Making custom designs on shoes is a ton of fun and lets you show off your style! Once you have your painting on the shoe, you’ll want to make sure you seal it. Not sealing your work could cause it to peel or wash off.
So how can you seal acrylic paint on shoes? Sealing acrylic paint on shoes is easy with fabric and leather varnishes. Angelus Paint Finisher my top pick for sealing your painted shoes. You coat it over the acrylic paint and give it time to dry. After that, the paint won’t peel or rub off!
Overall, you should always seal your paintings on shoes- especially if you want to wear them! Shoes come into contact with dirt, water, and other debris during the day. It’s easy to damage acrylic paint, so you should always end with a finisher. Everything you need to know about sealing acrylic paint on shoes is in this article, so let’s read on!
Sealing Acrylic Paint on Shoes
Sealing acrylic paint on shoes is simple, but you’ll still need to have patience. Start by giving your acrylic design enough time to dry.
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.
Next, make sure you’re using a finisher that gives you the texture you want your design to have. For instance, Angelus makes both glossy and matte acrylic finishers.
Shake your finisher container well, then pour some out onto your palette. You can also use the finisher in an airbrush, as long as the container says it works that way.
Dip your brush in the liquid, then apply an even coat to your acrylic painting. The finisher can make the colors more vibrant while protecting them from scratching or peeling off.
You should apply thin, even coats of the sealant, with plenty of time to dry in between. While it can take a long time, it’s still straightforward- most of your time will go to waiting for the layers to dry.
Can You Use Mod Podge To Seal Acrylic Paint on Shoes
Many artists already have a trusty bottle of Mod Podge at home since it works to seal various projects. Luckily, Mod Podge also works exceptionally well at sealing acrylic paint on shoes!
Mod Podge can stick to many types of fabrics, even the ones that are on your shoes. The final results are usually very glossy, making your painting shiny.
This material can also stick to leather and canvas, making it ideal for sealing your shoes. Mod Podge can protect your work from dust, peeling, chipping, water, and more too! If you want the highest level of protection, then Mod Podge Outdoor would work the best.
Overall, I’d have to say that Mod Podge is an excellent choice for sealing acrylic paint on your shoes!
What To Use To Seal Acrylic Paint on Shoes?
If you’re having a hard time choosing a sealant, the Angelus Finishers are some of the best options. The brand makes these products with shoes in mind, so you’ll know that they’ll stick well. Plus, Angelus finishers provide a lot of protection to your work.
However, you can also choose other fabric and leather varnishes if you’d prefer to use those. Clear fabric finishers often come in cans, which you then use a paintbrush to apply the product to your shoes. For example, Jacquard Textile Paint Clear is a great option.
You can use a waterproofing spray as well. This spray won’t protect your work and a coating of a finisher, but it should still help. You’ll want to hold the can a reasonable distance away from your painting before spraying it.
In short, you’ll want to choose carefully when it comes to the sealant you use. Many shoe customizers prefer to use the Angelus Finisher because it works very well on any shoe they own.
Does Hairspray Seal Acrylic Paint on Shoes?
You should never use hairspray to seal acrylic paint! The chemicals in the hairspray don’t react very well with the color, which could cause a lot of damage to your work.
The chemicals can even liquefy the paint again, causing it to run and make a mess out of your painting. Plus, hairspray isn’t waterproof, so that it won’t protect your image from water damage and moisture.
Finally, hairspray won’t create a strong seal on your shoes. That means your acrylic paint can still peel, chip, and scratch off. If you want a long-lasting seal, then it’s always in your best interest to choose a professional finisher.
Can You Use Clear Glue To Seal Acrylic Paint?
You can use clear glue to seal your acrylic paint, although your final results won’t last as long as they would with a finisher.
You’ll want to start by pouring some of the clear glue from its container, then dipping your brush in it. From there, you want to apply two coats of clear glue to your shoes, with plenty of drying time in between them.
Clear glue works well with acrylic paints since they have a similar flexible texture after drying. If you have stronger clear adhesives at home, they’ll offer you more protection than cheaper glues. Although, using a finisher would give your design more protection.
How To Prevent Acrylic Paint From Cracking on Shoes
Acrylic paint tends to crack when applied in very thick layers. To avoid this, you’ll need to work very slowly while painting your shoes. Start by using a thin layer of the color, then give it ample time to dry.
Then, you can apply another layer of color. You want to build up the color gradually, instead of all at once.
You’ll want to start with an acrylic primer before you get to work on the painting. Adding a foundation gives the paint a better surface to stick to, preventing cracking and peeling.
Finally, you’ll need to coat on a finisher when the painting is complete. The finisher creates a strong seal over the picture, holding it together and stopping cracks from forming. If you want your work to last as long as possible without damage, it’s best to choose a high-quality sealant.
Best Sealers for Painted Shoes
There are many sealers for you to choose from. However, I’d have to say that the Angelus Acrylic Finisher is one of the best! It comes in matte, glossy, satin, and traditional textures.
When you use Angelus as a sealant, your work is sure to last years. The company makes its products mainly for shoes, clothing, and accessories, meaning they have the best formula for their sealers.
However, you can also use Mod Podge Outdoor for incredible results. Applying Mod Podge is exactly like applying other finishers, so you shouldn’t have any issues using it. Plus, it gives you excellent waterproofing and durability.
Final Thoughts
In short, you should permanently seal your acrylic designs on your shoes. Doing so allows them to last much longer! You won’t have to worry about the paint flaking off either. You can choose any final coat you want for your finisher, but Angelus makes some of the best sealers!
Overall, sealing your work isn’t a complex process, although it can take a lot of time. As long as you’re patient, you should get the final results that you want to see!
Make sure to follow all my tips and recommended products to ensure your shoe painted project turns out great! Also, don’t forget to check out my other articles for all your painting Q&A’s. Happy painting!
