Hand-Painted Gradient Tutorial (Tips + Tricks for Smooth Blends)

DeJesus Custom Footwear teaches you how to easily hand paint a gradient on your custom shoes. Included will be all of our tips and tricks for how to smoothly blend Angelus acrylics paints together.
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Welcome to the DCF KZbin channel! Our goal is to create a community around custom sneakers. We want to provide this community custom sneaker tutorials, sneaker photography tips and tricks, custom sneaker discussions, and overall providing a real value to fellow sneaker customizers. We hope by watching our videos, you're able to learn something and improve!
- Dillon & Jason
#howtogradient #handpaintedgradient #customsneakergradient

[@bigboycustoms9515]

Brooo your a maniac what a great tutorial

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Ayyyyyy! Appreciate you fam

[@aliciacarbajal874]

totally love this tutorial and loved how the shoes came out ! Can you also link the liquid additive that you used please?

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Sure thing! amzn.to/3yzFACo

[@aliciacarbajal874]

@@DeJesusCustomFootwear Thank you so much !

[@ellonysman]

One of the top quality KZbinrs! When are we going to start custom painting some tightee-whities? We can start with one co’or, brown.

[@jackgeorge4521]

LETS GO, back again with the fire content *infinite fire emoji's*

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Ayyyyyyyyy!

[@rfabian10]

Amazing tutorial fam 🔥💯 definitely gotta try this out 🔜

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Lets go!!

[@jeremyfencl2857]

How much would painting the jordan 5 white cement to matte black??

[@childofthemosthigh958]

The hand painted gradient actually appears more flawless than the airbrushed. But when you airbrush you're not really using similar colors they're usually 2 completely different colors! I am not trying to be a professional, i just found a brand of shoes that I love for my daughter and they aren't very coloful. I want to do a "cotton candy themed shoe" (pastel pink, blue, purple) i do not want to buy an airbrush and she's just a kid and will likely outgrow/ruin them first. Would love some inspiration on this for either a gradient and/or how to create a fluffy cotton candy type look🥰

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Very cool! Good luck on them 🤙🏽

[@hannahl5040]

So educational! Something that I’ve done before, but not been confident on at all! But now I’ll be more than happy to do it again. Thank you! ✌🏼

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Super glad to hear that, thanks for watching Hannah!

[@jasminmontero9087]

I fucking love how you do these tutorials, you are for the PEOPLE! We love you! 🥺❤️

[@chefstevenmurry158]

I went from watching other's to putting my free tyme to watching your videos cuz you go into the pros or cons of customize shoes

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Love to hear that, glad you’re finding value!

[@liyahbogan2313]

Can you achieve the metal bar technique without the additive?

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Yes you can, or just helps to give you more time

[@darklengend44]

were those 4 colors all different shades of just one bottle of paint or were they all their own bottled color?

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Nope all from a few different colors mixed together

[@matthijsdekreek300]

Is it also possible to do the base colours with a pencil and the gradient with airbrush? I’m not very comfortable with an Airbrush yet..

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Like using colored panel instead of paint and then an airbrush?

[@matthijsdekreek300]

@@DeJesusCustomFootwear no paint the main colors by hand, and the blending with an airbrush

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

@@matthijsdekreek300 oh yeah you can definitely do that

[@danac293]

How do you work with colors farther apart on the spectrum wheel? Can we get a tutorial? Is the 1-1 blend technique similar?

[@danac293]

Or should we expand on the middle bar with fuller blocks with midpoint base coats?

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

I think at some point an airbrush is the true answer to the question.. however when that’s not in the cards you would want to expand the width of your middle bar.. if working with a much darker color to lighter color you would want to use less of the dark color in your middle bar mixture also

[@djswitch6880]

😏 awesome 🔥🔥🔥💪🏽

[@issamerrrahmani9495]

Awesome! wonderful paint I would like to start customizing Sneaker, I'm beginner! Would you please tell me what tools i'll need ? And how do you do to get the desired color ?

[@willybermudez6365]

Good tutorial nice colors. What colors did you use? Thanks

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Don’t remember any exact ratios but something along the lines of petal pink, salmon, beige, play in the sand, vanilla

[@willybermudez6365]

Thank you very nice I was thinking about those colors too I saw some similar colors also in another tutorial by reshoevn8r thank you again

[@nattixo2534]

Thank you for this!! Im going to try it on my most recent customs!!

