My first time custom painting suede UGG boots was a success!
About two years ago I saw painted suede UGG boots in a store at Disney Springs in Florida.
Ever since that visit....I've wanted to try this on my boots!
This winter I finally admitted to myself that my current UGGS were old and tired and looking a little rough.....so why not give the paint thing a try?
I realize not everyone will want leopard print, butterflies and bows....so I will not explain that design. Instead I will focus on the actual paint that works best and how I applied it onto a textured suede surface for lasting durability.
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Supplies Used
I have used and recommended Dixie Belle paint for years now....and stand behind their products ease of use and durability!
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How to Paint UGG Boots for a Soft Smooth Finish
How I Prepped the UGG Boots for Paint
I did not clean my Uggs prior to painting them. However, I did give them a light scuff sand with my sanding sponge to open up the matted fibers of the suede....and then lightly brushed off anything that I knocked loose.
Choosing the Right Type of Paint is Important
Using a quality chalk mineral paint is important! It's very different from acrylic paints which leave a plastic feel to the finish. The chalk mineral paints are more easily absorbed into the fabric (suede) and act more as a dye.....which means this will not peel off or flake away over time.
Start Painting the Base Coat on your UGG Boots
I painted these on a live video with Brody! He did one while I did the other!
I gave the foot of the boot a base coat with Drop Cloth. I spritzed it with a tiny bit of water to keep the paint moving easily. The suede was very "grabby" so having a little bit of added water really kept the paint flowing and allowed it to soak into the suede fibers just a bit.
PRO TIP: Once dry, I scuff sanded the surface of the painted area again with the sanding sponge. This REALLY softened the finish and made it feel like leather! I was so pleased by this finish!
Drawing & Painting Your Custom UGG Boot Design
When drawing a design, use a pencil first. Once your design is just the way you want it, trace over your pencil with a quality paint marker.
You've now got a great outline and border to begin filling in whatever your art design is....with paint!
While we are talking about painted boots, learn how to paint on leather with these custom cowboy boots.
Again....I recommend a quality chalk paint!
I've been using Dixie Belle chalk mineral paints on fabrics for years and I can assure you....once these paints have cured they do not fade or wash away!
Testing a New Product of Fabric...Success!
I did use Gold Gilding Wax for my leopard spots!
This may seem like an odd choice of product but I wanted to try it out! I really liked rubbing the gilding wax cream into the Drop Cloth base coat.
It went on like a dream....and hardens within hours! It's very durable on denim and I felt like it would work well on base coated suede as well.
Protecting your Custom Painted UGG Boots
You do not need to top coat these paints. They self cure within about 3 weeks. I would allow them that amount of time to cure before exposing them to washing or outdoor elements such as rain or snow. If you want to speed this process you could heat set by tossing the boots into the drier for a full cycle.
Should you want more protection you can top coat with Easy Peasy Spray Wax...it protects like a scotch guard!
The Finished Look: How to Custom Paint UGG Boots
And that's it!
The possibilities are endless......for you to express yourself and your style via your custom painted winter UGG boots.....because cozy should also be cute!
More Inspiration:
I pulled a few blogs from past projects that came to mind when working on this piece! I hope you can use them to draw inspiration for your upcoming project. Here are the additional designs for your inspiration:
Painted Cowboy Boots - bright and bold painting on leather boots
Whimsical Canvas Shoes - cheap white canvas shoes transformed
Painted Cheer Shoes - celebrate your cheerleader (or football player)
Playful Whimsical Dresser - leopard print as one of many fun designs
If you have a minute, I'd love to share my unique wearable art collegiate apparel ideas!
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
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