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Hand-Painted Shoe Care Guide

Everything you need to keep your custom hand-painted sneakers looking fresh for years.

Quick Links: Washing Waterproofing Touch-Up Storage FAQ

How to Wash Hand-Painted Shoes

Hand-painted sneakers require gentle care to preserve the artwork. Never machine wash or soak them in water.

Step-by-Step Cleaning

  1. Remove laces and insoles — wash these separately by hand.
  2. Brush off loose dirt using a soft-bristle brush or dry cloth.
  3. Mix mild soap with cold water (dish soap or sneaker cleaner works well).
  4. Gently scrub painted areas with a soft brush in circular motions. Avoid pressing hard.
  5. Wipe with a damp cloth to remove soap residue.
  6. Air dry at room temperature — never use a hairdryer or direct sunlight.
Warning: Avoid bleach, alcohol-based cleaners, or abrasive sponges. These will strip the paint.

Waterproofing & Sealing

Sealing your painted shoes is the single best thing you can do to extend their life. We recommend sealing within 24 hours of receiving your shoes.

Recommended Sealants

  • Acrylic finisher spray (Angelus, Liquitex) — best for hand-painted designs
  • Matte finish for a natural look, glossy for a shiny, vibrant finish
  • Scotchgard fabric protector for canvas areas only

How to Apply

  1. Make sure shoes are clean and completely dry.
  2. Hold spray can 6-8 inches away from the surface.
  3. Apply thin, even coats — 2 to 3 coats total.
  4. Let each coat dry 30 minutes before the next.
  5. Allow 24 hours for full cure before wearing.

Paint Touch-Up & Repair

Minor chips and scuffs happen with regular wear. Here's how to fix them at home.

What You Need

  • Acrylic leather paint (matching color)
  • Fine-tip brush (size 0 or 1)
  • Rubbing alcohol (for surface prep only on damaged area)
  • Acrylic finisher spray

Touch-Up Steps

  1. Clean the chipped area with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
  2. Apply thin layers of paint, building up gradually. Thick layers crack.
  3. Let dry 20 minutes between coats.
  4. Re-seal the area with acrylic finisher once paint is fully dry.

For major damage, contact us — we offer touch-up services for shoes purchased from KixForge.

Proper Storage

  • Store in a cool, dry place — avoid attics, garages, and humid areas.
  • Keep away from direct sunlight — UV light fades paint over time.
  • Use shoe trees or stuff with acid-free tissue paper to maintain shape.
  • Use a dust bag or store in the original box to prevent dust buildup.
  • Don't stack shoes on top of each other — this can press and crack the paint.

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Machine washing will damage the paint. Always hand-wash with a soft brush and cold water. Use mild soap, gently scrub, and air dry away from direct sunlight.
Apply a clear acrylic sealant spray (matte or glossy finish) in thin, even coats. Let each coat dry 30 minutes before the next. 2-3 coats provide excellent protection against water and scuffs.
With proper care and sealing, hand-painted designs can last 2-5 years of regular wear. Applying sealant and avoiding machine washing are the most important factors.
Yes. Use acrylic leather paint matching the original color. Clean the area, apply thin layers with a fine brush, let dry, then re-seal with acrylic finisher.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use shoe trees or stuff with acid-free tissue paper to maintain shape. Keep in a dust bag or original box.

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