How to polish your shoes? Polishing your shoes isn’t just a form of fashion, it is also a necessity to keep your shoes looking great for long-term use.
How to polish your shoes
Clean and polished shoes wouldn’t just give a neat and polished look, but also increases safety and comfort. Taking care of your shoes is definitely worth it if you want functionality, appearance and durability.
It is very easy to keep your shoes clean, shining and luxurious looking. If done properly, you can even make your favourite pair of shoes last you for several years to come. To make sure your shoes look immaculate you need to do more than just wipe them down occasionally or buy a good polish. Here’s are the simple but smart steps required to be followed to make sure you make the most out of the investment you made in those shoes:
Step 1: Clean Your Shoes
The first step to polishing your shoes is to clean them thoroughly. You must remove dirt, dust, grease, stains, etc., from the start. You can use a soft bristle brush or a suede brush specifically designed for cleaning shoe leather. Make sure to remove any dirt from hard to reach places.
Step 2: Prep Your Shoes
Once you have cleaned the shoes, it is important to prep them for the actual polishing. For this, you can use a damp cloth and some neutral leather conditioner. This will help penetrate the leather and help the shoe retain its natural colour. It is important that you use a leather conditioner as opposed to a wax, as wax can seal the shoe and make it difficult to penetrate with the polish.
Step 3: Apply a Polish
The next step to polishing your shoes properly is to apply a polish. Choose a polish that is designed for the type of leather that you wish to polish. For shoes that have been soaked in previous polish, you may want to use a cleaner first. This will help remove the old polish and will ensure that the new polish penetrates the leather properly.
How to polish your shoes
Apply a thin layer of polish using a buffing brush or soft cloth. Make sure to cover the entire shoe, including any hard-to-reach areas. To apply a thin layer of polish, you should apply the polish in circular motions with light pressure. Once the shoe has properly covered with the polish, you should let it sit for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Buffing
Once your shoes have given enough time to absorb the polish, you must begin to buff them. This can be done using a soft buffing cloth, brush or a polishing cloth. You can begin by using a sweeping motion across the shoe, and then increasing the pressure in the corners and on the seams. This will give the shoe a more even finish.
Step 5: Shining and Wax
Once the buffing is complete you should be able to see a nice, glossy shine. To make this shine even more pronounced, you can use a calfskin or vegetable-tanned leather wax. This will give your shoes an extra layer of protection and make them look even brighter.
Step 6: Protection
The final step is to give your shoes some extra protection. You can do this with waterproofing spray or wax. This will give your shoes additional protection against the elements and will make them last longer.
Conclusion
These are the simple steps required to properly polish your shoes. Taking the time to properly care for your shoes will make sure that they last longer and look better. Remember to always use the right type of polish, brush and wax for your shoes, and to use slow, but firm, motions when buffing and shining your shoes.
FAQs
Q1. What is the best way to clean shoes?
Ans. The best way to clean shoes is to use a soft brush or suede brush and a damp cloth with a neutral leather conditioner. Make sure to remove any dirt from hard to reach places and then apply a thin and even layer of polish to the shoe.
Q2. What type of polish should I use?
Ans. It is important to choose a polish that is designed for the type of leather your shoe is made from. This will ensure that the leather is properly hydrated and that the polish can penetrate the leather adequately.
Q3. What type of brush should I use to apply the polish?
Ans. The best brush to use for polishing shoes is either a buffing brush or a soft cloth. You can begin by using a sweeping motion across the shoe, and then increasing the pressure in the corners and on the seams. This will give the shoe a more even finish.
Q4. How often should I polish my shoes?
Ans. To keep your shoes looking great for long-term use, you should polish them every two to three months. It is also important to periodically clean and condition the shoes using a brush and damp cloth to keep the Leather in good condition.
Q5. What type of protection should I use for my shoes?
Ans. You can use a waterproof spray or wax to give your shoes additional protection against the elements. This will make sure that your shoes last longer and look better.
Q6. Can I buff my shoes too hard?
Ans. Yes, if you buff too hard and too fast, you could cause the leather to wear down prematurely. Therefore, it is important to use slow, yet firm, motions when buffing and shining your shoes.
Q7. Are there any particular cleaners that I should use?
Ans. If your shoes have soaked in previous polish, you may want to use a cleaner first to help remove the old polish. Make sure to choose a cleaner that designed for the type of leather your shoe is made from. This will ensure that the new polish penetrates the leather properly.
