Whether it was an accident or not, getting paint on leather shoes can be frustrating, especially when you want to keep them looking their best. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can remove paint from leather without damaging the material. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the methods and tools needed, and teach you how to remove paint from leather shoes or boots. You’ll have them looking great again in no time, trust me!
About This Cleaning Project
I spent some time working as a gas line utility locator…and at the time, I didn’t care about getting paint on my “work boots”…
However, fast forward a few months after life took me on a different path, and I sure as heck care now that they are just sitting in my closet, covered in paint, and completely unwearable for my daily life (especially because I had splurged and got actual Carhartts and spent two weeks breaking them in).
I’ve been thinking about how to clean them up and get them looking amazing again (much of which is similar to the methods I use in my “how to clean smooth leather” article).
So I thought that I would share with you all what I decided is the best way to get them looking as good as possible so that maybe you can save your old and well-loved, painted-on, shoes and boots too.
- To see all of my DIY tips, go here.
Suggested Products
Please note: I am an affiliate with Amazon.com. When you purchase through my suggested product links, the cost for you is the same, but I do receive a small commission for everything in your shopping cart. Thanks so much for helping me support my kids!
Amazon Basics 99% Isopropyl Alcohol First Aid For Technical Use,16 Fluid Ounces, 1-Pack (Previously Solimo)
If you can't purchase anything else from this tutorial, a quality rubbing alcohol is going to get you the most bang for your buck when it comes to paint removal.
Kiwi 100% Horsehair Shine Brush
A dry horsehair shoe shine brush is needed for dusting shoes prior to paint removal. It is also needed to wet clean and polish the leather.
Dr. Bronner's - Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner (32 oz, 2-pack) - All-Purpose Cleaner, Pine Cleaner for Floors, Laundry and Dishes, Concentrated, Cuts Grease and Dirt, Powerful Cleaner
My all-time favorite multi-purpose cleaning product. It's perfect for this project for any cloth areas of your shoe.
Fiebing's Yellow Saddle Soap for Leather (12 oz Tin) - Leather Cleaner & Conditioner to Soften, Protect & Restore Leathercraft - Leather Soap for Car Seat, Couch, Shoe, Purse, Boot, Bag, & Saddles
My favorite smooth leather cleaner. I use yellow for everything, but it comes in other colors too.
Fiebing's Black Saddle Soap for Leather (12 oz Tin) - Leather Cleaner & Conditioner to Soften, Protect & Restore Leathercraft - Leather Soap for Car Seat, Couch, Shoe, Purse, Boot, Bag, & Saddles
Use this one for dark brown or black leather shoes.
Fiebing's Golden Mink Oil for Leather Boots (6 oz) - Leather Cleaner & Conditioner - Waterproof, Preserve, Soften All Smooth Leathercraft & Vinyl - Prevents Salt Stains - Use On Couch, Shoe, Purse
When you're done cleaning, you should consider water-proofing your leather shoes to prolong your cleaning job.
Amazon Basics Cotton Balls, 600 Count (3 Packs of 200) (Previously Solimo)
Cotton balls actually soaked up more paint than the cleaning rags did when I was cleaning, make sure to stock up if you use paint often.
Utopia Kitchen [6 Pack - 28 x 28 Inches White Flour Sack Towels 100% Cotton Tea Towels for Cleaning & Drying
Quality tea towels are not just for baking. I love using using them for almost any cleaning project that I work on.
Pro Tips
Here are some of my favorite tips for safely removing paint from leather shoes:
- Start with a Test Spot: Always test any cleaning solution or tool on a hidden area to ensure it doesn’t damage or discolor the leather.
- Use Rubbing Alcohol for Stubborn Stains: For dried or stubborn paint spots, dab a cotton swab with rubbing alcohol and gently work it into the paint, taking care not to soak the leather. I even run a fan while I’m doing this so that the alcohol will evaporate quickly and not completely saturate my leather.
- Dull Knife or Scraper First: Start with a dull knife or scraper to lift as much dried paint as possible. Keep the pressure light to avoid scratching the leather.
