**The Official Shoe Care Thread: Tutorials, Photos, etc.**

[Michael81]

Before:

After:

 

[DaveCPA]

https://imgur.com/a/E1ptT

What can I do to prevent these from darkening right here? That’s where the split toe tree is making contact with the side of the shoe.

This is a cheap pair of CH loafers, but I love the way they feel and I wear them a lot as Friday shoes, so I want to keep them up as long as possible

 

[right_hook]

Thank you very much, Mr Hook. You are right, health comes first. Thanks, also, for searching for some 'safe' products.

Do you know of any masks that would be suitable and readily available? Is there one, for example, that I could buy from Amazon? Thanks, again, Munky.

You're welcome, Mr. Munky. I'm glad to help you!
I've bought the basic one on eBay - 3M 6200 half facepiece respirator mask with 6001 cartridge. According to description it's: "NIOSH approved for protection against certain organic vapors". I've checked their selection guide and it seems that OV 6001 cartridge meets our requirements.
At the same time, I should say that it's just my choice which based on internet research. Maybe someone can provide us better information.

 

[Munky]

You're welcome, Mr. Munky. I'm glad to help you!
I've bought the basic one on eBay - 3M 6200 half facepiece respirator mask with 6001 cartridge. According to description it's: "NIOSH approved for protection against certain organic vapors". I've checked their selection guide and it seems that OV 6001 cartridge meets our requirements.
At the same time, I should say that it's just my choice which based on internet research. Maybe someone can provide us better information.

Thank you very much. This information is so useful! I think I have found the product that you suggest, from e-bay. I really appreciate your doing this search. I am now hoping to breathe much more frequently now! Thanks, again, Munky.

 

[Nat Jag]

https://imgur.com/a/E1ptT

What can I do to prevent these from darkening right here? That’s where the split toe tree is making contact with the side of the shoe.

This is a cheap pair of CH loafers, but I love the way they feel and I wear them a lot as Friday shoes, so I want to keep them up as long as possible

I think it's just your own natural patina.
I have similar but in suede, a brush with a suede brush does the trick, but can't help for these.

 

[DaveCPA]

I think it's just your own natural patina.
I have similar but in suede, a brush with a suede brush does the trick, but can't help for these.

I'll take some pics from all around and add to that album for further opinions.

 

[Christian GV.]

Before: photo
After: photos

These results are splendid Michael, been following the discussion on this for a while. What method did you end up with doing?

https://imgur.com/a/E1ptT

What can I do to prevent these from darkening right here?

Hi Dave, looks like a bit of oil/grease. Perfectly ok on its own. You can try a leather soap to lighten that part, e.g. Savon Cuir Lisse by Saphir. Don't rub too hard with the sponge, and let dry. Condition lightly with a soft leather conditioner.

Alternatively, brush off with a clean brush, then cautiously try a little dab of Saphir Renovateur on a cotton cloth and clean the darkening off with swift movements back and forth over the area. Soft to medium pressure. Let dry and brush. There's two possible outcomes; The darkening lightens, or the darkening evens out slightly. And as always, test the products on another area of the leather to see if you'll be confident with the process. Hope this helps!
Best regards, Chris

 

[DaveCPA]

I don't mind the color so much, as long as it doesn't appear to be "dirty"

So in your opinion that's more of a character thing than poor care?

 

[Michael81]

These results are splendid Michael, been following the discussion on this for a while. What method did you end up with doing?

Thank you kindly. I removed the finish on the toe cap and started from scratch. I made sure the leather was completely dry and added small amounts of polish at a time. It was just a case of building up the wax finish slowly over time. It took a few polishing sessions to achieve a consistent finish.

 

[Crat]

After I posted a pic of my muddy fishing boots (Zug Snowdon GMTO) on IG some questions regarding maintenance were asked.
Thought I might share my vid cleaning them here.

Removed mud, scrubbed them down, let dry and applied Obenaufs.

 

[EnglishShoes]

What is the general approach for fixing/hiding a scratch in calf leather?

Is it best to go over with cream polish? Do I need to smooth it over with something first?

 

[Luigi_M]

Beautiful and instructional video Crat!
Even at quick speed, one can see how accurate and loving your work is.
I like the smoking coffee cup lazily resting on a side, too.
Best wishes, Luigi

 

[Luigi_M]

Michael81, you did an outstanding work!

 

[Christian GV.]

I've got a coffee stain on a pair of calf skin DMs here. Considering stripping the area with soap or acetone, then apply black Saphir dye.

What do you think? Best wishes, Chris

 

[clee1982]

After I posted a pic of my muddy fishing boots (Zug Snowdon GMTO) on IG some questions regarding maintenance were asked.
Thought I might share my vid cleaning them here.

Removed mud, scrubbed them down, let dry and applied Obenaufs.

awesome work, how long did it take you to do the proper clean up, 1.5hr?