How to customize your Air Force 1
Want to learn how to customize Air Force 1s and what materials to use to create a unique pair of Nikes? Follow our tips and customization ideas to get started.
What paint should I use to customize Air Force 1s?
The ideal paint for customizing Air Force 1s or other sneakers is leather paint that resists creasing, foot movement, and water.
Avoid low-end paints or classic acrylics that will crack and completely ruin your Air Force 1s!
Before applying paint, always make sure your sneakers are clean and prepared.
How to Restore White Air Force 1s
If you want to customize your Air Force 1s but they are dirty or no longer white, you can make them white again in a few steps and very easily.
Clean your Air Force 1s thoroughly to remove dirt. Use a cotton pad with nail polish remover to prepare the surface.
To make your Air Force 1s white again, use the special leather paint and apply three to four coats. This simple technique is also great for hiding scratches or marks.
What are the best Air Force 1s for customization?
There are several versions of Air Force 1s with leathers that are more or less easy to paint. Here are some practical tips depending on the model you have.
- Air Force 1s with completely smooth leather is ideal for saving time in preparation and easily succeeding with your stencils.
- If you want to customize Air Force 1s with grained leather it is recommended to sand the leather, especially on the front parts.
- Finally, for nubuck models, follow our article to dye this type of material or transform it into smooth leather.
How to customize a pair of Air Force 1s ?
Once your sneakers are white you can customize them using other colors but especially by making a real design using the layer technique.
Just follow our tips to succeed in your Air Force 1s custom:
- Make sure to remove the factory varnish, and avoid painting sensitive parts if you are new to customization.
- Apply several thin layers of paint for maximum resistance.
- Let the paint dry well and varnish your sneakers 24 hours after finishing your custom.
Our customization ideas
We share with you some ideas if you want to customize your Air Force 1s by taking inspiration from creations made by professional artists.
Custom Air Force 1s from movies, manga and cartoons
Custom designs featuring characters from movies, anime, and cartoons are becoming increasingly popular.
Whether it’s Harry Potter, Marvel superheroes, Luffy from One Piece, Sasuke from Naruto, or Tanjiro from Demon Slayer... you will love having them on your shoes!
Now you know how to customize Air Force 1s and what paint to use to get an optimal result that lasts over time.
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