Crocs are an insanely popular shoe, but some people find them plain and boring. Customizing your Crocs has probably crossed your mind and it may have you wondering how you can do so properly. It is possible to paint crocs to add your own touch to these comfortable shoes.
So, can you use acrylic paint on Crocs? Yes! Acrylic paints are going to be the most flexible paint that you can use for painting your Crocs. They are the most effective because they are resistant to cracks, peeling, and fading. You can easily use acrylic paint to change the whole color of the Crocs or paint intricate designs for originality.
Before you paint your Crocs, it is important to make sure you are using the right kind of paint for the job. Crocs are known as being innovative and extremely comfortable, usually made out of a material called Croslite. Croslite is basically EVA foam, or foam rubber. This can make it tricky to get paint to stick to the shoe. In this article we go over everything you need to know in order to paint your Crocs with acrylic paint. Let’s read on!
How to Paint Crocs with Acrylic Paint
Painting Crocs is a fun activity and has a pretty simple process. First, you will need to gather all the materials necessary. Make sure you have your Crocs, acrylic paint, paintbrushes, and something to cover your workspace to prevent any paint drips.
My favorite and top pick is always Arteza Acrylic Paints. They have so many different colors, and the quality is amazing! I usually use Arteza Paints for all my projects.
It will be beneficial to sketch out your design on the Crocs with a piece of chalk before painting. This will make sure that you follow exactly what you want and don’t make a mistake. As soon as you have your design sketched out, you can get to painting.
Pour out some of the acrylic paint onto a plate or art palette. This will make it easier to access the colors and mix them if necessary. Grab your paintbrush and get to work on your design. It is highly recommended to paint in thin layers.
This Artify Paintbrush Kit is one of my favorites to use with acrylics. It comes with 10 brushes, and they’re very durable. It’s important to have the right type of paintbrush for your project.
When you finish one layer of paint, let it dry before moving on to the next layer. Acrylic paint dries pretty quickly, so you should be able to continue in about twenty minutes. Allowing your paint to dry properly between coats is essential to prevent the paint from wrinkling or bubbling.
When your design is finished and you have applied all of the layers you want, you are going to want to seal the Crocs. This will help keep the design intact and prevent any peeling of the paint from the surface of the shoe.
I highly recommend using Krylon Sealer Spray. It’s one of the best sealers for acrylic paint. It protects against chips and flakes, and also UV rays for when you’re in the sun. This will help protect your paint from fading.
After the sealer is applied, wait at least twenty-four hours before you wear the Crocs. This will prevent any potential smudges because the paint wasn’t dry all the way. If you aren’t sure that the paint is completely dry, it won’t hurt to let them dry a little longer before you wear them.
Is Acrylic Paint Waterproof?
While acrylic paint has slight water-resistant tendencies, it is not completely waterproof. If you need the paint to have a waterproof coating, you will need to add a sealant on top of the art to protect it. If you are planning on wearing your painted Crocs to the beach or on a rainy day, it is best to avoid unless you apply a sealer.
Acrylic paints are water-based, so when they come in contact with water they will reactivate. When exposed to large amounts of water or consistent amounts of water, you will notice damage to your paint. Acrylic is porous, so it will absorb water and begin to crack, peel, and flake.
There is no set answer of how much water acrylic paint can come in contact with before it gets ruined. However, if it just gets a few drops of water on it here and there, you likely won’t notice any damage. If you happen to step in a puddle or get caught in a downpour, your shoes might face consequences.
How to Seal Acrylic Paint on Crocs
When choosing an acrylic sealer for your Crocs, it is highly recommended to use a spray sealer. This will prevent you from having to drag your brush across the surface of what you just painted and reduce the risk of having your art ruined.
The best way to apply the sealer is in bursts, not just spraying it all crazy all around the shoe. Choose a spot on the Crocs, do a quick spritz of one or two bursts, and move to the next spot. This process might be time consuming, but it is worth the wait.
I recommend sealing your Crocs with Mod Podge Varnish. This spray is water resistant, and can further protect your painted shoes, especially if you know they will get wet.
If the sealer you used isn’t already waterproof, you can add a waterproofing spray once the sealer has dried. Since the paint is already sealed with the sealer, you don’t have to worry about applying it in bursts. You just need to make sure you are applying it even over the shoe and not missing any parts.
Krylon Sealer Spray is also another great brand I use for my acrylic projects. It may not be as waterproof as Mod Podge, but it protects against chipping, flaking and even UV rays.
Apply just one coat of the waterproof spray and you are good to go. It is recommended to let the waterproofing spray dry for at least twenty-four hours before you wear the shoes. This will give everything plenty of time to set and dry.
Best Acrylic Paint for Crocs
If you want to paint your Crocs one solid color, you will have the best results with a spray acrylic formula. Since it is a spray paint, it dries insanely fast and provides excellent coverage in less time than brush-on acrylic. It is best to use this kind of paint outside with plenty of fresh air to avoid breathing in the fumes.
If you are going to be creating a fine, detailed design on your Crocs, spray acrylic won’t help you there. In this case, you will want to buy high-quality brush-on acrylic paints. One of the best sets you can purchase is one that has multiple color choices.
My favorite high quality acrylic paint to use is Arteza Paints. They have a premium finish, outdoor paint, metallic and even iridescent acrylic paint. I would use Arteza if you are looking for a brush-on acrylic paint.
Liquitex Spray Paints is also another popular brand of acrylic paints. If you aren’t sure where to start or which brand to pick, this is a good place to start. The paints are easy to use and close to flawless to apply to a surface.
Final Thoughts
Crocs are probably one of the most comfortable shoes you can buy today. They are unique and made from a foam rubber to make them ultra-comfortable. Even though they are comfortable, Crocs have the tendency to be a little boring.
They are usually just one solid color and there isn’t much room for individuality. If you want to add a touch of you to your Crocs, you can with the help of some acrylic paint and a waterproof sealer. You can use a spray acrylic paint if you are painting a solid color, or tubes of acrylic for intricate designs.
When choosing a sealer for this project, you will want to choose one that is waterproof. Acrylic paints are not waterproof on their own because they are water-based. Since they can easily wash off in wet conditions, it is highly recommended to use the right sealer.
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your acrylic painted Crocs turns our amazing. Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!
