WAYS TO MAKE YOUR SHOES
LAST LONGER AND LOOK BETTER
The most important to make your shoe last and
look better is a regular cleaning and polishing them regularly.
The importance of regular cleaning is that it
will remove dirt build-up that can mar the look of the leather. In
fact, if uncleaned shoes are polished, it will inbed dirt particles
into the grain and ruin the leather. All leather should regularly
be cleaned prior to polishing.
The first step in preserving a pair of shoes is
weatherproofing. Weatherproofing keeps them looking good and extends
their wearability. Typically, you can get these products:
mink oil, beeswax, silicon.
The most recognized step in shoe care is polishing.
Polishing is an important treatment in maintaining a new appearance
for smooth leather articles.The most widely used form of polish is
paste polish. Also you can use cream
polishes and
liquid polishes:
When the color has been damaged, polishing will
not restore the lost color. A polish has the ability to enhance the
existing color. The lighter the color, the less dye is in the polish.
In that case a spray
or a instant coloring
is needed to take care of the discoloring.
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SELECTING THE RIGHT
PRODUCTS
POLISHES :
PASTE POLISHES:
Polishes can be formulated as heavy wax pastes which provide strong
coverage and add an exceptionally high and deep shine, especially
when successive layers are built up on the leather. Most brands of
wax pastes are not available in wide range of colors, but there are
some that offer a fairly wide variety of colors to choose from.
CREAM POLISHES: Cream polishes contain
lower levels of wax and are easier to apply. Creams soften and smooth
the leather more than paste. The more wax in the cream polish, the
more gloss and leather protection you will get. Cream polishes come
in wide variety of colors.
LIQUID POLISHES: Liquid polishes contain a low level
of wax or none at all. They are not buffable and provide very little
replacement of natural oils to the leather. Liquid polishes can be
useful in covering scuffs and providing a short-term lift to the appearance
of well-worn shoes.
SPRAYS or INSTANT
COLORING : A complete and easy method to use. You can choose
from a wide array of colors and they provide a durable and flexible
finish on smooth leather
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WATERPROOFING:
MINK OIL: Because mink oil is an oil and not a wax, it
can be absorbed into leather to provide both the waterproofing properties
and the leather lubricating properties that are desirable. Mink oil
and products that contain mink oil are ideal moisturizing, softening
and lubricating products for use on fine leather shoes before polishing,
The use of these products before polishing with paste wax ensures
that fine leather will stay soft and resist cracking.
BEES WAX: Beeswax provides an excellent barrier to water
if it can be applied to seams and made to adhere to the leather. However,
it cannot be applied over the entire shoe without being diluted with
other oily ingredients. Beeswax is also sticky, tending to hold the
dirt it picks up. Beeswax does not lubricate leather, and because
it is hard, is not absorbed into leather. Beeswax products provide
their weatherproofing properties by forming a continuous water repellent
layer over the leather. This is very effective for work and hiking
boots where the appearance of the article is not as important as the
article being weatherproof.
SILICONES: Silicones can be
purchased in a wide range of products from creams and pastes to aerosol
sprays. All silicone products are highly water repellent, even in
very small quantities. Oily silicone products, such as creams and
pastes will often darken or stain light colored leather and also block
the pores of the leather. Use a "dry" or aerosol silicone product
for fine leathers. Aerosol silicone products are also useful for weatherproofing
rain coats and spring jackets as well as adding longer life to canvass
or leather sneakers
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CLEANERS:
The one most important thing in the care of leather is
the cleaning. Of course, the traditional leather cleaner is saddle
soap, which is a blend of natural soaps with waxes and glycerin. This
combination cleans heavy leather well, moisturizes the leather and
leaves a light wax coating which can be buffed to a soft luster. Ideal
for heavy leather articles and work boots, saddle soap is rather inconvenient
to use on fine leather articles.
There are now more modern formulas which provide all the benefits
of traditional formula, but are based on gentle, cosmetic cleaning
agents and are pre-creamed so they can be applied directly to the
leather. This type of formula is ideal for use on fine leather and
dress shoes to remove dirt before polishing.
