5 Tips for How to Polish Leather Shoes
Did you know that the estimated size of the global shoe polish market for 2021 is USD 1,512.15 million?
We are a country filled with hardworking individuals who have filthy pairs of shoes. That dirt and grime can wreak havoc on the most expensive pair of shoes you own.
If you have leather shoes and are looking for a way to get them looking like the day you bought them, you’ve come to the right place for simple leather shoe polishing tips.
Keep reading everything you need to know about how to polish leather shoes.
1. Buy the Right Products
Before polishing your leather shoes, you need to ensure you have the right products. There are various shoe products on the market, so be sure to choose one specifically designed for leather.
Shoe Tree
A block-shaped toe and some heel area—either a peg or a fully developed block heel—are characteristics of shoe trees. The device has a central tube between the toe block and heel part that is frequently spring-activated or adjustable for a precise fit.
The device extends to match the length of the shoe when it is put inside, smoothing out creases from the inside and keeping your shoe in good form until the next wear.
Leather Polish
When polishing your leather shoes, it’s essential to use a suitable polish for the leather type and buff them correctly.
There are many types of leather shoe polish, but the most common are cream, liquid, and paste. You can also find polishes made explicitly for black or brown leather shoes.
Soft Cloth or Brush
Always use a soft cloth or brush when polishing. This will help avoid scratching the leather. If your shoes are filthy, you may want to pre-treat them with a leather cleaner before polishing them.
Be sure to apply the polish evenly, using small, circular motions. Allow the polish to dry completely before buffing it with a clean cloth.
Shoe Protector Spray
If the shoes are exposed to heavy rain or snow, consider using a waterproofing spray specifically designed for leather. When applying shoe protector spray, hold the can about 6 inches away from the shoe and spray in a well-ventilated area.
Apply several thin layers of the mist, allowing each layer to dry completely before applying the next.
2. Remove the Laces From Your Shoes
If you want a good shine on your leather shoes, you should remove the laces and polish them separately. This way, you can get into all the creases and corners and ensure that your shoes are shining bright.
This will also give you a better surface to work with and help to avoid getting the polish on the laces. You can use a shoehorn or a shoe tree to keep the shoe’s shape while polishing.
3. Clean Off Dust and Dirt
You must put in a little elbow grease if you want your leather shoes to shine. Start by removing dust or dirt from the shoes with a soft cloth. You don’t want to use anything too abrasive, as it could damage the leather.
Once the shoes are free of dirt or debris, it’s time to start polishing. Use a small amount of shoe polish on a soft cloth, and rub it into the leather in a circular motion. Be sure to cover the entire shoe, paying particular attention to any scuffs or scratches.
Treat your shoes to a good coat of leather conditioner. This will help to keep the leather soft and supple and will also help to protect it from water damage.
4. Apply the Polish
Your shoes are prepared for polish because they have been cleaned and conditioned. Make sure your polish closely matches the color of the shoes you are polishing.
Also, remember to lay down some newspapers or a towel for this step because shoe polish can make a mess and is notoriously difficult to remove from the carpet.
You’ll need to start with quality shoe polish to achieve a high shine on your leather shoes. Apply a thin layer of polish to your shoes with a soft cloth, working it into the leather in a circular motion.
In another way, use a clean, soft cloth to apply the shoe polish in small, circular motions, just like you did with the conditioner. Additionally, much as with conditioner, a little goes a long way.
Examine them after applying one thin layer. Go ahead and add a second layer if necessary. Then allow them to dry for about 20 minutes.
5. Buff the Shoes
To buff leather shoes, you will need a soft cloth, a small amount of water, and shoe polish. First, wet the soft cloth with the water and squeeze out the excess. Then, apply the shoe polish to the wet cloth and rub it into the leather in a circular motion.
Continue until the entire shoe is covered with a thin layer of polish. Allow the polish to dry for at least five minutes. Finally, use the soft cloth to buff the shoes in a circular motion, working from the toe to the heel.
If you are polishing shoes, it is important to know more about how to do it properly. Check out the full article here on how to clean your footwear like a pro!
Understanding How to Polish Leather Shoes Today
Regular polishing is vital if you want your leather shoes to last and look their best. There are a few tips on how to polish leather shoes. Be sure to clean and condition them regularly, as well as give them a good polish now and again.
With some care and attention, your leather shoes will look great for years to come.
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