4 replies to this topic

[trinnyt]

I have a pair of scary 90's boots that are cream and purple snakeskin print (they need to be seen to be believed!).... The shape heel, and even the fabric itself are brilliant , it's just the print that is hideous and very 90's.... Since I only paid $10 for these boots and they're uber comfy, I thought I would dye them brown to revitalise them (and give myself new jedi boots!). If it works, brilliant, NEW SHHHHOOOOES! If not... eh, I haven't worn them in years anyway!

So today I purchased some poly/nylon dye, and it's one that needs to be boiled on the stove. My only concern here is the rubber sole.... Do you think they'll melt in the pot??

Otherwise, I'm keen to find my old big batik pot (so many layers of dye on this pot!) and give it a go! I'll even post pics of how it turns out.

[MistressFey]

Without seeing the boots in person I wouldn't recommend immersing the soles in boiling water (and there's also the possbility of the rubber reacting with the actual dye agent). There are many varieties of rubber and melting points vary between 90-something and 170*C+. My first thought would have been a paint-on style dye. You can always test the melting point first with dye-free water, but of course if it's bad news you may ruin said boots.

My suggestions would be 1) suspend the boots over the pot so the soles are not immersed, and touch-up the edges later (in theory the dye will bleed up the fabric so it shouldn't be too noticable.
OR
2) Bring the dye to the boil, then take it off the heat and add a cup of cold water to lower the temp a little. Add the boots and leave them to soak until the water is cold (stirring to make sure the colour is even of course). Then set it with a hair dryer. I have used this method before, back when I didn't have a boiler for my dye. The colour isn't as dark as boiling the dye because more leaches out during the rinse stage, but it does work.

[wenz]

I wouldn't immerse it in hot water, not just cos of the sole, but some of the solvents may be temperature reactive. Also the heel counter & toe puff may not be that water resistant, let alone hot water. (They're the stiffeners that keep the heel and toe box in shape).

[trinnyt]

Yeah, these were my issues as well, I think I'm going to try the shoe colour change spray, see how that goes!

[mdb]

When you say "print" are these fabric boots or fake leather?

In either case you may have luck with going to an automotive store and getting some upholstery/vinyl spray. I haven't used the stuff myself but it would be worth a shot I'm sure.

And yeah, hot water and glues in shoes d not go well together. I use boiling water to stretch my shoes (pouring from a kettle not full emersion) and even that can be risky!