Darkening my AE Delrays (in Chili)

[kjm]

Hi all,

After wearing my new Delrays a couple of times, I've decided that the Chili color is just a bit too light for me. I'd like to darken them, but I don't know how to go about it. Do I just apply a dark brown shoe polish? How many applications before the color changes? And is there any risk with this move? Is it even worth my time to try to darken my shoe?

I'm eager to hear what you guys have to say.

 

[gj555]

I would just use a darker polish to change the tone a little and nothing else.
I have been trying to darken my Chili shoes as well but have not been able to make a huge impact. Unless I strip them down with alcohol or similar, I think I am going to be stuck with the general color but in a slightly darker tone.

 

[grimslade]

Look, don't try to change the color all at once with polish alone. Get some cream polish in a dark brown, and apply it a little at a time when it needs polishing. Over time, you will darken them down. I had some very reddish chili kingsleys. This works. But not overnight. And if you try to do it overnight, it will end in tears.

 

[needshoehelp]

I've used brown wax polish on my chili AE's over time. It darkens them slightly but do not expect miracles.

 

[anonymouz]

What about using black cream polish? Okay or disaster waiting to happen?

 

[LesterSnodgrass]

Originally Posted by grimslade

Look, don't try to change the color all at once with polish alone. Get some cream polish in a dark brown, and apply it a little at a time when it needs polishing. Over time, you will darken them down. I had some very reddish chili kingsleys. This works. But not overnight. And if you try to do it overnight, it will end in tears.

+1.

I use Meltonian dark brown and navy blue to darken. Over time, of course.

 

[Cary Grant]

Mind you- those will darken up naturally over time too, not unlike a natural cherry wood. My chili AE's or about 8 years old and they're darker. I'm probably getting them refurbed soon and will be curious to see how they turn out.

Mind you- I love that chili color.

 

[NorCal_1]

Originally Posted by LesterSnodgrass

+1.

I use Meltonian dark brown and navy blue to darken. Over time, of course.



Agree with above,,,,,this is the perfect combination for what you are trying to do, but be VERY careful with the Navy Blue, and only apply a little at a time

it stains much more deeply than any other show polish color you can use (must have something to do with the indigo dye) and once applied, is VERY hard to reverse, sans using rubbing alcohol or a deglazer

dab a small amount of Navy on a rag, rub it in to the toe or any area you want darkened, then do the same to apply the dark Brown polish over it

very, very, very little Navy at a time, trust me

 

[dclloyd]

What about Mink Oil? One of the common complaints about it is that it has a tendency to darken ...

 

[kjm]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I think I'll follow grimslade's plan. I feel like its the best way to avoid completely destroying my shoes in the case of failure. How long will it take to noticeably darken my shoes using the dark shoe cream?

 

[JLibourel]

I'd repeat "Cary Grant's" advice that they just darken up naturally.

In your position, I'd use A-E's mocha-colored cream shoe polish (instead of chili) to accelerate the gradual darkening process.

I have to ask, if you don't like the color, why'd you buy them in the first place? I personally love A-E's chili.

 

[kjm]

Excellent question, JLibourel.


I really like the chili color, but the red undertones really stand out under the harsh florescent light at work, and I feel like darker brown would be more appropriate (i.e. conservative).