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How to Use Shoe Polish to Change the Color of Leather Shoes to Black

Nov 20, 2011 / By Eleanor Jewell

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Paint your leather shoes with black liquid shoe polish.

Photo: Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images

Right shoes, wrong color. Where are all the basic black shoes when you need them? Instead of buying a new pair of shoes, save yourself some money and stain your leather shoes black with shoe polish. Liquid shoe polish produces instant color and unmistakable shine. The only problem is that it is translucent, or semi-transparent. So, if you want to turn lighter leathers black, you will need to apply several layers for the best look.

Wipe the shoes with a damp cotton cloth to remove dirt or debris attached to the leather. Buff the shoes dry with a second clean cloth. Buff and buff, the shoes must be completely dry before you get the dye bottle.

Press the sponge applicator of the black leather shoe polish container against the leather. As you press, spread the black polish along the surface of the leather. Cover both shoes with a thin layer of polish. Let the polish dry before adding a second coat.

Apply a second coat after the first coat is dry and allow the second coat to dry, too. Look the shoes over after the second coat to see if a third is necessary. If it is, apply the third coat when the second is dry.

Continue the process, applying layer upon layer of black shoe polish until there is no denying that the leather looks black. After the final coat of polish dries, buff the shoes to a shine with a clean, cotton cloth.

1.Black liquid shoe polish for leather

2.Cotton cloths

As a last resort, you can use a cream shoe polish for the project but it is not as effective. Cream shoe polishes are applied with a clean, cotton cloth. Although creams are thicker and might require fewer coats, you might notice some unwanted streaking that a liquid polish does not produce.

Don’t rush. The black shoe polish should be dry before you add another coat or the first coat will smear.

The sponge applicator only needs gentle pressure to release the shoe polish. Press too hard and the shoe polish will drip, making the whole process messier than it has to be.