I think the best type of polish depends on the leather to be dressed, and the way it has been prepared by the shoe maker. Most leather comes from older animals, and is then presented in such a way by the shoe maker that the leather is already highly polished, and has lost much of its natural grain. For these shoes, something like Angelus is very good. I wear only RM Williams boots (see my posts on the RM Williams thread ont his forum), and they have a number of different types of leather. The finest is made from veal calf, and is lighter and softer then their yearling leather boots. The grain of the leather is different as it displays a more open grain. I have traditionally used an Australian polish called Waproo, which is more of a cream than a polish, but is utilised in the same way, i.e. apply with a rag, stand for some time, and buff with a soft cloth. Recently I bought a pair of light tan veal calf boots, and began to worry that the natural grian of the leather would become clogged even with the soft Waproo polish. This week I finally found the answer in a product called Leather Mate, which is actually from Italy. I understand that, outside Australia, this product is sold under the name Urad. This product is very different in that it is 70% lanoline, 20% carnauba wax, and 10% gentle cleaning agents. Since lanoline is a natural animal oil, it restores the leather and keeps it waterproof. The product comes in a tub with a second lid on the inside, and a sponge applicator. You just wipe down the shoes, dip the applicator into the cream and take off any excess moisture from the sponge. You then wipe the sponge thinly over the leather. It shouldn't be applied thickly or actually be moist. After letting it stand for a couple of mintues you are ready to go. There is no buffing needed, but it comes up with a gentle shine. In between applications the manufacturers suggest wiping the shoes with a damp cloth. Now, those who want their shoes coming up with a parade shine willl not like this product, but if you have a really fine quality leather with a natural grain, like the RM Willams veal calf boots, this is just the product.
are as commonplace as Dunkin Donuts and McDonalds.Are there superior products available without searching the ends of the earth?[b]
