Protect Your Tie-Dye Crocs: Keep The Paint Intact!

Tie-dye Crocs are a fun and unique way to express your personal style, but keeping the paint on them can be a challenge due to the unique type of plastic used in their construction, which is resistant to dye. While some methods such as hydro-dipping or spray painting can be used to achieve a tie-dye effect, these may not be permanent solutions as the paint can chip and peel over time due to the bending and movement of the shoe. To ensure that the paint on your tie-dye Crocs lasts longer, it is recommended to use dye specific to synthetic materials, such as Jacquard iDye Poly or Rit DyeMore Synthetic. Additionally, starting with a new pair of Crocs can help achieve a cleaner finish. By following these tips, you can enjoy your colourful and personalised Crocs without worrying about the paint coming off.

Use dye specific to synthetic material

The key to dyeing Crocs successfully is to use dye that is specifically designed for synthetic materials. This is because Crocs are made from a unique type of plastic that is resistant to dye, so the colours may be faded when using regular dye.

There are a few different brands of dye that are suitable for synthetic materials. Jacquard iDye Poly is a powder, whereas Rit DyeMore Synthetic is a liquid. You can use either, but if you use the Rit product, don't add water. You can also use black boxed hair dye or black Rit brand synthetic clothing dye.

To use the stovetop method with Rit DyeMore Synthetics, you must maintain an almost-boiling temperature for the duration of the dyeing process (200ºF or greater). When the water begins to simmer, add the dye and mix well. Then, dip your Crocs into the dyebath one at a time and move it side-to-side, stirring the dyebath, until the desired saturation is reached (roughly 3-5 minutes). Repeat this process to dye the straps. Rinse the straps and Crocs in cool water, then repeat the whole process to create a second dyebath for an ombré look. Finally, rinse the Crocs in warm water and dry them off.

Avoid spray paint

If you want to tie-dye your Crocs without using spray paint, there are a few methods you can try. One popular method is to use fabric dye specifically designed for synthetic materials, such as Jacquard iDye Poly or Rit DyeMore Synthetic. You can mix and match colours to create your desired look, but be aware that the colours may turn out faded due to the unique type of plastic Crocs are made of.

• Remove the straps from your Crocs.
• Clean the areas you will be dyeing with a moist paper towel or a baby wipe.
• Prepare your dye according to the instructions on the packaging.
• If you want to create a tie-dye effect, add some shaving cream to a bowl and sprinkle in your chosen dye. Mix in a small amount of water to create a creamy texture.
• Place plastic wrap on your work surface and spread out the shaving cream mixture.
• Create your desired pattern by dropping dots, lines, or swirls of different dyes onto the shaving cream.
• Carefully place your Croc face down into the mixture, holding it at a 45-degree angle.
• Repeat the process for the other shoe, ensuring you have enough dye left to achieve a similar colour or pattern.
• Rinse your Crocs in warm water and dry them off.

Another method to avoid using spray paint is to hydro-dip or dip-dye your Crocs. This involves dipping your Crocs into a dyebath and moving them side-to-side until the desired colour saturation is achieved. You can also remove the straps and dip-dye them separately. However, be aware that this method may result in chipping or fading over time due to the durable material of Crocs.

If you want to avoid painting your Crocs altogether, you can try customising them in other ways. Some people have suggested using acetone to wipe away the original pattern or paint, but be cautious as it is unclear how this would react with the foam material. You can also try embroidering or adding decorations such as Jibbitz charms to personalise your Crocs without altering their colour.

Hydro-dip new crocs

To hydro-dip new Crocs, you will need a watertight plastic, glass, or aluminium container that is large and deep enough to fully submerge the Crocs. You should also have masking tape, a utility knife, rubber gloves, and a primer/basecoat spray.

Firstly, tape off any areas you don't want to be painted, such as the soles of the shoes or the rubber around the heel. If you want to protect the buttons on the strap, tape over them, then cut around each button with a utility knife, leaving two smaller pieces of tape behind. Clean the areas you will paint with a moist paper towel or a baby wipe.

Next, scuff the surface of the Crocs with a scratch pad to roughen it, which will prevent pinholes in the design. Spray the shoes with a primer/basecoat. Then, fill your container with water and spray your chosen colours in a circular pattern, away from the centre, to create your desired pattern. For a tie-dye look, use blue, red, yellow, and green.

Put on your rubber gloves and hold your first Croc at a 45-degree angle, with the toe pointing downwards. Slowly lower the shoe into the water, ensuring that you do not change the angle. Once the shoe is submerged, even out the angle and then slowly remove it from the water. Avoid rubbing the surface. Let the shoe dry for about 5 minutes, then rinse it under cold water for approximately 3 minutes to remove any residue. Repeat the process for the second shoe.

The paint may chip off over time as the Crocs bend and move, so be aware that this method is only temporary.

Seal with a clear spray

To keep the paint on tie-dye Crocs, you can seal it with a clear spray. However, this is only a temporary solution as the material used to make Crocs is extremely durable, which means that other substances, like paint, won't stick to it very well. As you walk, the shoe bends and moves, and the paint will eventually start to chip and peel off.

If you want to try sealing with a clear spray, first tape off any areas you don't want to paint with masking tape. Clean the areas you will paint with a moist paper towel. Then, spray the clear sealant over the painted areas of the shoe.

It's important to note that even with the clear spray sealant, the paint may still detach and start to chip off as the Crocs bend and move.

Use shaving cream and dye

To keep the paint on tie-dye Crocs, you can use shaving cream and dye. This method is an alternative to hydro-dipping or spray painting, which can cause the paint to chip and peel off as the shoe bends and moves.

First, remove the straps from the Crocs and wipe them down with acetone using a paper towel. Then, place some shaving cream into a cup and add a small amount of dye. Mix in a little water to create a creamy texture.

Next, spread the shaving cream and dye mixture onto a piece of plastic wrap on a table. Create a design with the dye by dropping dots, lines, or swirls. You can also draw through the mixture with a tool to create a marbled effect.

Once you are happy with your design, place the Croc face down into the shaving cream and dye mixture. You can repeat this process for as many colours as you like, and you can create a tie-dye effect by using blue, red, yellow, and green.

It is important to note that the Crocs may not come out as vibrant as you expect, as the unique type of plastic used to make them is resistant to dye. However, this method will create a permanent pastel tie-dye effect.

Frequently asked questions