabric medium while mixing the paint solution.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Clay Court Tennis Shoes?
You will be able to paint on most of the clay-court tennis shoes using acrylic paint. But I am not sure if you can paint on all of them. Usually, clay court tennis shoes are identified by the material and structure of their sole.
As these are suitable to wear on a muddy surface, it’s better if you don’t paint in the corner or side of the shoes. But you can paint the front of the shoe to make it look gorgeous.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Traditional White Tennis Shoes?
Yes, you can decorate your traditional white tennis shoe pairs with acrylic paint. Traditional white tennis shoes are made of canvas.
Nowadays there are different types of fabric that are used to make traditional white tennis shoes. But if you look at the history of tennis shoes, the canvas is the main ingredient for these shoes. Canvas is a good surface for painting and designing.
You can use different types of acrylic paint on your white tennis shoes if they are not too thick. The paint will set faster than any synthetic or rubber surface. But it is better to let it dry for one whole day.
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Air Vapour Tennis Shoes?
Yes, you can paint on air-vapor tennis shoes. The mesh fabric that is used for ventilation at the front of the shoe can absorb acrylic paint.
But if you are not comfortable with the fact that the mesh fabric will be covered with an acrylic paint layer or think that the ventilation will be disrupted, then not painting the shoe will be a better idea.
As air vapor tennis shoes are quite bouncy, if you paint on the side of the shoes, they might crack faster than other pairs. But you can paint the outer front of the shoe easily.
You can paint the mesh fabric or the leather strips using a thin acrylic paint solution. It will give you a good texture on your shoe.
Can You Paint The Soles Of Tennis Shoes With Acrylics?
Yes, you can use acrylic paint to paint the soles of your tennis shoes. The soles of the tennis shoes are usually made of rubber or plastic.
Sometimes canvas is also used to make insoles. If you want to paint the insoles of your tennis shoes, they will last longer if they are made of canvas.
Acrylic paint can be used on various surfaces. If you prepare your surface properly, you can use it and the paint will last longer. If you use a suitable primer, your acrylic paint will last on your sole as long as your shoes last.
How To Seal Acrylic Paint On Tennis Shoes?
To seal acrylic paint on your tennis shoes, let the paint dry and set it properly. Usually, there are different types of fabrics and materials used to make tennis shoes.
You’ll find mesh fabric, canvas, and rubber in the same shoe. Acrylic paint can sit on almost all types of materials. But you will need to follow proper procedure and give the shoe time to absorb the paint.
To seal your acrylic paint effectively, first, apply thin layers of acrylic paint on your shoe and let them dry. After the paint dries, apply thin layers of acrylic paint sealer.
You can use multiple layers to get a better result. But wait until one layer is dried fully before applying the next layer.
How Long It May Take To Dry Acrylic Paint On Tennis Shoes?
The time your acrylic paint will need to dry properly, might vary on the humidity of the surrounding and shoe materials.
It also depends on the paint density. If you apply a thicker layer, it will take longer to dry. Also, acrylic paint on rubber or plastic will need more time than canvas or fabric.
It might take 24 to 48 hours to dry a layer of acrylic paint completely. It is better to apply thin layers so that they will be spread evenly and dry faster.
Though acrylic paint can sit on almost any type of surface, you need to prepare the surface and keep it clean before painting to get a better result.
Can Acrylic Paint Harm Your Tennis Shoes?
Usually, acrylic paints are not harmful to tennis shoes. Still, you need to be careful while applying acrylic paint to your shoes. If your tennis shoes are made of soft leather, it will harden the surface while you are applying the paint.
Also, if you want to remove the paint, you will need to use strong chemicals like acetone. The highly concentrated acetone can harm the surface of your shoe.
Thick layers of acrylic paint can crack and peel off easily when it dries. When the paint comes off, it can be damaging to your shoe material as well.
How To Prevent Acrylic Paint From Cracking On Tennis Shoes?
While painting your shoes with acrylic paint, you need to be careful about how you are applying the paint.
If you follow the wrong procedure or be impatient, the paint can be thick and uneven. It can crack afterward as well. Here are some tips that will help you to prevent the cracking of the paint on your tennis shoes.
- Clean your shoes thoroughly. If there is dirt or residue on the shoe surface, it will prevent the acrylic paint to spread evenly and the paint will come off easily. If there is any mark or stubborn stains, you can use acetone to clean them.
- Apply the paint in thin layers. Thick layers will make the paint come off as chunky and prevent it to get dry properly. To make a smooth outlook, apply thin layers of paint. If you want, you can apply multiple layers. But thick layers will crack easily afterward.
- Mix your acrylic paint with a suitable acrylic medium. It will make the paint last longer and easier to apply.
- Let a layer of paint dry completely before applying another layer.
Suggested Materials You May Need
As you will wear your tennis shoes outside, you will encounter different types of environments. You will also need to wash your shoes. So, you will need to use sealing materials to make them last longer. Here, I have suggested some products that will help you to apply the paint and get a better result.
#1 U.S. Art Supply White Gesso : (Recommended Primer For Acrylic Paint)
When preparing a surface for painting, you cannot forget to use a suitable primer. This U.S. Art Supply White Gesso primer is perfect for preparing leather, rubber, or canvas and makes the paint last longer.
Tennis shoes are made of different types of materials. So you will need to prepare them beforehand to keep the paint smooth and long-lasting. this white gesso is the perfect primer for your tennis shoes.
This Gesso is lightweight and gets absorbed as a thin layer on your shoe. It will not be chunky or create a cracked look.
It will help the rubber or leather surface to collaborate with your paint medium in a friendly way. So that the beautiful paint layer can last without peeling off.
#2 Soucolor Acrylic Paint Brushes Set : (Suggested Paint Brush For Acrylics)
You will need sophisticated and fine-tipped brushes to paint tennis shoes. A shoe’s surface is not large. Also, there are edges and bends. You will need to reach into some corners using paint brushes. This Soucolor Acrylic Paint Brush Set is perfect to paint on this type of surface.
The set has a diverse collection of paintbrushes. Some can be used for covering a larger area, while others can give you a refined look.
These paint brushes are not only good for acrylic paints. You can also apply primers and sealers with these brushes. It will give you a smooth finish and a detailed design with minimum effort.
#3 DecoArt Multi-Purpose Sealer : (Suggested Sealer For Acrylic)
Your shoes will come in contact with rain and mud. So you cannot leave it without sealing the paint. This DecoArt Multi-Purpose Sealer is the perfect product to seal your paint and keep that protected for a long time.
This sealer will create a thin and clear coat on your paint. It will not make the design dull and prevent it from getting washed away.
The thin layer will not create any film or make your shoes uncomfortable. You will be able to wear them comfortably for a long time even after the coat is completely absorbed.
The proper application of a sealer will not only extend the beauty of your shoe but also protect the shoe from minor scratches and dust. So you will get additional protection to keep your favorite pair of shoes for ages.
Over To You
I have explained how you can paint your acrylic shoes and make them more beautiful. The self-customized shoes are a great choice to show sincerity and display your creativity to others.
I hope you have a great experience while painting your tennis shoes and making them extraordinary. What do you think about it?
Further Readings
15 Different Types of Tennis Shoes in Latest Designs
Everything You Need To Know About Clay Court Tennis Shoes
Tips For How To Prevent Acrylic Paint From Cracking On Shoes
How To Prevent Acrylic Paint From Cracking On Shoes (Top 5 Tips)
Can You Use Acrylic Paint On Your Shoes- How?
