The Sneaker Customizer’s Ultimate Tier Ranking of Supplies

Summary

In this video, Dylan De Jesus ranks essential supplies for shoe customization, categorizing them into five tiers. From 'Soul Survivors' like the Badger Patriot 105 airbrush and Liquid Kicks Matte Top Coat, to 'Might Ruin Your Custom' products like cheap portable airbrushes, Dylan provides insights on which tools are must-haves and which ones are best avoided. With a focus on quality and functionality, this video is an invaluable guide for both beginners and experienced artists looking to streamline their shoe customization process.

Takeaways

• 😀 Essential products, called 'Soul Survivors', are necessary for shoe customizing, like Liquid Kicks Matte Top Coat and Badger Patriot 105 Airbrush.
• 😀 'Chef's Kiss' products are high-quality and reliable, such as Angelus Soft (fabric medium) and Angelus Metallic Airbrush Paint, but not needed for every project.
• 😀 Some products, like Angelus Pearlescent Paints and Angelus Glitter Lights, fall into the 'Tape It or Leave It' category, meaning they're decent but not essential for every design.
• 😀 Items that should be used only in special cases include Angelus 2-Hard and cheap cordless airbrushes, which might ruin your custom if not used correctly.
• 😀 Posta Pens are labeled as 'Might Ruin Your Custom', as they are often not durable enough for leather shoes and can cause issues over time.
• 😀 Adhesion Promoter and Angelus Matte 4 Coat are crucial for ensuring the durability and wearability of painted shoes, making them 'Soul Survivors'.
• 😀 Angelus Neon Paints and Solar Color Dust Pigments are fun but challenging products to work with and should be used 'only in a pinch'.
• 😀 Toothpicks and cotton swabs (Q-tips) are absolutely essential tools in every customization project for detail work and cleaning excess paint.
• 😀 A vinyl cutter is highly recommended for anyone serious about shoe customization, as it makes stencil work much easier and more efficient.
• 😀 Products like sandpaper and a heat gun are critical for prepping and setting your paint, but they require careful usage to avoid damaging the shoe.
• 😀 Products like tracing paper and airbrush spray booths are helpful in specific cases but not necessarily a 'must-have' for every shoe customization project.

Q & A

What are 'Soul Survivors' in the context of shoe customization supplies?

The 'Soul Survivors' are the essential, must-have products for shoe customization. These are the supplies that are crucial for every artist, such as top coats, airbrushes, and tools like acetone and toothpicks, which are necessary for a professional and durable finish.

Why is the Badger Patriot 105 airbrush preferred by the speaker?

The Badger Patriot 105 is preferred because it is reliable, easy to troubleshoot, and works well for daily use in customizations. The speaker has used it for years and considers it an essential tool for any shoe painter.

How does the speaker feel about using Angelus Two Hard?

The speaker is cautious about using Angelus Two Hard, placing it in the 'Only in a Pinch' category. It's recommended for non-porous surfaces with no flex, like plastic or rubber, but the speaker advises against using it frequently due to concerns about durability and paint cracking.

What makes Liquid Kicks Matte Top Coat stand out in the shoe customization community?

The Liquid Kicks Matte Top Coat is considered a game-changer because of how easy it is to use and the professional, clean finish it provides. It has been a highly praised product since its release.

Why are cheap cordless airbrushes considered a bad investment?

Cheap cordless airbrushes are placed in the 'Might Ruin Your Custom' category due to their unreliable performance. The speaker tested them and found that they create frustrating experiences, as they don’t deliver consistent paint flow, leading to poor results.

What is the role of Angelus Two Soft in shoe customization?

Angelus Two Soft is used to mix with paint when working on fabric surfaces like canvas shoes. It helps maintain flexibility, which is essential for fabric customization, but it’s not necessary for every project.

Why is adhesion promoter so important for shoe customizers?

Adhesion promoter is crucial because it ensures that paint adheres properly to non-fabric materials like leather or rubber. This product is placed in the 'Soul Survivor' category due to its importance in making customizations durable and long-lasting.

What is the difference between the Angelus Matte 4 Coat and the Angelus Matte Acrylic Finisher?

The Angelus Matte 4 Coat is a much better product compared to the Angelus Matte Acrylic Finisher, as it provides more scratch resistance and a cleaner, more durable finish. Since the release of the Matte 4 Coat, the need for the Acrylic Finisher has diminished.

What are the potential issues with using Posta Pens for shoe customization?

Posta Pens are considered to 'Might Ruin Your Custom' if used as the primary paint for leather shoes, as they are not durable enough to withstand regular wear. While they can be useful for small details, they should not be the main paint used on shoes meant for long-term wear.

How does sanding shoes improve the customization process?

Sanding shoes, especially on vinyl or lower-quality leather, helps improve paint adhesion. It makes the surface slightly rougher, allowing paint and stencils to stick better, reducing the risk of peeling or cracking over time.