1. Solvent-based leather cleaners are valuable
for cleaning shiny leather. They will dissolve wax build-up without
drying the leather. This product can rejuvenate a pair of shoes that
has been polished many times and has developed uneven coloring.
2.
Suede's may be cleaned with either a dry cleaner solvent
spray or a well-formulated sneaker shampoo. Aerosol suede cleaners
are convenient to use and produce a very good result. Also sneaker
shampoos, as the name implies, are designed for fabric, vinyl and
suede found on all types of non-leather sneakers.
3.
Nubuck may be cleaned with either a dry cleaner solvent
spray or a stain eraser. The eraser's special composition allows it
to crumble into the leather, reaching even the toughest stains. like
an eraser, it erases stain and shiny spots from suede & nubuck leather.
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Spit Shine:
Spread a thick layer of paste polish
over the leather to be spit shined. Allow it to dry for 5 minutes.
Wrap a soft, clean cloth around your index finger so you have a smooth
area on the end of your finger and dip it in water so it is thoroughly
wet but not dripping (see note 1 below).
Using a small circular motion (see
note 2 below), buff the dried polish with the wet cloth until a shine
starts to develop. Then, still using the damp rag on your finger,
apply a fine layer of polish in a circular motion and keep on rubbing
lightly until a hazy shine develops. Keeping the rag damp, build up
the shine with thin layers of polish applied in circles with light
pressure until a glossy shine develops.
When sufficient shine
has developed, use a clean, dry, soft cloth to give it a final buff
and remove any last haze.
NOTE:
1. The reason
you use a wet cloth is to stop the fine coats of polish sticking to
the cloth and to encourage the polish to stick to the leather. You
want to keep on building up thin layers of wax until you have a completely
smooth surface that gives the glossy shine.
2. After the first
heavy coat of polish you must use minimal amounts of polish to build
up the shine. If you use too much polish, the solvent in the polish
you are applying will dissolve the base you have already built up
and you will have to start again in that area.
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Because leather is a substance of nature and therefore of varying
composition.... differing in fiber structure and porosity... no two
leathers will always accept a given dye with uniform results. It is
suggested, therefore, that the color chart be used as a guide
and that swatches be tested before dyeing a finished article.
PREPARING the LEATHER for DYEING: In the tanning
process various protective surface finishes are given to the hides.
This finishes must removed before dyeing. Fiebing's DYE-PREP, applied
with a damp sponge, is recommended for stripping off tanning finishes
and making the leather receptive to dyes. In some cases, when the
leather has a lacquer coating, a lacquer solvent should be used before
using Dye-Prep.
APPLYING the DYE: After the leather has
been cleaned and prepared as recommended above, apply the dye evenly
using a piece of woolskin, cloth, or a dauber. An alternate method
of covering large areas evenly is to spray with spray-gun or air brush.
A second coat of dye may be applied if required. After dyeing, remove
excess surface dye by rubbing briskly with a soft cloth.
COLOR and CONTROL: When changing for a previously dyed
color, it is best to do it in two steps. First neutralize the original
color with an intermediate color. Then repeat the dyeing process with
the final color desired. For example:
-
To dye White leather to Black,
bye it Green or Blue
and then Black.
-
From White into Dark
Blue, first week Black (4-1) then Dark
Blue.
-
From White into
Brown, first light Green,
then Brown.
-
From Red
into Black, first Green,
then Black.
-
From Green
to Black, first Red
and then Black.
-
From White to bright Red,
first Yellow and then
Black.
-
From White to Dark
Red, first Tan
and then Dark Red.
Always let the first color dry before applying
the second.
DYE MIXING for INTERMEDIATE COLORS
Fiebing Dyes may be combined to achieve intermediate colors
of tones not shown on the chart. in most cases the basic rules of
any color mixing apply.
For example:
-
Yellow and
Blue = varying shades of Green.
-
Yellow and
Red
= varying shades of Orange to
Red.
-
Red
and Blue
= varying shades of Deep Purple
to Lavender.
-
Red
and Purple
= Wine.
-
Yellow
and Brown = varying shades
of Golden Brown or Tan.
-
Brown
and Red
= Maroon to Dark
Brown.
An infinite number of color shades are possible.