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Woo lets go!

[@Chinkamuro]

Love that color combo

[@Funnychannel123...]

me too bro

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thank you!

[@poisonoppz-_-2359]

Can’t wait to put this to practice, btw where did you get that clear coating?

[@carnelljefferies1278]

Great work bro👍🏾💪🏾

[@kimberlyalexander9890]

Could you possibly use one of those makeup wedges to blend colors easier? They have a smooth service

[@saahilchaddha5056]

Instead of the liquitex can I use 2-thin?

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

2-thin is really just gunna thin your paint out, not necesarily decrease the dry time. Therefore youll have to work a bit faster. So its not exactly a 1 to 1 subsitute. But I do believe in a situation where maybe the Liquitex didnt exist, 2thin could slightly help your blending.

[@saahilchaddha5056]

@@DeJesusCustomFootwear I see, thanks!

[@Misterio_PR]

So if anybody use the shoe the paint won't crack?

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Nope, these are completely durable still

[@luwandaartrelle4250]

Can you use this method with sandals made out of polyurethane?

[@willsilas8168]

Thx, I been trying this on old shows but not coming out right now I see why…

[@HessandLawson]

Dejesus the legend 💪🏽

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Fam! Appreciate you

[@bv_customs]

Smooth🎨

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thank you!

[@רפאלבןסימון-ש7ד]

What is the liquid u used?

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

It’s linked in the description ! Liquitex makes it

[@jaedinthenadu1547]

Hey Dylan I've been customizing and restoring shoes for about two years now and all thanks is to you and god. But I need help ,could you do a video on different types of brushes (I.e bristles,painting techniques ,textures etc)much appreciated Jaedin

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Great video topic!

[@iLoveLeatherNYC]

Really good ideas for blending, thank you.

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thanks for watching !

[@CaliswaginB]

Dope bro

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thank you!

[@USNAV]

How do u eliminate brush strokes?

[@electrified0967]

great tutorial bro, thank you. Those shoes r sick btw

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed

[@shalinails5206]

Bonjour, est ce que ça ne serait pas plus simple à l'éponge ou en technique one stroke trempé le pinceau de chaque côté dans une peinture différente et travailler le dégradé s'il vous plait? Merci

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Nope you have to blend on leather

[@obibinicustomized950]

you are bless bro

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thank you!

[@kicksbyjagger]

I needed this! And you should make merch that says some like “directly awesome” sense you say directly😂

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Lolololol that’s funny

[@cgn833]

You the man !!!! DD

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thanks brother! Please dont hurt me.

[@rossbooker8864]

How to keep brush stroking down

[@blendswithbenefits1151]

Great info! Those came out smooth! Nice to know u can achieve that results with a brush if u have too. Thx!

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thanks Gina!

[@lfelizguillen]

Thank you for this!

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thanks for watching!

[@Uraganasviesulas]

i'm so glad you made this video before i started my project. I really wanted to have a gradient in the background, but i didn't have any money for an airbrush 😅

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Haha now you’re ready to go! Good lick

[@kaozcustoms5294]

That blend is 🔥🔥 great video

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thank you 🙏

[@TheSnkrPimp]

Top quality free education as always 👏🏼🙌🏼🎨

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thanks D!

[@keegandavis4930]

Hey man just wanted to say you’re incredibly talented and I’ve wanted to get into customizing for awhile but you really inspired me!. Love your videos, so much knowledge love watching the process.

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thank you for the kind words! Appreciate you watching

[@Nobirock01]

Tough. Gotta make one for canvas too!

[@jakecastillo3]

What’s up man. I just started up, and i can honestly say it’s bc of you. Quick question newby q’s lol, did you prep this shoe? Thank you

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Yes always !

[@jakecastillo3]

Awesome! Thank you boss.

[@jakecastillo3]

How would you prep a baseball cleat (Nike Vapor) with that material that it is? Same way as you always would? Sand, then everything else?

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

@@jakecastillo3 yes sir here’s our most ip to date cleat tutorial How To Prep A Cleat In Under An Hour! kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5jcZWR4lrV0o5I

[@jakecastillo3]

The interaction. Thank you boss! Very much appreciated!!!

[@Colorwayz1984]

This was so helpful!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@Funnychannel123...]

its true

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Glad you think so!

