Lena Rivera
Painting midsoles on Air Jordan 11s is a delicate process that requires patience and precision. It is important to prepare the surface by cleaning and sanding the midsoles to ensure proper paint adhesion. The type of paint used is crucial, with some sources recommending Angelus or Createx Airbrush colours, and others suggesting acrylic paint with a matte finish. To prevent cracking, it is essential to apply multiple thin coats of paint rather than thick coats. Finishing the paint job with a clear coat or sealant can also enhance the durability of the paint. While it may take practice to master the art of painting midsoles, with the right tools, techniques, and dedication, it is possible to achieve impressive results.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Painting equipment | Paintbrush, acetone, toothbrush or cotton ball, painter's tape, metal file, rubber gloves, adhesion promoter, sealant, varnish, primer, deglazer |
| Paint type | Urethane paints, Angelus, Createx Airbrush, Raleigh Restorations "Scratch Resistant Sealer", Color Rite professional car paint markers, Rubberbond |
| Paint colour | Black, white, gold, acrylic black |
| Paint finish | Matte, gloss, high gloss |
| Paint application technique | Thin coats, light coats, heat set between coats, multiple thin coats |
| Preparation | Clean and dry the surface, sand the midsoles, remove base paint with acetone or sandpaper |
| Protection | Cover workstation, wear old clothes or an apron |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right paint
Painting the midsoles of your Air Jordan 11s can be a tricky process due to the material composition of the midsoles. The paint you choose will depend on the type of midsole on your shoe.
If your Air Jordan 11s have a hard rubber midsole, it is advised not to paint it unless the shoes are going to be used as display pieces or you are fine with the paint cracking quickly. Angelus paint, a popular choice for sneaker customisation, does not adhere well to hard rubber midsoles and will crack as the midsole flexes and bends. However, Angelus paint works well on leather, so if your Air Jordan 11s have a leather midsole, Angelus paint is a good option. To improve adhesion, you can use a medium to soften the paint and apply a heat set between coats.
If you have a foam-based midsole, you may have better luck with paint adhesion. One user reported success with paint for rubber boats and recommended Plastdip for a great finish.
For a pylon midsole, a type of plastic, it is recommended to use acetone to remove any protective coating or leftover paint. You can then apply acrylic paint and finish with a matte finisher.
For any type of midsole, it is important to clean and dry the shoes properly before painting. Thin coats of paint are preferable to thick coats, as they reduce the likelihood of cracking. Using a mini heat gun for a few seconds between coats can help minimise dry time.
Remember, painting midsoles can be challenging due to the inherent flexibility of the material, which can cause paint to crack. Choosing the right paint and properly preparing the surface can help improve the durability of your custom paint job.
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Preparing the midsoles
Painting the midsoles of your Air Jordan 11s can be a delicate process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare the midsoles for painting:
Cleaning and Preparation
Start by cleaning the midsoles to ensure the paint will adhere properly. Use a toothbrush or cotton ball to remove any dirt or dust. If there is stubborn dirt or old paint, use acetone to wipe down the midsoles. Wear rubber gloves to protect your skin from the acetone. You can also use a metal file to carefully scratch off old paint, especially around the edges of the midsoles.
Taping and Protection
Once the midsoles are clean and dry, carefully apply painter's tape along the edges of the area you want to paint. This will help you achieve a clean, precise paint job and protect other parts of the shoe from accidental splatters. Cover your workstation, and wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty or an apron to avoid paint stains.
Priming and Sanding
Before painting, some people recommend using a primer to help the paint adhere better. You can also lightly sand the midsoles with sandpaper to create a rough surface for the paint to grip onto. However, if your Air Jordan 11s have a grid pattern on the midsoles, avoid using sandpaper as it can damage the grid.
Paint Choice
Choose a suitable paint for the job. Some recommended options include Angelus paint, Createx Airbrush colours, or acrylic paint. If you're painting over a black midsole, consider applying a white base coat first before adding your desired colour.
Painting Technique
When you're ready to paint, use thin, light coats of paint rather than thick coats, as these are less likely to crack. Take your time and apply multiple thin layers until you achieve the desired colour and coverage. Use a mini heat gun between coats to speed up drying time.
Remember, painting midsoles is a skill that takes practice and patience, so don't be discouraged if you don't get it perfect on your first try!
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Painting technique
Painting the midsoles of your Air Jordan 11s can be a delicate process, but with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve a great result. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
Preparation:
Before you begin painting, it's important to prepare your work area and the shoes themselves. Cover your workstation to protect it from paint splashes, and wear old clothes or an apron. It is recommended to use painter's tape to cover any parts of the shoes you want to protect from paint. If there is any existing paint on the midsoles that you want to remove, you can use a metal file to scratch it off, followed by acetone to smooth the surface. Make sure the midsoles are clean and dry before you start painting.
Choosing the Right Paint:
The type of paint you choose is crucial. Some users recommend using acrylic paint, specifically suggesting black acrylic with a matte finish. Others suggest Angelus paint, which comes in various colours and can be finished with a shimmer if desired. However, it is noted that Angelus paint may not adhere well to rubber midsoles and can crack over time. If you are painting rubber midsoles, consider using paint specifically designed for rubber, such as Rubberbond or paint for rubber boats.
When painting, always apply thin coats of paint to prevent cracking. Use a small paintbrush to carefully apply the paint to the desired areas. You can use a mini heat gun between coats to minimise drying time. Take your time and be precise, especially when working around the sole and patent leather. It is recommended to apply multiple thin coats until you achieve the desired shade, rather than a few thick coats.
