Reviving Suede Boat Shoes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Suede shoes are a stylish choice, but they can be tricky to maintain. Knowing how to restore them is a valuable skill, especially if you want to keep your favourite pair in good condition. This guide will take you through the steps to restore your suede boat shoes, from removing dirt and stains to deep cleaning and protecting your shoes from future damage. With the right tools and techniques, you can keep your suede boat shoes looking their best for many seasons to come.

Removing Scuffs and Stains

The first step to removing scuffs and stains is to absorb any liquid stains as soon as they happen. Blot the stain with a paper towel or a clean cloth. This will prevent the stain from drying and setting in your boat shoes.

For dirt stains, gently dab the stain with a cloth dampened with white vinegar. Allow the vinegar to dry completely, and then rub the stain off with a suede brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush. You can also use a suede eraser to rub off dirt spots. If you don't have a suede eraser, a regular pencil eraser will also do the trick.

For stubborn stains, use a piece of 1200-grit sandpaper to gently rub the stain off. Be careful not to be too aggressive with the sandpaper, as it can damage the suede. Once you're done, brush off the dirt with a suede brush.

If you're dealing with water stains, the best way to remove them is to dampen the rest of the suede with water to even it out. Use a damp towel to dab water onto your boat shoes, covering them evenly. Once this layer of water dries, the stain should no longer be visible.

For grease stains, sprinkle cornstarch or talcum powder onto the stain and let it sit overnight. Vacuum the powder the next day to reveal clean suede.

To protect your boat shoes from future stains, treat them with a suede protectant spray. Apply the spray evenly to the fabric, and be sure to cover the suede with 2-3 coats, letting each coat dry before adding another.

Repairing Torn Suede

Using Adhesives

Small tears or cuts in the suede can be mended with super glue and a toothpick. Apply a small amount of glue to the tear and carefully press the edges together. Use only a tiny amount of glue, as too much can harden and discolour the suede. Fabric glue or shoe adhesive are preferable, as they are flexible and will not stiffen like superglue or hot glue. However, if you only have superglue or hot glue, these can still be used, but the repair may not hold for as long.

Leather Patching Kits

For larger tears, consider using a leather patching kit, which can be purchased online or from craft supply stores. These kits come with patches and adhesives designed specifically for suede. Cut the patch to the required size, spread glue on the back of the patch, and press it onto the suede. You can also use the glue to stick down any torn flaps of suede. If you are unable to find a patch that matches the colour of your shoes, you may need to dye the patch or the entire shoe.

Professional Repair

If the tear is extensive, it may be best to seek professional repair from a cobbler or specialist repair shop. They will be able to repair the tear seamlessly and may also offer other services such as cleaning, restoration, recolouring, and waterproofing.

Restoring Suede Texture

Restoring the texture of suede boat shoes is a delicate process, but it can be done. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, ensure your shoes are dry. If they have been exposed to water, use a paper towel or a clean cloth to blot the moisture. For liquid stains, you can also use a suede brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush off the stain.

Next, use a suede brush to lift the fibres and restore the suede's nap. Brush the suede gently in back-and-forth motions, covering the entire surface evenly. This will help remove any dust or light dirt.

For more stubborn stains or dirt spots, try using a suede eraser. Gently rub the eraser on the stain in circular motions until it disappears. A regular pencil eraser may also work.

If you are dealing with deep stains, you can use white vinegar or rubbing alcohol. Dampen a cloth with either solution and gently dab at the stain, being careful not to soak the suede.

For very tough stains, you can try using 1200-grit sandpaper. Gently rub the sandpaper against the stain to scrape it off, moving the sandpaper evenly to maintain a uniform look. Always be cautious when using sandpaper, as aggressive sanding can damage the suede.

After removing the stain, brush the suede again with a suede brush to restore the texture and ensure the fibres are laying in the same direction.

Finally, consider using a suede protectant spray to help repel dirt, water, and stains in the future.

By following these steps, you should be able to effectively restore the suede texture of your boat shoes.

Recolouring Suede Shoes

Prepping the Shoes

First, clean the suede with a soft-bristled brush. If there are any stubborn stains, use a damp cloth to wipe them away. Remove any laces and place tape over any features you don't want to dye, such as buttons or zippers. Then, stuff the shoes with newspaper or old rags to help them hold their shape and prevent the dye from running inside.

Dyeing the Shoes

Purchase a dye specifically formulated for suede. Brush out the suede with a soft-bristled brush to remove dust and debris, brushing in different directions. Dip a small, stiff-bristled brush into the dye and apply it to the suede in smooth, circular motions. Allow the first coat to dry thoroughly—at least 24 hours. You can then add more coats as needed until you achieve the desired colour.

Finishing Up

Once the dye is dry, use a brush to fluff up the suede. Treat the shoes with a waterproofing spray to preserve the colour. Hold the can about 6-8 inches away from the shoe and apply a light, even coating.

Tips and Tricks

• It is best to dye shoes a lighter colour rather than a darker one.
• When brushing the suede, brush the grain in different directions, not just the way it lays naturally.
• When dyeing, start with a broad, flat surface, like the heel or toe, and work your way to tighter sections.
• Avoid oversaturating the suede, as this can create permanent dark spots.
• It is normal for the seams of the shoes to not take the new colour very well, as they may be stitched with synthetic thread.
• Always store your dyed shoes in a well-ventilated area.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your suede shoes have extensive stains, discolouration, tears, or "bald spots", it is best to seek the help of a suede expert or professional cobbler for cleaning, repairing, or restoring.

Waterproofing Suede Shoes

Waterproofing is crucial if you want your suede shoes to last. Suede is a delicate material that requires special care, and waterproofing will help protect your shoes from water, dust, and stains. Here are the steps you should take to waterproof your suede shoes:

First, ensure your shoes are clean and dry. Start by using a regular shoe brush or a horsehair brush to remove any surface particles and dirt. Next, use a suede brush to lift the fibres and deep clean your shoes. You can use a crepe or brass brush for this step. If your shoes are stained, use a suede shampoo and a nylon brush to scrub away the stains with lukewarm water. Once clean, let the shoes dry naturally.

After your shoes are clean and dry, it's time to apply a waterproofing product. Use a silicon-free water protector spray, such as NuShoe Super Invulner, to create a barrier that repels water and stains. Spray a few light coats on your shoes, ensuring even coverage. Allow the shoes to dry and relax for at least 30 minutes after spraying.

If you want to maintain the natural look of your suede shoes, you can choose not to use a waterproofing spray. Suede is more resilient than people think, and a suede brush can remove most stains. However, if you want to protect your shoes from spills and watermarks, a spray is a good option.

Additionally, if you want to restore the colour of your suede shoes, you can use a renovator spray or recolouring spray. These products will not only recolour but also condition the suede, giving it a fresh look.

Finally, remember to care for your suede shoes regularly. Use a suede brush to lift the fibres and keep the colour vibrant. With proper care and maintenance, your suede shoes will age gracefully and be a great companion for many years.

Frequently asked questions