Sneaker Paints(140)
Custom sneakers, made your way
If you want to recolour, restore or personalise a pair of sneakers, you need paint that can handle regular wear. Sneaker paint is made to bond with materials such as leather, vinyl and canvas while remaining flexible as the shoes move.
The collection includes flexible acrylic leather paints, products for removing factory finishes, protective finishers in several sheens and brushes suited to both detail work and broader coverage. The anchor brand here is Angelus, the go-to among sneaker customisers worldwide. If you already know what you're after, browse the full Angelus range directly.
Whether this is your first custom pair or something you do regularly, careful preparation will make the biggest difference to the result.
What to consider before you paint
Picking the right paint is only half the job. The surface of your sneaker, the size of your project and what else sits in your kit all shape the finished result. A quick think-through before you add to cart saves you a second order and a stalled project. Our team fields the same handful of questions from customisers every week, and they usually come back to these four points.
- Upper material: Leather and synthetic leather need Angelus acrylic leather paint plus deglazing. Canvas takes the same paint without deglazing, but benefits from thin priming coats.
- Colour range and mixing: Angelus offers a wide standard palette plus specialty ranges. Buy the closest shade, then mix small amounts to fine-tune.
- Bottle size vs project scope: A 1oz bottle handles touch-ups and midsoles. Full recolours or bold cover-ups usually need 4oz.
- Prep and finish products: Factor in deglazer, a finisher in your chosen sheen, and brushes for sneaker work to get clean edges.
Sneaker paint range at a glance
| Product type | Key use | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|
| Angelus acrylic leather paint (standard) | Flexible colour coat for leather, vinyl and canvas | Full recolours, custom designs, midsole refreshes |
| Angelus Collector Edition and specialty colours | Match iconic sneaker colourways and effects | Restorations and specific brand-inspired custom builds |
| Angelus Finisher (matte, satin, gloss) and Duller | Seals the paint and sets the final sheen | Every finished project, to protect against cracking and wear |
| Leather Preparer and Deglazer | Strips factory finish so paint bonds properly | Any leather or synthetic leather upper before painting |
How to paint sneakers step by step
Most failed paint jobs can be traced back to poor preparation. Factory finishes prevent paint from bonding properly, so leather uppers must be cleaned and deglazed before any colour is applied. Once the surface is ready, apply the paint gradually and allow it to dry before adding the finisher.
Below is the order our team recommends, whether you're doing a quick midsole recolour or a full custom build. If your project spreads into bags, jackets or other leather goods, our leather and vinyl paints collection covers the wider range.
Step 1: Clean and deglaze
Wipe the leather clean, then apply Angelus Leather Preparer and Deglazer with a cotton pad. This strips the factory coating so paint can grip the surface. Skipping this step is the number one beginner mistake.
Step 2: Thin coats, dry between
Shake the bottle well, then use a soft brush to apply a light, even layer. Allow it to dry fully before continuing. Most colours require two to four coats for consistent coverage.
Step 3: Mix custom shades
Angelus paints mix cleanly with each other. Test small amounts on scrap leather or the inside tongue first. Mix enough for the whole job so your shade stays consistent.
Step 4: Seal with a finisher
Once the paint is fully dry, brush on Angelus Finisher in matte, satin or gloss. This locks the paint into the flex of the shoe and stops cracking.
A note on canvas shoes
Canvas doesn't need deglazing. Make sure the fabric is clean and dry, then build up thin coats. A light first coat acts as a primer for even colour on top.
Sneaker paint questions, answered
Do you need to prep leather before painting sneakers?
Yes. Clean leather or synthetic leather, then use Angelus Leather Preparer and Deglazer to remove the factory finish. Let it dry before painting. Canvas does not need deglazing.
Can you use Angelus paint on canvas shoes?
Yes. Apply a light first coat, then build the colour gradually, allowing each coat to dry. This helps the canvas remain flexible and the colour stay even.
What is the best sealer for painted sneakers?
Angelus Finisher is available in matte, satin and gloss. Apply it after the paint has dried to protect the finish. Proper preparation and light coats also help reduce peeling and cracking. Browse our leather care products for ongoing care.
How much paint do I need for a pair?
A 4oz bottle is a practical starting point for a full adult pair, while 1oz usually covers accents, logos or touch-ups. Dark-to-light recolours may require extra paint.
Can I mix Angelus colours?
Yes. Add small amounts of colour gradually and test the mixture on a hidden area first. Mix enough for the entire project, as reproducing the exact shade can be difficult.
Is sneaker paint safe to use at home?
Angelus paint is water-based and low odour. Work in a ventilated area and keep all products away from children. Deglazer and finisher require extra ventilation.
Ready to start? Browse the full sneaker paint range above and build your kit.
Why shop sneaker paints with Riot
We've been supplying Australian makers for more than 40 years, and the sneaker customiser community is one of the groups we know well. The range you see here has been chosen to cover the full workflow, not just the headline product. You'll find Angelus acrylic leather paint, finishers, deglazer and brushes stocked together, plus the wider leather craft range if your project grows. Order online for shipping Australia-wide. Not sure which product fits your project? Our team is happy to point you in the right direction before you buy.
Explore related craft collections
Sneaker customisation sits inside our wider leather craft range, so it's worth a look at the neighbouring collections while you're planning. Our leather paints collection covers bags, wallets and accessories. If you're after deeper, penetrating colour rather than a surface coat, the leather dyes range is the place to start. And if you're pairing your sneaker work with wider creative projects on canvas, wood or paper, our craft paints collection has you covered.