| You may have thought about making shoe dying a | | | | extensive experience and training will be able to more |
| do-it-yourself project. Conceptually, it sounds simple -- | | | | closely match your desired color. You can find |
| put the shoes in with the right color dye for awhile, let | | | | services of a shoe dyer online or through your local |
| them dry and you are done. Unfortunately, that | | | | bridal shop, shoe retailer, or shoe repair shop. Whether |
| approach can be met with disastrous results. Shoe | | | | you choose a local or online service, you should be |
| dying is a delicate process, which is why experts | | | | aware of several things: |
| generally recommend that you not dye your own | | | | * Ask to approve a swatch for color before having |
| wedding or bridesmaids shoes. | | | | the shoes dyed. Ask for the swatch to be from |
| If you want to try, however, here are some tips: | | | | material identical to that your shoes are made from, if |
| * Dyes are generally fabric-specific and will not work | | | | possible. Keep a piece of the swatch. This way, if the |
| on other materials. Choose a dye that is suitable for | | | | color does not match what you were expecting you |
| the material from which your shoe is made. For | | | | can produce the swatch as evidence. |
| example, you will need to use a different formulation | | | | * Light conditions affect the appearance of most |
| for dyeable satin shoes than for silk ones. | | | | fabrics. The color will likely appear different in natural |
| * Double check that your shoes can be dyed. Dyeable | | | | lighting than in fluorescent or other indoor lighting. |
| shoes are indicated as such. | | | | Similarly, shade and sunshine will create different |
| * Follow the directions on the dye. Some dyes instruct | | | | appearances. Notify the shoe dye professional of the |
| you to dip the shoes in hot water. Others call for | | | | lighting conditions, and ask that he or she perform a |
| sponging or brushing the dye directly onto the shoes. | | | | color match under similar lighting. |
| * Practice first on inexpensive shoes to hone your | | | | * Due to variations in material, it is nearly impossible to |
| technique. | | | | obtain a perfect match. The exact same color may |
| * Be prepared with a backup plan in case the end | | | | appear different on a soft luxe than on a high-sheen |
| result is not what you imagined. | | | | satin. Therefore, expect the shoe color to accessorize |
| * Dyed shoes are not waterproof, so be prepared to | | | | and complement your dress, rather than blend in with a |
| seal your shoes with a water repellent spray. Even | | | | 100 percent match. |
| then, be careful to keep your shoes dry and clean. | | | | * Leave plenty of time for completing the color |
| Follow these tips and you may end up with fabulous | | | | approval process and dying. Two, three, or more |
| results. Or, because of unforeseen complications, you | | | | weeks is a typical time frame, especially if you are |
| may not. If your dress is a different fabric than your | | | | having several items dyed. |
| shoes, for example, the same shade may look | | | | * Shoes can generally be re-dyed darker, but not |
| different (and wrong) on your shoes. | | | | lighter. How many times the shoes may be re-dyed |
| Having your dyeables professionally dyed. | | | | depends on the brand. |
| It is highly recommended you take your dyeable shoes | | | | Whether you decide to dye your wedding or |
| to a qualified professional, or master dyer, when you | | | | bridesmaids shoes yourself or hire a professional, |
| are ready to have them dyed rather than do them | | | | follow these tips and you are more likely to be thrilled |
| yourself. Shoe dying is an art, and those with more | | | | with the results. |