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HELP! Problem with Kiwi wax polish cracking on shoes

allaboutshoes

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So I use Kiwi wax polish to polish my plain toe double monks. After a few wearings, the wax I guess dried up and it cracked and flaked and is coming off and it really doesnt look good. I decided to strip the old polish off using saddle soap and after reapplied a few thin coats of kiwi. After 1 day of wear, it cracked again and is flaking. This hasnt ever happened to any of my other shoes. Anyone have any idea how to fix this? I was thinking Saphir but I need some input on what to buy and how to do it (conditioner, renovateur, cream etc).
 

allaboutshoes

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IMG01205-20120325-0039.jpg
 

MyOtherLife

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Please post a decent photo of the KIWI polish you used
 
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RIDER

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Well, as I posted a few minutes ago, first call would be to take them to your local shoe repair shop and let them fix them up for you. If that's not reasonable, or you prefer to tackle it yourself, this method posted here would be the ticket:

http://riderboot.com/2012/03/24/shell-cordovan-clean-up/

Just skip the mixing of Renovateur and cream that we do on shell cordovan, and go right to wax. I'm sure that'll fix them right up.
 

SuitedDx

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Not a pro at this, but I'm guessing the wax polish was maybe not fully removed? Take my suggestion with a grain of salt but maybe try Lexol cleaner, then use Reno, and shoe cream (let the cream sit overnight each time) for a couple of coats. I would let that settle for a bit then later use paste/wax polish.

Just a thought.
 

Gdot

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I think dsmivtr is on the right track - although I'd not bother to strip them - I'd just work off the excess wax as follows:

Renovatuer. Apply by rubbing in thoroughly - wait 3 minutes - buff thoroughly with a brush. Do this twice - 24 hours apart. You should see a fair amount of black pigment coming off on the application rag.

The reno will moisturize, the rubbing during the application process will help redistribute and lift off some of the wax, and the buffing will also help redistribute the product.

If, after wearing, the flaking continues repeat the process above.

I suspect you have a combination of dry shoes combined with too much wax. This process should fix both issues.
 
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SuitedDx

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Well, as I posted a few minutes ago, first call would be to take them to your local shoe repair shop and let them fix them up for you. If that's not reasonable, or you prefer to tackle it yourself, this method posted here would be the ticket:
http://riderboot.com/2012/03/24/shell-cordovan-clean-up/
Just skip the mixing of Renovateur and cream that we do on shell cordovan, and go right to wax. I'm sure that'll fix them right up.


I think dsmivtr is on the right track - although I'd not bother to strip them - I'd just work off the excess wax as follows:
Renovatuer. Apply by rubbing in thoroughly - wait 3 minutes - buff thoroughly with a brush. Do this twice - 24 hours apart. You should see a fair amount of black pigment coming off on the application rag.
The reno will moisturize, the rubbing during the application process will help redistribute and lift off some of the wax, and the buffing will also help redistribute the product.
If, after wearing, the flaking continues repeat the process above.
I suspect you have a combination of dry shoes combined with too much wax. This process should fix both issues.


I do think there is benefit is working through the wax and also wearing the shoes. When I tackle some home project, I try to wear the shoes often hoping that the flexing, warmth of the use, and exposure to the environment would help... or at least a placebo effect :embar:.
 

dragon8

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Why not take them out to get shined and have them work their magic?
 

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