Finishing:
To protect your paint job and ensure its longevity, consider applying a clear coat as a finisher. This will seal in the paint and provide an extra layer of protection. You can choose between a matte or glossy finish, depending on your preference.
Remember, painting midsoles is a skill that takes practice and patience. Don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. With persistence and attention to detail, you can achieve a professional-looking result.
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Finishing the paint job
Taping
First, ensure that you have properly taped off the sections of the shoe where you do not want paint to get on. This includes taping off the midsole and sock liner, as paint on these areas can be challenging to work with. A good tape job will save you a lot of time and effort in cleaning up mistakes.
Sealing the Deal
Once you are happy with the colour and finish of your painted midsoles, it is time to seal the paint to protect it from chipping, cracking, or scraping. There are a variety of products available for this purpose, including:
- Raleigh Restorations "Scratch Resistant Sealer": Specifically designed for use on rubber midsoles, this product helps to prevent paint cracking.
- Plasti-dip: Mentioned as an alternative to the Raleigh Restorations sealer, potentially offering a different finish.
- Krylon Matte Finisher: Recommended by Vick Almighty, a master of midsole painting, for most projects.
- Matte Acrylic Finisher: Helps protect the paint from minor scrapes and removes the glossy finish.
Final Steps
After applying your chosen finisher, ensure that you allow it to dry completely before removing the tape and wearing your shoes. Take your time during this process, as rushing may result in accidental damage to your freshly painted midsoles.
Additional Tips
- Use a mini heat gun or a blow dryer between coats to speed up the drying process and minimise wait time.
- Multiple thin coats of paint are preferable to thick coats, as thick coats are more prone to cracking.
- If you are painting over old paint, consider using acetone or sandpaper to remove the old paint first, creating a smooth surface for your new paint job.
Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if your first attempt is not flawless. With patience and persistence, you can master the art of painting Air Jordan 11 midsoles.
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Preventing paint from cracking
Painting the midsoles of Air Jordan 11s can be a tricky process, and there is no guaranteed way to prevent paint from cracking or chipping. However, there are several methods you can use to minimise the chances of cracking and extend the life of your paint job. Here are some tips to help prevent paint cracking when painting the midsoles of Air Jordan 11s:
Choose the Right Paint
The type of paint you use is crucial. Paints like Angelus are specifically designed to bond with leather and work well on Air Jordan midsoles. Avoid using regular acrylic paint, as it tends to crack easily. Instead, opt for specialised shoe paint, such as Angelus Leather Acrylics, which offers better flexibility and adhesion. Additionally, consider using a paint designed for high heel soles, such as Angelus "Walk On Red/or Black," which can also be used on sneakers.
Prepare the Surface
Proper preparation is key to preventing paint cracking. Start by stripping any existing paint from the midsoles using acetone applied with cotton balls or Q-tips. This ensures that you are painting directly on the material and not on top of old paint. After stripping the paint, clean the midsoles with warm soapy water and allow them to dry completely before painting. You can also use a primer or adhesion promoter, such as Bulldog Adhesion Promoter, to help the paint adhere better to the surface.
Apply Thin Coats
When painting the midsoles, always apply multiple thin coats of paint instead of thick coats. Thick layers of paint are more prone to cracking. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next one. Use a mini heat gun or a hair dryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process between coats, but avoid using a heat gun on the first base coats as it can affect the adhesion.
Seal the Paint
After painting, seal the paint with a clear coat or a scratch-resistant sealer like Raleigh Restorations' Scratch Resistant Sealer. Apply multiple thin layers of the sealer, allowing each layer to dry completely. The clear coat will provide additional protection and help prevent cracking.
Insert Insoles
Consider purchasing and inserting Gel insoles into your Air Jordan 11s. Gel insoles absorb impact and reduce the amount of stress on the midsoles, which can help prevent cracking. They add cushioning and support, taking some of the pressure off the painted midsoles.
Maintenance
To maintain the paint job and prevent premature cracking, avoid exposing your shoes to excessive heat or hot air, as this can cause the paint to peel or become brittle. Additionally, if you notice the paint starting to crack or chip, you can strip the paint and repaint the midsoles following the same process outlined above.
While these methods can help minimise paint cracking, it is important to remember that paint on shoe midsoles will always be subject to wear and tear, and some cracking or chipping may still occur over time.
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Frequently asked questions
Angelus paint is a popular choice for painting the midsole of Air Jordan 11s. However, it is important to note that Angelus paint does not adhere well to rubber, so it may not be suitable if your midsoles are made of rubber. Other options include Createx Airbrush colours, acrylic paint, and paint for rubber boats.
Paint cracking is a common issue when painting the midsoles of shoes. To prevent this, it is recommended to use thin coats of paint and to heat set in between layers of sealer and paint. You can also try using a paint adhesion promoter, such as the Bulldog Adhesive, and a clear coat finish.
Using tape to cover the areas of the shoe you don't want to paint is an important step in the painting process. It helps to prevent paint from getting on the outsole or other parts of the shoe. However, be careful when removing the tape, as it may leave marks on the shoe that are difficult to remove.
To remove the existing paint from the midsole of your Air Jordan 11s, you can use acetone and a cotton ball or a metal file to scratch off the paint. You can also use sandpaper, but be careful not to use it on the XI midsole as it can remove the grid pattern.
