shoe polish

[JordanH.]

i have this pair of shoes.

i like the color but i want it to be less orange and more brown. how would i go about doing this?

 

[grimslade]

Use brown polish.

 

[Golf_Nerd]

Originally Posted by grimslade

Use brown polish.

Oh, wow, is it that easy?

 

[Manton]

I find that Kiwi Mid-tan and especially Tan have a decidedly orangish hue. Kiwi brown, however, is just brown. But it is dark brown, so beware.

 

[Cary Grant]

Yes to brown polish. If you want to try it gradually, Meltonian has a number of shades of brown cream polishes. Try those. Creme doesn't change the color as quickly so, after several layers, you should get it you where you want.

 

[Manton]

I disagree with the above. In my experience, cream colors faster than wax. Wax can be stripped off. Cream soaks in.

 

[Silverback]

Originally Posted by Manton

I disagree with the above. In my experience, cream colors faster than wax. Wax can be stripped off. Cream soaks in.
You are correct sir! I believe this is because shoe cream has leather dye in it and wax does not. I have used black shoe polish/wax on brown shoes to darken them and it worked nicely IMHO. I have used both methods to darken a pair of shoes but it is hard to go back so I would try wax first and if you are curious try it on a small part on the heal or even on the tongue under a part that would normally be hidden. You can also end up with darker and lighter areas which I have always found to add character but some perfectionists may not like. God luck sir!

EDIT: I you want them to be a lot darker you can just try leather dye as well.

 

[Cary Grant]

Originally Posted by Manton

I disagree with the above. In my experience, cream colors faster than wax. Wax can be stripped off. Cream soaks in.

Interesting- I've never had that issue.

 

[the.chikor]

You can find a dye of a particular hue that suits your fancy and try it out on small, obscure portion of the shoe, just to be sure the color comes out right. Another option is to use cream to the shoe, or you can use a wax in the desired color. Wax has to be kept up more frequently than cream, in my experience, as it seems to wear off. Bottom line up front, if you want a permanent change in color, use a dye and then finish with a polish-cream or wax. If you don't know what you are doing, find a cobbler in your area who is experienced in such alterations b/c you can really dramatically alter the appearance of a pair of fine looking shoes into an undesired appearance.

 

[JordanH.]

well, when i was into sneakers i used to paint shoes. but, there's a defference in the leather used in most pairs of sneakers and the leather used in real shoes. i know where to find dye but i was not sure if the dye i knew about would have an undesired effect on the shoes.

 

[mimile]

Originally Posted by JordanH.

i have this pair of shoes.

i like the color but i want it to be less orange and more brown. how would i go about doing this?

If you use brown cream and then brown polish, This will give you shoes a darker shade with some antique look. Beautiful. I did that with one of my shoes and it worked graet.