To remove the factory finish from leather shoes, you should wipe down the areas you intend to treat, like for painting, with acetone. This process cleans the surface and strips away the original coating, ensuring better adherence for subsequent applications like paint.
Why Remove the Factory Finish?
Removing the factory finish, often a protective sealant or coating, is a crucial step when you plan to customize or modify leather shoes, such as painting them. As stated in the reference:
"...wipe down all areas of the shoe that will be painted on with acetone. This is to clean and remove the factory finish of your shoes so the paint will adhere to the material and last longer."
Without removing this layer, paint or other finishes may not bond properly to the leather, leading to peeling or poor durability over time. Prepping the surface with acetone creates a clean, porous base that allows new materials to adhere effectively.
The Removal Process: Using Acetone
The primary method for removing the factory finish, based on the provided information, involves using acetone. Acetone is a strong solvent that can dissolve and lift many types of finishes and sealants used on leather goods.
Steps for using Acetone:
- Gather Supplies: You will need 100% pure acetone and cotton balls or pads, or a clean cloth.
- Prepare the Area: Work in a well-ventilated space as acetone has strong fumes. Protect your work surface.
- Apply Acetone: Dip a cotton ball or corner of the cloth into the acetone, ensuring it is damp but not dripping.
- Wipe the Surface: Gently wipe down the areas of the shoe where you want to remove the factory finish. Focus on the specific parts you plan to paint or modify.
- Observe the Finish Lifting: You may see some color or residue coming off onto the cotton ball/cloth. This indicates the factory finish is being removed.
- Repeat if Necessary: Use fresh cotton balls/cloth as needed until the surface feels clean and appears ready for your next step (e.g., painting).
- Allow to Dry: Let the shoes air dry completely for a few minutes before proceeding.
Important Considerations:
- Acetone is powerful and can also strip dyes from leather. Use it carefully and only on the areas you intend to treat.
- Always test in an inconspicuous area if you are unsure how the leather will react.
- Avoid getting acetone on parts of the shoe you don't want to affect.
By following these steps and using acetone as the reference suggests, you can effectively remove the factory finish, creating an ideal surface for painting or other customizations on your leather shoes.
