**The Official Shoe Care Thread: Tutorials, Photos, etc.**

[Alvinbmx]



Might have no relation, but are you trying to raise a high shine using a dark wax on a light shoe by any chance?


 

Not exactly trying to achieve a high shine but just alittle shine. Now it's just matte.

I'm polishing a black shoe so it's just black polish.

What's your advice?

 

[kayjaybee]

Not exactly trying to achieve a high shine but just alittle shine. Now it's just matte.

I'm polishing a black shoe so it's just black polish.

What's your advice?

I have found after creating a base with about 5-7 layers of wax (using a tiny bit of water with each layer), using more water (with no wax) helps shine the wax. I spit shine so I don't use water, but I've found it works very well. I use a tiny bit of spit with each layer of wax then after a good base is established I create about a dime size area of spit and shine the wax. I use only "spit" two or three times and I get a very nice, smooth shine. After, use a buffing cloth to get it even smoother.

Just in case you didn't see the link in the post...

http://chriscrat.tumblr.com/post/42997583917/spit-polishing-a-shoe

 

[Alvinbmx]



I have found after creating a base with about 5-7 layers of wax (using a tiny bit of water with each layer), using more water (with no wax) helps shine the wax.  I spit shine so I don't use water, but I've found it works very well.  I use a tiny bit of spit with each layer of wax then after a good base is established I create about a dime size area of spit and shine the wax.  I use only "spit" two or three times and I get a very nice, smooth shine.  After, use a buffing cloth to get it even smoother.

Just in case you didn't see the link in the post...

http://chriscrat.tumblr.com/post/42997583917/spit-polishing-a-shoe

Thanks for sharing your method! But I need to know how to get rid of the grime before I can continue the usual polishing.

 

[Crat]

Another project almost finished.

From

To

 

[kayjaybee]

@Alvinbmx...Crat is the king of this thread. Talk to him...he created the video I included in my post. ^^^^

 

[archangle13]

Is it recommended to use a stiff-bristled brush for shell cordovan instead of a horsehair brush?

If shell is indeed that hard, and difficult to brush shine, then a synthetic brush is ok??

 

[niklasnordin]

Another project almost finished.

From


To

Duuuuuude...You just leveled from brilliant to god status. I looove those

 

[DerangedGoose]

I have a small crack in the leather at the back of the sown heel tab in my AE kenilworths. What can I color the exposed white part in with? Should I use a cream like meltonian? And how do I prevent the crack from getting worse? I got these for cheap, should I return them? The rest of the shoe is spotless...

 

[Alvinbmx]



@Alvinbmx...Crat is the king of this thread.  Talk to him...he created the video I included in my post.  ^^^^

 

Yes he is! His creations are magnificent!

Crat, will you be able to tell me what is wrong with my shoe? Or what have I not done enough?

 

[Xtra]

Noob question, what causes these black lines in my shoes?

History: they are about 2 years old. Not that much used, and unfortunately cared very little for them in the first year. They've not been exposed to rough weather too much and trees have been in them at all times when not worn. (they are the Herring Hampstead, made by Loake)

I tried to polish them about a week ago, think it was a layer of reno and a layer of saphir pommadier cream. As Kirby of the Hanger Projected recommended three layers of polish I just added two layers of pommadier cream.

So are the marks a result of poor leather quality, poor care or just tough dirt to get out? Meaning I need renomat or something similar to strip them down and start over again?

(the leather sole had to be replaced, done by a local cobbler....)

 

[Crat]

Thanks guys : )

Is it recommended to use a stiff-bristled brush for shell cordovan instead of a horsehair brush?

If shell is indeed that hard, and difficult to brush shine, then a synthetic brush is ok??

I'm no shell expert but in my experience shell thrives under a little pressure, literally.
I use a nailbrush wrapped in a regular cotton polishing cloth for shell. The stiff bristles allow me to easily apply a fair amount of pressure to the shell and the cloth prevents the bristles from damaging it. Make sure no bristles stick through the cloth as they will cause small scratches.

Crat, will you be able to tell me what is wrong with my shoe? Or what have I not done enough?

Do you have pics? That would be a great help.

 

[JackFlash]

Noob question, what causes these black lines in my shoes?




Probably the result of rubbing from your other shoe, particularly the side of your left heel.

 

[Crat]

Maybe one of the pedals in your car? hard to say (from that pic).

 

[OzzyJones]



Thanks guys : )
I'm no shell expert but in my experience shell thrives under a little pressure, literally.
I use a nailbrush wrapped in a regular cotton polishing cloth for shell. The stiff bristles allow me to easily apply a fair amount of pressure to the shell and the cloth prevents the bristles from damaging it. Make sure no bristles stick through the cloth as they will cause small scratches.

Do you have pics? That would be a great help.

Dude that PIC is fckn terrifying

 

[Al in Philly]

Dude that PIC is fckn terrifying

Lol. I feel like Kevin Bacon should blow that away with a shotgun.