Leather Soles - Color Restoration

[Booter]

Trying to restore the edge of a leather sole to its natural color. These are boots (TBC Counterpane's) and I don't like the black paint/stain on the edge of the sole/heel.

Bleach? Other solvent? Straight sandpaper?

Looking for a DIY solution to avoid paying for resole. Anyone w/ experience or thoughts? Much appreciated.

 

[rebel222]

If the shoes are welted, good luck. A resole won't even change the color, since the welt isn't replaced under normal circumstances. It would be next to impossible to change the color, since there are fine crevices that you will never remove the old color from.

 

[Booter]

I don't know if they are welted or not...I will e-mail Timberland Boot Company customer service to find out. They're very similar to the 2nd link below but the edge has been painted/stained like the 1st. I'd like a "clean/natural" look like that of the 2nd link. http://shop.timberland.com/product/i...ductId=4208385 http://shop.timberland.com/product/i...ductId=4208384

 

[Cant kill da Rooster]

I suspect the reasons for doing this are strictly OCD but your cobbler should have products that can remove colour. I picked one up the other day but I can't remember the name of it. It's like a turpentine. You could try it and then apply Meltonian "Cleaner" to restore the natural colour.

PS be careful with this stuff. If it even touches the leather it will take the colour out.

 

[Cary Grant]

So I know a rather OCD bloke who fussed over this with a pair of natural soles... he resorted to sanding...




Then eventually gave up because they were stained within 24 hours every time.

 

[Cant kill da Rooster]

^^ +1. Just accept it and move on with your life.

 

[Booter]

Good stuff.

Rather than change the edge color I may mess with the color of the leather instead (

I know) I'm not married to it, and my real gripe is that I hate the color of the leather against the black edging.

Yes, OCD, but I figured I came to the right place for that