Where to buy shoe dye?

jackiec

I should specify that I'm looking for something accessible to Canadians, too.

I'm inspired by the creativity I see here on YLF! I'm looking to dye a pair of suede cognac booties (i wear my leather Clarks booties way more often). I'm thinking either navy blue or a dark burgundy.

I'm also thinking of dying a gorgeous pair of Valetino loafers that I purchased in Italy in 2009, and have worn exactly twice. They are a pale pale orange colour currently, and I'm thinking if I dye them a pewter colour I'll wear them more often. I don't want to let them go for sentimental reasons. They are my only real designer item in my closet and the purchase brings back fond memories.

The little shoe shop here is like walking into 1977 so it hasn't been much of a help. Where to go? michaels? Order online?

Thanks in advance!!

10 years ago

General

7 replies

Latest reply was from jackiec

Vix

Veteran

Hi Jackie --

Not sure where to find them in Canada, but this is the line/medium I recommend, and I've also ordered from the vendor with great results:

metallic: http://shoeshinekit.com/tameco.html
pearlescent: http://shoeshinekit.com/tapeco.html

Looks like they recently started shipping to you all but of course the pots are a lot cheaper than the shipping!

Tip: the more pigmented colors cover better (so in the metallics, "antique silver" over "high silver"). But I'll layer colors over each other, too.

BTW, with medium colored shoes (dark tan etc) I've gotten pretty good results putting down a layer or 2 of black then building up with the metallics. If you can experiment on an ancient pair before moving onto the ones you want to keep that's never a bad idea.

10 years ago

JAileen

Veteran

I was at my local shoe repair yesterday, and I saw a huge rack of dyes, creams, and polishes. For the loafers you could use Tarrago cream. It comes in lots of metallics. Here are some sandals I dyed last year. Tarrago is also available on Amazon. For the suede, that might be trickier. There are liquid dyes. I dyed some purple snow boots black last year using Lincoln liquid dye and it worked pretty well.

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10 years ago

jackiec

Veteran

Vix - thanks! I'll check it out. Good advice too. Looks like I have some practicing to do!! I'm not too concerned about the suede booties, but I better practice before touching the Valentinos....

JAileen - thanks! Your sandals look awesome! I wish my shoe repair shop was as stocked as yours....I'll look online. I've heard Tarrogo mentioned here too.

10 years ago

viva

Veteran

I'm just amazed at the ingenuity and the bravery of you women. I'm not sure I would ever do this. Good luck, Jackie, and post pictures!

10 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I buy Tarrago shoe cream from Amazon. I can't seem to collect it but here is an example:
http://www.amazon.com/Tarrago-....._2?ie=UTF8...

10 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

Jackie, I bought Tarrago dye online from states. It costs more with delivery and duties but because the initial price is not high it is not too bad.
I tried the dye from my local cobbler and did not like it as much:
- it only covers from light to darker - Tarrago can cover from black to white;
- it did not last long and started to scuff. Tarrago holds much better - I dyed my "dance" shoes and it hold very well - the leather itself gets worn out (apparently the dancing is very hard on the shoes) but the dye holds.

10 years ago

jackiec

Veteran

Vivian - it's all talk at this point - I'll let you know if there's ever a finished project. Sometimes it takes months for me to go from idea to finished project...or never!

Diana - Thanks! Tarrago seems to be the way to go.

Sveta - good to know - thanks! I'll probably just order online too. I like that the Tarrago holds better and is working out for your dance shoes.

10 years ago

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