**The Official Shoe Care Thread: Tutorials, Photos, etc.** - Page 289

Wow what a style!

Wow, that is amazing.

I wrote an article in my blog about cleaning shoes, just a few days ago. Basically there are 3 types of cleaners for use on leather shoes:
1) High solvent strippers like RenoMat,
2) Glycerin based cleaners like saddle soap and Lexol Leather Cleaner, and
3) Mild solvent cleaners combined with conditioners like Renovateur and my GlenKaren Cleaner/Conditioner.

Each has a somewhat different purpose, and each are applied/removed differently.
For example: You want to remove all of the RenoMat from your shoe once you are done cleaning/stripping the shoe, but you would wipe it off with a cloth, not wash it off with water and a sponge.
You want to remove all of the glycerin from your shoes once you are done cleaning, but you would do it with a clean water rinse using a sponge/cloth.
For a cleaner/conditioner you want to wipe off the excess with a cloth, but let the majority soak into the leather before brushing with a shoe brush.

Epic.

Knowing me I'd start with the chair as soon as I'd have finished with the shoes

Hahaaaaaaa! 8 bottles of acetone and a bucket of Reno later and its time to recolour the whole chair in antique navy!

I am new to the world of "real" shoes and the whole polishing process. Can someone guide me in respect to what accessories do I need please? I dont want to fall prey to "hype" and go mad and buy anything suggested. Basically I just want to keep it simple. I have saved the old tshirt and I'm assuming I need an applicator and a polishing brush. What hair type bristle is best? Do i need a leather protector? If so what type: oil or wax? Is the leather protector the same as the polishing cream?

 

I am starting with a pair of Loake Victor in tan colour. Would it be best if I bought Loake's own tan coloured polish for best retaining the original colour?

 

I have heard of a neutral polish? What is that one?

 

Sorry for the endless questions but thought to lay them down so readers can understand where I'm coming from..

That's one fabulous looking chair.

 

I know exactly what you mean

 

The chair's fantastic - it's in the shop that's managed by my friend who first taught me how to polish shoes. I had to show him the apron when it arrived yesterday so we thought it might be fun to take some photos of the apron in use. I'm really pleased with the resulting photo.

I'm also curious to see this. Could you post pictures of other shoes you have where it is this polished, but there is creasing?

 

Glen, what is your opinion on the use of saddle soap as the only cleaner and conditioner used on a shoe?  Shoes made out of heavier leathers (cowhide) such as Horween's Dublin leathers, often come with the recommendation that saddle soap should be used for the care of the shoe, and that it is the only thing necessary.  Additionally, the container (I use Fiebing's Saddle Soap paste) says that it "cleans leather and lubricates the fibers to prevent brittleness, all while maintaining suppleness and strength", and it "cleans and polishes in one easy step."  They recommend using a damp cloth or sponge to create a lather and applying it to the leather, then allow it to dry, then buff with a soft cloth or brush for a light sheen.  Fiebing's seems to have a stellar reputation, and they have been around for quite some time.  I know Cold Iron says that he only uses the 100% glycerin saddle soaps on his shoes that recommend this type of care.  I've always just followed the manufacterer's instructions on the use of saddle soap and haven't had any trouble, but I was wondering if you have some insight given your "molecular" approach to leather cleaning and care.  There are many theories (I disagree with almost all of them) about saddle soap in the forum and how it will destroy your shoes, and I am hoping you may be able to give some conclusive data on the argument. 

If this thread was sold on the top shelf of a newsagents, I'd definitely be asking for it in a plain paper bag.

There's friend of a friend, who has a cousin (twice removed), who knows somebody, who has a nephew, in need of a leather apron just like yours... er... where would he get one?

Lear

http://www.harborfreight.com/split-leather-welding-apron-45193.html

http://www.afinepairofshoes.co.uk/products/la-cordonnerie-anglaise-leather-shoeshine-apron
BOOM!!

I got mine from quality-shop.nl. I don't know if they are on the site yet but email them. The apron is not LCA but is made in the same factory in France.
Edited by Gerry Nelson - 3/20/13 at 3:45pm

Thanks. I'll let him know

Lear