Crocs are a popular footwear known for their comfort and durability. Unfortunately, these shoes only come in a few basic colors, so it might be difficult to find the perfect pair. Painting your crocs is a great way to create your own custom shoes!
Using the right tools and methods, it’s super easy to paint crocs at home. This article will explore the best paints for crocs, as well as, how each type should be applied. I’ll also teach you how to seal paint on crocs for long-lasting results.
Without further ado, here’s how to paint crocs!
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Prepping Crocs For Painting
If possible, select white crocs to paint on. Paint colors will show up better on white crocs, but you can also apply a white primer to colored crocs.
To prime non-white crocs, I highly recommend using Rust-Oleum’s Flat White Primer Spray. This primer goes on smoothly and preps surfaces for painting. It has an oil-based formula that resists chips and provides long-lasting protection.
Before painting, make sure your crocs are cleaned thoroughly and dry. This will help the paint adhere better to the crocs and create a smooth finish. You should also tape off any areas you don’t want to paint using painter’s tape. I recommend using Duck’s Clean Release Blue Painter’s Tape for residue-free removal.
Here’s a quick step-by-step to prep your crocs for painting:
How To Prep Crocs For Painting
- For best results, select a pair of white crocs. Clean dirty crocs with water and dish soap. Allow them to dry completely before proceeding.
- Using painter’s tape, meticulously tape off any areas you don’t want to paint.
- Optional: If you are using colored crocs, apply a white primer spray. Wait for the primer to dry completely before painting.
How To Paint Crocs
Best Products For Croc Painting
1. Acrylic Paint
Looking for the best paint for crocs? Acrylic paint is a great choice for painting shoes. It’s flexible, so it won’t crack or peel off as easily as other paints do.
Without a primer, this water-based paint can be applied smoothly on almost any surface, including crocs. Acrylic paints are also vibrant, easy to work with, and perfect for beginners. For long-lasting color, I highly recommend using an acrylic paint set designed for outdoor use.
Want to make sparkly crocs? Learn how to make shiny paint here.
To paint crocs, try using FolkArt’s Outdoor Acrylic Paint Set. This paint set includes an array of 12 vibrant colors that are weather-resistant and UV stable. Once dry, the paint dries to a satin finish and is self-sealing. This means there’s no need for primers, sealers, or varnishes!
Here’s a quick step-by-step on how to paint crocs using acrylic paint:
How To Paint Crocs With Acrylic Paint
- Clean and tape off your crocs. If needed, apply a white primer before painting. Cover your workstation with newspapers to catch any spills. Keep a water cup and paper towels nearby to easily clean your brush between colors.
- Using a paint pen, carefully outline your design on your crocs. Allow the ink to dry completely before filling it in with acrylic paint.
- If desired, mix paints together to create custom colors. Using a clean paint brush, apply a thin, even layer of acrylic paint on your crocs. Allow the paint to dry completely before adding an additional coat or using a new color. Clean and dry your paint brush between colors.
- When you are finished painting, carefully peel off the painter’s tape and allow the paint to dry. If you aren’t using an acrylic paint made for outdoor use, I recommend applying a clear acrylic coating to seal the paint. Wait for the coating to dry completely before using your crocs.
2. Paint Pens
Paint pens are the best paint for crocs to create detailed designs. These pens are easy to use, work like regular markers, and are less messy than acrylic paints. You won’t need to worry about dripping paint all over the place!
To paint crocs, I highly recommend using Artistro’s Paint Pen Set. This set comes with 12 vibrant colors that can be used on both light and dark surfaces. The paint creates an opaque, glossy finish that is perfect for crocs!
For long-lasting results, make sure to seal the paint with a UV-resistant clear acrylic coating. This will help waterproof your painted crocs and prevent the colors from fading. Here’s how to paint crocs using paint pens:
How To Paint Crocs With Paint Pens
- Clean and tape off your crocs. If needed, apply a white primer before painting. Protect your workstation with newspapers.
- To activate new paint pens, shake the pens for a minute and then remove the lid. Press the tip on a piece of paper until the ink starts to flow.