Mixtures can be tested on swatches until the desired color is achieved.
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HOW TO DYE SUEDE
& ROUGHOUT *
PREPARING the LEATHER for DYEING: For
best results before dyeing Suede and Roughout articles use Roughout
Cleaner to deep clean and restore the original surface. Let dry. Also
a dry cleaner solvent spray or a well-formulated sneaker shampoo can
do the same cleaning before the dye. An aerosol suede cleaner is convenient
to use and produces a very good result. Also sneaker shampoos, as
the name implies, are designed for fabric, vinyl and suede found on
all types of non-leather sneakers. The dry cleaner solvent and the
shampoo to be used only with the suede renew only.
Suede's may be also be spray to renew the existing color
in the event the color has only be faded and do not need to redyed.
A renew color also available in diffirents shades. not cleaned with
either a dry cleaner solvent spray or a well-formulated sneaker shampoo.
Aerosol suede cleaners are convenient to use and produce a very good
result. Also sneaker shampoos, as the name implies, are designed for
fabric, vinyl and suede found on all types of non-leather sneakers.
APPLYING the DYE: After the leather has
been cleaned and prepared as recommended above, apply the leather dye
for restoring the damage color or for changing color to a different
one. Apply the dye evenly over the entire area using a dauber.
*Information
for shining, polishing and dyeing leather provided by KIWI BRANDS and
FIEBINGS COMPANY INC.
|
Warning:
By using any of the leather
dyes, sprays and preparers in the process changing
or renewing the color of any articles you can't reverse
the process back to the original look in the event
you do not like the result. Please
fallow manufactures direction and warnings before
use it! |
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Important - Always read and follow the care instructions
and any warnings provided by the carpet manufacturer. Rugs and carpets
with natural fibers and/or certain dyes may require special treatment.
If in doubt contact a cleaning professional for advice/service. Also
follow these General Rules for stain treatment.
Way #1:
Remove as much of any foreign material as possible by blotting
with a white paper towel or scraping with a dull knife.
Apply isopropyl rubbing alcohol to a clean white cloth, white
paper towel or cotton ball. If the spot extends deep into the pile
use a blotting motion until the spot is removed or no color is transferred
to the cloth. Do not allow the alcohol to penetrate into the backing
as this will destroy the latex bond. If the spot is on the surface
only, rub in one direction at a time. Never us a circular motion to
remove spot as this may destroy the texture. Stop if spot is removed.
If not, go to the next step.
Apply a small quantity of detergent solution to the spot.
(To make the detergent solution mix 1/4 teaspoon of a hand dish washing
detergent which does not contain lanolin or bleach with 1 quart of
water; examples of safe detergents are Dawn® and Joy®.) Use a blotting
motion to work the detergent into the affected area. If spot is being
removed continue applying detergent and blotting with a white paper
towel until spot is removed.
Rinse with tap water using a spray bottle, blot to remove excess
moisture.
Spray lightly with water, do not blot this time; apply pad
of paper towels and brick and allow to dry.
If there is still some stain on the carpet and blotting is
not removing it, then moisten the tufts in the stained area with 3%
hydrogen peroxide. Let stand for on (1) hour. Blot and repeat until
carpet is stain free. Light will cause peroxide to change back to
water so no rinsing is necessary. Apply pad of paper towels and weight
down with brick.
Way #2:
Ink Stains - Ballpoint ink stains can be placed stain face
down on white paper towels. Sponge with rubbing or denatured alcohol
or rub detergent into stained area. Repeat if some stain remains.
Rinse, then launder. Drawing ink usually cannot be removed. Try flushing
with cold water until pigments are removed; rub liquid detergent into
stain; rinse. Repeat process. Soak in warm sudsy water to which 1
to 4 tablespoons of household ammonia per quart of water have been
added. Rinse thoroughly. Launder in hottest water safe for that fabric,
with fabric safe bleach. Felt Tip or India Ink - Usually cannot be
removed. Try pouring water through the stain before it dries, until
pigments are removed. Allow to dry. If you notice some reduction in
stain, sponge with dry-cleaning solvent. Allow to dry. Rub liquid
household cleaner into stain. Rinse. Soak stain (possibly overnight)
in warm water to which 1 to 4 tablespoons of household ammonia have
been added. Rinse and repeat treatment if necessary; launder.
