shoelove
Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2014
- Messages
- 20
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Hello All!
I have been reading and lurking on SF for a few years now. I thought I would finally post some pics and Saphir reviews for all to see. I picked up an old pair of Berluti whole-cut loafers online a while back and had fun experimenting with them. I tested out many different shoe care techniques with pics below.
Enjoy!
1. As purchased. The soles were in great shape, the upper was a bit neglected.
2. ****** Kiwi Polish Job!!! My first polish job using Kiwi Neutral wax and old ignorant techniques.
3. Stripped. and conditioned with Shelper's shoe cream. I know the following may make some cringe, but after trying several techniques (rough rag, Renomat, & both) The suede brush (below) and Shelper's All-Pupose Cleaner & Conditioner have produced outstanding resulting. I have not seen any damage whatsoever about 5 different types of shoes. It usually takes 3-4 scrubbing sessions with the brush&conditioner followed hot water wash off, wipe off, and inspection to achieve a complete stripping.
4. Gloss Shined. Here they are gloss shined with Saphir Renovatuer conditioner as a base 3-4 coats, Saphir neutral polishing wax 4-5 light coats of wax on the entire shoes, and 3-4 extra light coats for the toe gloss shine.
5. Shined up Berluti Loafer compared to new unworn Berluti Gaspard.
6. Gloss Cracks. Yes, the gloss coat will crack, even when extra light on the folds. Just brush a few times and continue; folds are a fact of life.
7. Back to Matte! I never really wanted these loafers to be shiny anyway. This time I tested Saphir Renomat. I definitely prefer the suede brush w/conditioner technique. Renomat was very slow and required a great deal of time, elbow grease/strength, and a rough rag. As can be seen it will suck the color right out. I used this fact and antiqued the toes to my liking!
8. Finished! Renovatuered and brushed. This is what I prefer in the end for this pair. It was fun the entire time getting back to here.
I have been reading and lurking on SF for a few years now. I thought I would finally post some pics and Saphir reviews for all to see. I picked up an old pair of Berluti whole-cut loafers online a while back and had fun experimenting with them. I tested out many different shoe care techniques with pics below.
Enjoy!
1. As purchased. The soles were in great shape, the upper was a bit neglected.
2. ****** Kiwi Polish Job!!! My first polish job using Kiwi Neutral wax and old ignorant techniques.
3. Stripped. and conditioned with Shelper's shoe cream. I know the following may make some cringe, but after trying several techniques (rough rag, Renomat, & both) The suede brush (below) and Shelper's All-Pupose Cleaner & Conditioner have produced outstanding resulting. I have not seen any damage whatsoever about 5 different types of shoes. It usually takes 3-4 scrubbing sessions with the brush&conditioner followed hot water wash off, wipe off, and inspection to achieve a complete stripping.
4. Gloss Shined. Here they are gloss shined with Saphir Renovatuer conditioner as a base 3-4 coats, Saphir neutral polishing wax 4-5 light coats of wax on the entire shoes, and 3-4 extra light coats for the toe gloss shine.
5. Shined up Berluti Loafer compared to new unworn Berluti Gaspard.
6. Gloss Cracks. Yes, the gloss coat will crack, even when extra light on the folds. Just brush a few times and continue; folds are a fact of life.
7. Back to Matte! I never really wanted these loafers to be shiny anyway. This time I tested Saphir Renomat. I definitely prefer the suede brush w/conditioner technique. Renomat was very slow and required a great deal of time, elbow grease/strength, and a rough rag. As can be seen it will suck the color right out. I used this fact and antiqued the toes to my liking!
8. Finished! Renovatuered and brushed. This is what I prefer in the end for this pair. It was fun the entire time getting back to here.
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