- Carefully outline your artwork with a paint pen on your crocs. For best results, paint in gentle, even strokes.
- Using small circles, fill in the outline once the ink is dry. Make sure the paint has dried completely before adding an additional coat or using a new color.
- When you are finished painting, carefully peel off the painter’s tape. Allow your crocs dry and apply a clear acrylic coating to seal your crocs. Wait for the coating to dry completely before using.
3. Spray Paint
Spray paint is a great way to transform your crocs with a completely new color! It is easy to use and can be done alongside stencils to create unique designs and patterns. Spray paint is a great choice for painting crocs and provides a smooth, even finish that looks professionally done!
Looking for the best paint for crocs? I highly recommend using Krylon Fusion All-In-One Spray Paint. This all-purpose spray paint bonds to difficult surfaces without sanding or priming. It has built-in rust protection and can be used on a wide variety of projects, indoors and outdoors. I recommend checking out their gorgeous colors like Wild Honey, Sea Green, Pale Sage, Clamshell, and more!
It is important to note that spray paint is not as flexible as acrylic paint and may crack more easily. To weatherproof the painted crocs for outdoor use, I recommend sealing the paint with a UV-resistant clear acrylic coating. Here’s how to paint crocs using spray paint:
How To Paint Crocs With Spray Paint
- Clean and tape off your crocs. If needed, apply a white primer spray before painting. Work in a well-ventilated area or outside. Wear protective eyewear and a mask. Place newspapers under your crocs to catch any drips.
- Optional: secure stencils on your crocs with painters tape.
- Shake the spray can for two minutes after the ball inside the can starts to rattle. Hold the spray can 6 to 8 inches away from your crocs.
- Press the spray button and spray a thin, even coat in a side-to-side motion. Don’t spray thick coats. Wait for the paint to dry completely before applying additional coats.
- When you are finished painting, carefully peel off the painter’s tape and remove any stencils. Allow your crocs to dry and apply a clear acrylic coating to seal the spray paint. Wait for the crocs to dry completely before using.
Sealing Paint On Crocs
Looking for tips on how to seal paint on crocs? After painting your crocs, it’s important to apply a clear acrylic coating. To seal painted crocs, I highly recommend using Krylon’s UV-Resistant Clear Acrylic Coating.
This acrylic spray provides a permanent, protective gloss coating that will not yellow with age. It’s moisture-resistant, smudge-proof, and easy to apply using the spray can! A clear acrylic coating is a great way to waterproof your painted crocs and prevent the colors from fading!
How To Seal Paint On Crocs
- If needed, tape off any areas you don’t want to coat. Work in a well-ventilated area or outside. Wear protective eyewear and a mask. Place newspapers under your crocs to catch any drips.
- Shake the spray can for two minutes after the ball inside the can starts to rattle. Hold the spray can 6 to 8 inches away from your crocs.
- Press the spray button and spray a thin, even coat in a side-to-side motion. Don’t spray thick coats. Wait for the acrylic coating to dry completely before using your crocs.
Summarized: How To Paint Crocs
In this post, I’ve gathered the best methods on how to paint crocs. Here are all the recommended products in one convenient list:
Best Primer:
Best Paint For Crocs:
Best Sealer:
Conclusion
Using the right tools and methods, it’s super easy to paint crocs at home. Here’s a quick recap of the best paints for crocs:
Acrylic paint is hands down the best paint for crocs. It’s flexible, so it won’t crack or peel off as easily as other paints do. Acrylic paints are also vibrant, easy to work with, and perfect for beginners.
Another great option are acrylic paint pens. These pens are mess-free, work like regular markers, and can be used on both light and dark surfaces. If you want to create detailed designs on your crocs, this is one of the best paint options!
Lastly, spray paint is a great choice for painting crocs in one color and provides a smooth, even finish that looks professionally done! However, this paint is not as flexible as acrylic paint and may crack more easily.
I hope this post gave you some helpful tips on how to paint crocs and how to seal paint on crocs. Good luck!