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HOW TO REMOVE
SHOE POLISH ON CARPET *
SHOE POLISH PASTE:
Way #1:
Scrape up with a blunt knife. Use Dry Cleaning Solvent
follow by Detergent/Vinegar solution. Blot dry.
Way #2:
-
Sponge with a small amount of dry cleaning
solvent
-
Blot
-
Mix one teaspoon of a mild pH balanced detergent
(a mild non alkaline non bleaching detergent) with a cup of lukewarm
water
-
Blot
-
Sponge with clean water
-
Blot
-
Seek a professional carpet cleaner in the
event not happy with result.
This article has been contributed in part by Michigan State
University Extension
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HOW TO REMOVE
SHOE POLISH ON CLOTHING *
LIQUID SHOE POLISH:
1. Pretreat with a paste of powder detergent and water.
2. Launder.
PASTE SHOE POLISH:
1. Scrape residue from fabric with a dull knife.
2. Pretreat with a prewash
stain remover or cleaning fluid, rinse.
3. Rub detergent into dampened area.
4. Launder using a bleach safe
for fabric.
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GENERAL DIRECTION FOR STRETCHING ANY SHOES
![[Image]](/images/pict33.jpg)
Determine the specific area in the shoe that needs
stretching. Apply the Dyo liquid shoe stretcher fluid to relax the
leather fibers and allow stretching, with out tearing of the shoe
leather. (Test a small area of the shoe to be stretched, can cause
bleeding of dye in some shoes).
Directions for stretching:
Insert the bunion attachment the ones are provided
into the corresponding hole in the stretcher. If the entire shoe needs
more width, use the stretcher without the bunion attachment.
Insert the stretcher into the shoe and turn the
handle clockwise until the stretcher has expanded against the sides
of the shoe until pressure begins to show on the surface of the shoe.
Next, SLOWLY turn the handle
clockwise but not more than 3-4 turns.
It is best to leave the stretcher in the shoes
for at least overnight.
To remove the stretcher turn the handles counter-clockwise.
Try the shoe and if more relief is needed, repeat the process.
DO NOT OVERSTRETCH
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Directions for Two-Way shoe stretching:
The Dasco Two - Way Shoe stretcher has been designed
to enable footwear to be stretched over both width and length.The
stretcher can be used on a left or right shoe. Supplied with adjustable
corn and bunion pieces for stretching problem areas. Apply the Dyo
liquid shoe stretcher fluid to relax the leather fibers and allow
stretching with out tearing of the shoe leather. (Test a small area
of the shoe to be stretched can cause bleeding of dye in some shoes).
Directions for stretching:
Insert the stretcher fully into the shoe (knurled and looped handles
sit outside the shoe). Take up the width tension by turning the metal
handle in a clockwise direction.
If length stretching is required insert the knurled into the shoe
too, continue to turn the round nub until pressure begins to show
on the length surface of the shoe, and also take up the width tension
by turning the metal handle in a clockwise direction.
After that follow the general rules of stretching.
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Directions for stretching Western (dress or riding) boots:
Determine the specific area in the
boot that needs stretching. Comes in Width stretcher and as a Vamp
(instep) stretcher. Apply the Dyo liquid shoe stretcher fluid to relax
the leather fibers and allow stretching, with out tearing of the shoe
leather. The stretcher can be used on a left or right shoe. Supplied
with adjustable corn and bunion pieces for stretching problem areas.
1: Directions for stretching the width:
Insert the Width stretcher fully into the boot. Take up the width
tension by turning the handle in a clockwise direction.
After that follow the general rules of stretching.
2: Directions for the vamp:
If Vamp (instep) stretching is required insert the Vamp stretcher
fully into the boot, turn the handle until pressure begins to show
on the surface of the boot.
After that follow the general rules of stretching.
3: Directions for stretching bunions on boots:
Insert the bunion attachment if ther are provided into the corresponding
hole in the stretcher.