[@deep3353]

It's like a 3D? 💙

[@Cooljimblitz]

How did you get the paint off of the suede?

[@optimafootworks9554]

brilliant as always. thanks for sharing this technique!

[@hannamanka]

If I’m doing a rainbow gradient by hand, would you recommend using the slow-dri mixed in with the base colors as well, or just with the middle-bar colors like this tutorial?

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Just the middle colors

[@fillo1762]

I really enjoyed this video, this will help me A LOT during my "Custom Journey", thanks Dillon!

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Glad to help 🤙🏽🤙🏽

[@Funnychannel123...]

flawless

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thank you!

[@mare495]

Amazing! Thanks a lot! Cheers from Cyprus!

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thanks for watching Deniz!

[@donmelendez8224]

Thanks for this tutorial! Perfect timing.

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Awesome glad to hear! Good luck on your pair

[@dariusharrison4713]

One quick question. What's the standard size of your reusable stencils?

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

They really vary since we have a bunch, but most of the individual sheets are 8 x 12

[@em.f_glimpse]

👍👍👍

[@Guz03man]

That’s dope!

[@amitzach4011]

Hey Dillon! Been a fan for more than a year now. LOVE YOUR CHANNEL! I have watched many of your tutorials (I've even been to the 10 hours livestream) and finally got the courage to start customizing. One thing that still worries me though - What should I do if my hand is shaky such that I paint outside of the lines? During final touches for example, when the shoe is not taped? How do you clean the residue?

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

The more you do it, the easier it’ll become.. just gotta continue to practice and take your time

[@stephonwatson4243]

🔥🔥🔥

[@kabrielscott]

Hey! What are the names of the colors used here???

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

I combined a bunch of various shades from white, petal pink, play in the sand, hot pink, beige, mauve

[@misportco.6214]

They look beautiful, my goodness if those were a slight limited they fly off the shelves.

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thank you 🙏

[@droopd5323]

Do you always mix white with colors you are using for base? I also went to school for architect I wasn’t getting a bachelors my was associates

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

I sure do! Helps cut down on the total amount of coats needed

[@droopd5323]

@@DeJesusCustomFootwear even if you want the color dark? Is it white and whatever color you’re using then just that color? Trying to learn😂😂 be at your level

[@jackiiie929]

So can we use acrylics to paint the shoe?

[@jmcdonald3937]

Yes

[@customcreationsbyjmart]

amazing as always! your brush gradient is cleaner than my airbrush gradient lmao....thanks fir the new weapon 💪🙏👟🖌🎨

[@abuenocustoms174]

I've been needing for this for a long time thank you dylan 💯👏

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thanks for watching Miguel!

[@mariusmarius4870]

Always like before watching 👀❤❤❤

[@elfredou]

Thanks for you're great help !!

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

🙌🏽

[@sexytrashpanda]

Could you not use a makeup beauty blender sponge to apply the paint. Would mean zero brush marks if you used it damp

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Should work in theory

[@sexytrashpanda]

@@DeJesusCustomFootwear Thank you!

[@zidan9486]

If you put a layer of white first, and then put another color on it, do it like this, it will be brittle or strong.

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Adding in the white just helps cut down on the total coats needed, not something we do to impract the strength or anything

[@zidan9486]

@@DeJesusCustomFootwear Is it okay to use 2-soft add-on with tee on Nike?

[@stellastockbridge]

Great video and so helpful!

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thanks for watching Stella!

[@boricuaallstar15]

Awesome video, I need that skin tone video lol!!!

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Definetly gunna need to do that one.

[@RdzArte]

You make the most useful Custom video! I once wrote you an email for help and you answered quickly!! Thank you 🤗 I've never customized a Blazer, I want to try! 🎨

[@jessicanalleli424]

Awesome job 👏🏼👏🏼 what are the color names Of the colors you used ?

[@mariechula]

nice!!! love your videos

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thanks for watching!

[@justusbuckingham1000]

Wish I could have had this video 2 years ago🤣😂 would have saved so much time

[@lbrambolful]

Gonna paint my first shoe tomorrow with the help of your videos 🙂

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Ayyyyyyy, lets go! Good luck

[@lbrambolful]

@@DeJesusCustomFootwearThanks! If I want to do a few cartoon effect lines on a patch I leave white besides the lines do I still have to sandpaper that area?

