advice on antiquing brand new shoes.

[Joel_Cairo]

I wanted to get some cheap shoes for my first attempt at antiquing. I went down to Filenes Basement and found these italian-made, leather-soled Hugo Boss ankle boots. With a coupon from the paper, they clocked in at $49.99, which seemed like a perfectly ideal price to pay: I like the styling, so with some color-work, they should be pretty cool. If I catastrophically botch the job, they're $50 Hugo Bosses, so I won't be crying myself to sleep.

here's my question though: I remember that when J (at least I think it was J) did his radical overhaul on brown Ct chelseas, he used acetone first and foremost before applying any colors. Should I do something like this, to strip the factory finish off the leather, before I go at it with variously colored polish? If so, what do you recommend I use? Would saddle soap get the job done?

Thanks.

 

[grimslade]

There's no harm in starting with something mild before moving on to more invasive options, except in lost time.

 

[gj555]

I tried antiquing over existing finish and it didn't work. Then I tried rubbing alcohol to remove the finish and that worked but was far too much effort just to get 1/4 of the shoe done. Then, I was going to use acetone but decided to pay a cobler to do the acetone strip for me. It saved me a lot of effort but cost me a few bucks.

So, if you don't think you can strip it, pay for someone to do it for you.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

Originally Posted by gj555

Then, I was going to use acetone but decided to pay a cobler to do the acetone strip for me. It saved me a lot of effort but cost me a few bucks.

how much did this run you?

 

[neyus]

I quite like those boots. for $50.00 you cant go wrong.

I wouldnt be afraid of using acetone on those. Best results seem to be had with a little on cotton wool.

 

[Kent Wang]

Originally Posted by Joel_Cairo

how much did this run you?
Yes, is antiquing typically something one can hire a cobbler to perform?

 

[dirk diggler]

I had some british tan polos from GVH that I first applied brown cream to, buffed off, then brown paste, buffed off, then saddle soap. they are a nice warm brown now. I figure if I polish them with saddle soap and alternate with cordovan or black polish, I can get them nice and chocolate brown,

I am leery of using acetone or other chemicals.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

Originally Posted by Kent Wang

Yes, is antiquing typically something one can hire a cobbler to perform?

maybe, but where's the sport in that? I'd like the practise customizing my coloration.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

Originally Posted by dirk diggler

I first applied brown cream to, buffed off, then brown paste, buffed off, then saddle soap. .

saddle soap last? May I ask, what was the reasoning behind that? I would have though saddle soap would undo your previous polish & wax work (unless I'm mistaken as to saddle soap's function)

 

[j]

I don't think acetone will really hurt anything, and it does seem to help whatever you apply next to adhere better. It's kind of a trial and error process though, since it's hard to tell what the various things you might try will do to that specific type of leather/finish.

If you want to go easier on them to start, try polish or cream first, and if it doesn't work like you wanted, acetone will take that off too.

 

[dirk diggler]

Originally Posted by Joel_Cairo

saddle soap last? May I ask, what was the reasoning behind that? I would have though saddle soap would undo your previous polish & wax work (unless I'm mistaken as to saddle soap's function)

just the order I came up with. the saddle soap definitely added a luster at the end

 

[AlanC]

I like the boots, especially at that price. Change the lacing to straight.

 

[Joel_Cairo]

Originally Posted by AlanC

I like the boots, especially at that price. Change the lacing to straight.
I know! I really love 'em... a kind of countrified cap-toe bal in boot form. I may be flattering my FB rummaging skills, but the look pretty high-end to me. I do intend to relace them.

 

[DocHolliday]

Originally Posted by Kent Wang

Yes, is antiquing typically something one can hire a cobbler to perform?

Antiquing is for chumps?

 

[MrRogers]

Contact Josepidal...hes our resident antiquing expert.

Seriously though, your goal should be a subtle change in color around the toe and heel. Go with multiple layers of slightly tinted wax and don't try to accomplish this process in a day or two. IMO antiqued shoes never look authentic unless done professionally but you are going about it the right way by using cheap shoes for your first trial. Be sure to post pics of how they are coming along

MrR