- Fine-Grit Sandpaper for Final Touches: If paint remains after using my other suggested methods, very gently rub a fine-grit sandpaper (like 600-800 grit) over the paint. Be extremely cautious, as too much pressure can damage the leather.
- Use Leather Conditioner After Cleaning: After removing the paint, recondition the leather with a good-quality conditioner or natural oils like olive oil (This restores moisture and shine, keeping the leather supple and preventing cracks. This step isn’t necessary if you use the suggested saddle soap because it conditions as it cleans).
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Stick to fairly mild, non-acetone-based cleaners to avoid damaging the leather’s finish.
- Patience is Key: Removing paint from leather requires a gentle, patient approach often removing one layer at a time. Rushing the process can lead to scratches or discoloration, so take your time to get the best results.
- Protect: Once your shoes are clean and looking great, consider applying a waterproof protectant to them so that it will prolong your cleaning results and it might make it so that maybe you won’t get as much paint on them again in the future.
Following these tips will hopefully help you safely and effectively remove paint without damaging your leather shoes.
How To Save Money When Cleaning Shoes This Way
Always use things that you have on hand before purchasing new… unless you’re really itching to support this blogger that is… :p .
Here are some ideas to save money:
Use Basic Household Supplies: If you don’t have a cleaning product that I suggest, do an internet search for alternatives. For example, instead of specialty cleaners, use gentle dish soap, white vinegar, or rubbing alcohol. These items can often remove paint without costing much.
Skip Expensive Brushes: A soft toothbrush, an old soft bristle baby hair brush, or cotton swabs work just as well for detailed cleaning and are usually on hand.
Try An Oil You Have On Hand: Saddle soap or Mink Oil may be my best suggestion to condition, waterproof, or clean your leather, for this paint removal tutorial…but you can also try another oil that you have on hand to buff the paint off. Try olive oil, coconut oil, petroleum jelly, or even Carmex medicated lip balm.
Just remember to try any variations somewhere small and out of site before you go “hog-wild” cleaning your shoes/boots entirely in a different way than suggested.
*Please note that the photo’s in this tutorial may have trouble loading on desktop, try viewing it on a mobile device if so.
Photo Tutorial & Printable Instructions
How To Remove Paint From Smooth Leather Shoes Or Boots
Materials
- Cotton Balls
- Cotton Swabs
- Dr. Bronner's Biodegradable Cleaner
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Fiebing's Saddle Soap
- Fiebing's Mink Oil Paste
- Warm Water
Tools
- Tea Towels/ Cleaning Rags
- Horsehair Shoe Shine Brush
- Bucket/ Bowl
- Scrub Brush
- Soft Bristle Tooth Brush
Instructions
-
Prepare an area for shoe cleaning that can get wet. If cleaning shoes on carpet, possibly lay down some painter's plastic, a canvas drop cloth, or an unopened large garbage bag. Or just do this outside if you would like. -
Remove the shoe-laces.
If you would like to discard them to the garbage do so. Or if you would like to try to salvage them, I suggest that you allow them to soak for a couple hours in a bucket or small container with a solution of warm water and a Tablespoon or so of Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds. 
If needed, scrub the laces down with a scrub brush or tooth brush after soaking (any tough paint spots on laces wipe down with an alcohol soaked cotton ball), and rinse them out in fresh water.
Allow to air dry. 
Dust the entire leather shoe with a DRY horsetail shoe brush, 
or a clean and dry tea towel. Use a dry soft bristle tooth brush to dust any cracks, crevices, or stitching. If you use any of these tools later in the process, make sure you clean them first (if shoes are very dusty, you may want to dust them outside). 
My boots were actually so dusty that I had to clean my drop cloth before I could do the next step, so clean your space if necessary.-
Using an old rag or cotton balls saturated in rubbing alcohol, scrub down the leather, fabric, and outsole until all paint has been removed. 
Dipping an old tooth brush in the rubbing alcohol and scrubbing helps for any super thick paint removal or areas that are just being stubborn. Use a cotton swab or ball to clean any stitched areas or nooks and crannies that you cannot reach otherwise. Make sure that as you go you are trying not to oversaturate your leather when using rubbing alcohol. Try running a fan while working with it (so it will evaporate faster & it provides ventilation) or wiping it off quickly after each small area cleaned. 
