Shoe Antiquing - Page 4

Basic antiquing work with fresh uppers -

original sample

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finished 'Russet'

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original sample

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finished 'Antique Cordovan'

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original sample with just a polishing

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finished 'Mahagony'

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original sample with polishing

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finished 'Antique Bombay'

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Not a stupid question at all. You can always use numerous different colors of polish for any shoe, just find what works for each pair and your tastes best. Same here - start a little darker and add some off-base colors, like Dark Green or Hermes Red. Another member here likes Blue on most of his shoes like this and I think that's a good suggestion as well.

Black I wouldn't mess with.....the Browns', maybe - depends on the leather. If it's something like an Allen Edmonds with very little finish, you can get it highlighted lighter without alot of problems. Many others, the final factory finish makes it difficult to assure the result bfore getting into them.

Had to bump this back up to show off a pair I am real happy with....Lobb's in a mid to dark brown calf that is just great leather to work with.

Plus, the order gave me a chance to try out a new technique I have in my formula book as 'antique black'.....basically a black/russet wash cut with 50% deglazer to give a transparent finish - don't try this at home without alot of practice!

Very gentle transition of tones -

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ps - no finish applied yet.....just the base coloration.

Good question - and well stated, as usual Roger.

However, I DO NOT build my finishes with polish and wax - that method will not last long term (sorry to those that are doing this.....it actually might last, but certainly not to the degree someone like me can count on as dependable, for profit work). I also do not use acetone (not pure, anyway) either. Of course, I have been told that I have gone too far here in describing how I do things already (I disagree...this forum is to share idea's and methods, and I feel that - especially since I might be one of the most frequent users of this forum to market my own merchandise - that all of us with something to say in this regard have an obligation to do so), and I don't know if I should say 100% of everything I use, but anyone with access to Fiebings dye, a little analine powder to mix in, De-glazer from Angelus, sponge brushes from Home Depot, daubers, rags, silk, felt, DENIM, elbow grease, patience, time, interest and a good collection of trial shoes can achieve very similiar results. There, of course, are techniques that only ruining shoes can teach, but for the most part this process is not hard.

Yes, my finishes will hold up to routine shoe care polishing and waxing.....as well as the elements. I would take it one step further and say that, after we get through with them, the shoes will actually be better able to handle these things.

That's why this aint free !