SEKURE D'S GUIDE TO CUSTOMISING SNEAKERS

Put some thought into what you are doing. Photoshop is a great way to visualize your design before you start painting. I highly recommend doing a mock-up before you start painting, it’ll save you some tears later on for sure.

Let’s face it, nobody sane enjoys this phase but it’s probably the most important, so do not skip this phase or you’ll regret it later. Get yourself a drink and put on a DVD to help pass the time. To prepare your shoes for paint, add some acetone to the cotton balls, Q-Tips or even a Scotch Bright pad and rub it over the leather panels you are going to paint. This will remove the waxy layer covering the shoes to ensure the paint will bond and not chip, crack or flake.

• You should start to see paint on your cotton balls and the leather will now feel less slippery. Keep changing to new cotton to pickup more residue. White panels should have a gray discoloration after using the acetone.

• When using acetone, you should be in a well ventilated area and wearing gloves, this stuff is no joke.

• Wiping down the shoe after this is done is essential to remove any left over cotton or build up.