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

@@lbrambolful I think you’d be okay bypassing those areas.. still want to acetone though

[@lbrambolful]

@@DeJesusCustomFootwear So this took a lot longer than i thought it would, im close to being done after 13 hours of work. I have a question about laces tho, can you just paint on laces? or do I need to mix the paint with something for that? I cant find a clear answer to this anywhere

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

@@lbrambolful yes we have a full video on dying your laces here kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5jHiImFmcp8h80

[@MrRentalCopy]

How did you get the paint off the suede area? Love your work!!

[@ericgbarber]

Great tutorial and quick question. If I was going to paint a character or small image on top of the fade, would you block that in and do the fade around it, or just paint the character over the fade after that's all done? It would be pretty small.

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

I’d paint it right on top

[@ericgbarber]

@@DeJesusCustomFootwear Thanks for the quick reply. In addition to just great content, your on-camera mood is infectious. I'm just happier having watched one of your vids, and especially when you're admiring work of other artists. Keep it up.

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

@@ericgbarber thank you man that means a lot!

[@ryandobinson6874]

quality as always bro

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thanks Ryan! We appreciate you tuning in

[@shoetonguecustoms7382]

Dejesus been a big inspiration. 🙏🏼💯

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Appreciate you!

[@shoetonguecustoms7382]

@@DeJesusCustomFootwear yesirrr keep going up‼️🔝

[@billwlezien8859]

Great tutorial. Love your work.

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thanks Bill! Appreciate your support

[@Relaxed0201]

These are some of the best custom shoes I've ever seen

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Ayyyy! Thank you for that

[@Relaxed0201]

@@DeJesusCustomFootwear this video inspired me to create custom spiderman shoes

[@Relaxed0201]

@DeJesusCustomFootwear I finished the spiderman shoes and would live to find a way to show you and see what you think

[@arit8009]

Great tutorial!

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Thank you!

[@Jr-pv4dh]

Clean shoes and fire content fam 🔥

[@mishayx5258]

These have turned out amazingly well, super handy tutorial

[@camisartisandesigns66]

Wow that is a simple yet bad ass shoe style! 🙀😱 gotta try this 💜❤👍

[@adamyasin4765]

why dont he reply to comments :(

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

Hiiiiiiii 😎

[@adamyasin4765]

@@DeJesusCustomFootwear omg hey just getting into customs uv been such great help

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

@@adamyasin4765 awesome man I’m really glad to hear that! We’re to help along the way if you need anything

[@davidhaughton5115]

Hey, does painting the bottom soles of the shoe affect the grip while playing?

[@noahperdomo7584]

Don't paint that lol

[@morganmiddleton5937]

Hey Dillon, thank you so much for your videos! I just started my first custom shoes today for my 11 yo daughter. They're Target sneakers so nothing fancy but this is my first time finally doing art again since I had my kids so I'm really excited and I've been watching your videos and they're so helpful! I just discovered shoe painting like a week ago and I love your channel. I'm sorry I'm not good at KZbin or anything but I've been browsing your videos snd do you have anything about how to clean up your mistakes? I'm making a ton of them. Thank you so much!!

[@tjsilvestro4569]

Acetone depending on the type of paint and shoe material. If leather then acetone works.

[@toyfrisbee]

Awesome video as always…but quick question that I can’t find an answer: How do you develop the four blush colors? Do you just pick an Angelus hue and then add incremental drops of white to gradually lighten it? For example, full color, then add 3 drops white, then 6 drops, then 9 drops. Help!

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

So the four main colors I used were all from one direct color and then just lightened. They’re all slighty different.. that’s not a bad place to get started though. But some of the main colors I used were mauve, petal pink, play in the sand, shell pink, white

[@toyfrisbee]

@@DeJesusCustomFootwear Ok, so for this particular project, you created your own “blush” color with the colors you mentioned, then gradually lightened it to achieve the other three colors, but you lightened with those same colors (petal pink, shell pink, etc) as needed? You didn’t lighten exclusively with white. Thanks again.

[@DeJesusCustomFootwear]

@@toyfrisbee I’m so sorry my reply above was suppose to say they’re not* from one direct color.. so each one of my 4 main colors is a combination of some of those paints I mentioned. Sorry for the confusion! From there each of those can be lightened with white for base coats

[@toyfrisbee]

@@DeJesusCustomFootwear Gotcha! Custom kicks. Custom paints. Thanks!