In today’s restoration breakdown, we tackled a pair of Gucci sandals that came to us from an out-of-state client. The straps were falling apart, the paint was scratched and worn, and the shoes were in desperate need of professional care.
This wasn’t a simple cleaning — it was a full-on restoration, combining re-gluing, repainting, and refinishing techniques to give these luxury sandals a second life.
🛠️ Step-by-Step: Gucci Sandal Restoration Process
1️⃣ Removing the Old Glue
We started by carefully removing all of the old adhesive from the strap areas. Over time, standard glue breaks down — especially on worn sandals. To ensure a strong, flexible hold, we used Barge Rubber Cement, which is made specifically for rubber and leather restoration and flexes naturally with foot movement.
2️⃣ Rebonding the Loose Straps
Once the old glue was cleaned up, we applied fresh rubber cement and reattached the detached straps, pressing and bonding them for a seamless and lasting finish.
3️⃣ Strap Paint Removal
Next, we tackled the top straps where the original paint had been scratched, chipped, and faded. Using acetone, we removed the damaged paint without harming the underlying material, prepping the surface for a clean repaint.
4️⃣ Color Matching & Repainting
Using Angelus Leather Paint, we custom-mixed colors to perfectly match the original Gucci tones. A key technique we used was taping off the repainted area with Sharp Lines Tape — and painting the original base color first over the tape to seal the edge.
🧠 Pro Tip: Painting the same color under the tape prevents the new color from bleeding underneath, creating sharp, clean edges.
5️⃣ Touch-Up & Scratch Protection
Once all the paint layers were dry and even, we cleaned up any minor imperfections and sealed the job with a scratch-resistant protective film — adding durability and extending the life of the restoration.
✈️ Nationwide Restoration, Done Right
This pair was shipped in from out of state, and we were able to complete the entire restoration and ship them back quickly. Whether you're local or anywhere across the country, you can ship your shoes in to be professionally restored by the Revive Kicks team.
👉 Book your restoration service here
💬 Final Thoughts
Luxury items like Gucci sandals deserve precision care — not shortcuts. We’ve restored thousands of shoes for clients across the U.S., using the best tools and proven techniques to preserve your footwear investment.
📦 Contact us today to ship in your pair from anywhere in the country and bring them back to life the right way.
Stay fresh,
Revive Kicks Team