Insert the stretcher into the shoe and turn the handle clockwise
until the stretcher has expanded against the sides of the shoe until
pressure begins to show on the surface of the shoe. Next, SLOWLY
turn the handle clockwise but not more than 2-3 turns.
After that follow the general rules of stretching.
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Directions for Bunion stretching :
![[Image]](/images/23784f52.jpg)
Bunion stretchers are
used to raise specific area of the shoe to relive discomfort due to
bunions and without stretching the entire footbox. Cast metal construction.
Apply the Dyo liquid shoe stretcher fluid to relax the leather fibers
and allow stretching, with out tearing of the shoe leather. (Test
a small area of the shoe to be stretched, can cause bleeding of dye
in some shoes).
Directions for stretching:
Determine the area needed to be relieved . Place a cloth over
the shoe to protect the exterior leather, place the ball inside the
shoe with the ring on the outside, work the problem area of the shoe,
or it can be clamped in place overnight for really best results.
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Directions for stretching Toe or Vamp
on shoes
![[Image]](/images/pict34.jpg)
For stretching the Toes upward for a shoe you need
to have a Toe stretcher. A Toe stretcher will stretch the toebox of
the shoe to give you more room. If you safer from a hammertoes, corns
or the toes do not have room in the shoe this is the device for you.
For stretching the Vamp (Instep) upward for a shoe you need
to have a Vamp stretcher. A Vamp stretcher will stretch the instep
area of the shoe to give more room. If your arch is to high and the
area above the arch is tight or your foot do not fit into the loafer
shoe or there are pinching you on the top this is the device for you.
1: Directions for the toe:
Insert the devise to your toe area in the shoe that needs stretching.
Apply the Dyo liquid shoe stretcher fluid to relax the leather fibers
and allow stretching, with out tearing of the shoe leather. The stretcher
can be used on a left or right shoe.
Insert the Toe stretcher fully into the shoe. Take up the width
tension by turning the handle in a clockwise direction.
After that follow the general rules of stretching.
2: Directions for the vamp:
If Vamp (instep) stretching is required insert the Vamp stretcher
fully into the shoe, turn the handle until pressure begins to show
on the surface of the shoe.
After that follow the general rules of stretching.
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Directions for shaft or vamp stretching onWestern (dress or riding)
boots:
![[Image]](/images/pict35.jpg)
This devices is made with high quality of heavy duty
cast aluminum, used for stretching the shaft of Western, Work, or
Riding boots. Relieves tightness around large calf muscle areas. This
unique stretching device allow you to stretch the shaft of your boot
or the instep (vamp) the same time by itself or both at once.
1: Directions Directions for stretching the
shaft of your boot :
Insert the stretching device fully into the boot. Engage the calf
tension and take up the excess width tension by turning the handle
in a clockwise direction. Turn the handle until pressure begins to
show on the surface of the boot.
After follow the general rules of stretching.
2: Directions for the vamp:
If Vamp (instep) stretching is required only insert the stretching
device fully into the boot. Disengage the calf stretcher and engage
the vamp stretcher.
After follow the general rules of stretching
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Directions for stretching Vamp (Instep) on any boot:
If you only have problems on Dress, Western or Riding
boots with the Vamp (instep) or Toe. This device will stretch upward
the Vamp (Instep) for a boot ONLY. A vamp stretcher will stretch the
instep area of the boot to give more room. If you arch is to high
and the area above it is tight or your foot, or and the foot do not
fit into the boots or there are pinching you on the top this is the
device for you.
This special devices made of heavy duty cast aluminum is the
only device which allows you to stretch the tight Instep (Vamp) of
the boot (Dress, Western or Riding).
Directions for the vamp:
If Vamp (instep) stretching is required only insert the stretching
device fully into the boot. Disengage the calf stretcher and engage
the vamp stretcher.
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Directions for stretching Toe on any boot:
![[Image]](/images/pict36.jpg)
When you need more room on your toes, this special devices made
of heavy duty cast aluminum is the only device which allows you to
stretch the tight toe box to give more toe room on (Dress, Western
or Riding) boots.
If more toe room is required only. Insert the stretching device
fully into the boot. Take up the width tension by turning the handle
in a clockwise direction.
After follow the general rules of stretching
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