Philadelphia - February 24, 2009

Boot and Rally

DIY Boot Face-Lift

What happened to your favorite pair of boots? Oh, right, they’re collecting dust next to that pile of clothes time forgot. Give outdated shit-kickers a second chance at life for the cost of a bottle of dye and a paintbrush.

What You’ll Need:
Old boots (If you have light brown or tan leather, all the better.)
Fine sandpaper (A 220-grit works best.)
1 c. iodized salt
Liquid dye (We like Rit.)
Small, natural-bristle paintbrush

1. Briskly rub each boot with sandpaper to roughen the surface a very little bit. (This helps dye take better; if boots are suede, skip step one.)

2. Pour dye and salt into a large stainless steel pot or tub.

3. Fold over the top of the boot to make a permanent cuff (if you desire).

4. Apply the diluted dye with a paintbrush in long, even strokes until the entire boot is painted. If you created a cuff, paint under the fold but not over the cuff (makes it two-tone, see?).

5. Rub excess dye into folds or creases in the leather with a rag or paper towel.

6. Set aside and allow to dry completely. This may take a few days.

7. Apply leather protectant to keep dye from running when it’s wet outside.

8. Slip into trouser socks and take your old friends out on the town.

Dye, sandpaper, and paintbrush available at A.C. Moore, 1851 South Columbus Boulevard (215-465-0930 or acmoore.com‎).