Work your way around the shoe, paying close attention to all the details, and repeat as needed until you are satisfied with the level of paint removal. 
Allow to dry completely (also rinse out and let any brushes you used dry too). - Next, we're going to do the final cleaning and paint removal.
Dip the edge of a horsetail shoe brush into some warm water and then rub it across some Fiebing's Saddle Soap (ensure you get plenty saddle soap on the brush & that it is not dripping too much onto the shoe). 
Then, using circular motions, scrub the leather on the entire shoe and wipe clean as you go. 
I even scrubbed it down into the cracks and crevices with a tooth brush. Use a clean and dry tea towel or rag to wipe it clean once you are done scrubbing.
Repeat this step as many times as needed until all the resisting paint has come off of your shoes. - Dip the brush in water and the Fiebing's Saddle Soap one last time and (scrubbing in circular motions) cover the entire leather part of the shoe with the saddle soap so that it leaves a film (I just covered everything though because I figured it won't hurt the fabric and rubber to get conditioned too).
Allow to air dry completely, 
then buff the leather one last time with a dry tea towel. You can stop here if desired. - I decided that this was a good time to take one extra step and use a water proofing protectant on my leather to keep them looking great for as long as possible.
To do so, all you have to do is work and rub it into the leather, let it sit for a few minutes, 
and then wipe it clean again with a fresh rag. 
Replace the shoe laces, and wear your freshened boots again as much as you'd like without embarrassment. 
Here's a shot of the before and after together so you can decide if this is worth the effort to you.
Notes
- See pro-tips higher up in article for further troubleshooting your shoe leather cleaning if needed.
- Any fabric portions of the shoe can easily be cleaned using some Dr. Bronner's Sal Suds Biodegradable Cleaner, water, and a tooth brush. Wipe clean with a rag and allow to dry. This product is great at removing grease/oil so you should try it.
- Always test in an inconspicuous area before cleaning your entire shoe in this manner.
- To read why Sal Suds is my favorite multi-purpose cleaner, and how to use it, go here.
- Pictures with links to all of my suggest products are further up in this article, found here.
*I did shoot video of this cleaning process, however my computer is on the fritz (totally need a new one with better editing software), so I will try to get a youtube video added as soon as I can, but it may be a while.
FAQ’s
Yes, vinegar can help remove paint from leather. Just mix equal parts vinegar and water, dab a cloth in the solution, and gently blot the paint spot.
This should help soften the paint, making it easier to wipe or scrape off gently. Afterward, apply leather conditioner to keep the leather soft.
*I will add more FAQ’s as the questions get sent to me.
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Check Out My Other Cleaning Tips
- To see all of my DIY tips, go here.
Otherwise, here are direct links to several of my other cleaning/laundry related posts that you’re also going to love:
My most popular laundry & cleaning articles
Other Good Resources For Cleaning Paint Off Leather
Maybe you don’t wanna go the way that I showed you how to do this…if that’s the case, here are some other good reputable resources that you could looking into try instead:
- https://www.littlemisslaundry.com/how-to-get-paint-off-leather-boots/
- https://www.vintageleather.store/blogs/vintage-leather-sydney/how-to-remove-paint-from-leather/
- https://moonsterleather.com/blogs/news/how-to-get-paint-off-leather?srsltid=AfmBOooZ2eA0xblpTQRleDCBEhZSrFd4ID33Wd9OxnJvbFXK6Hl3itku
*This cleaning article was originally shared to this blog on November 12th, 2024, and has since been continually updated to improve user experience, possibly add video instruction, as well as to make it as shareable as possible across the social medias.
**Please note that I do try my hardest to provide factual, but easy to understand, information about each topic. If you notice a discrepancy in my methods, facts, or see something that you deem “misinformation/incorrect” please make sure to notify me about it. I would prefer that you send me an email with a link to a more reputable resource on that subject, so that I can correct it as soon as possible. Thanks so much for helping this site become the best that it can be!