Difference between revisions of "Polish Shoes"
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#Get your hands on a horsehair brush. A good horsehair shoe shining brush is the one essential tool you need to properly polish your shoes. It has longer, softer bristles than the polishing brush described above. It is used to brush excess polish from the shoes and to really work the remaining polish into the leather. | #Get your hands on a horsehair brush. A good horsehair shoe shining brush is the one essential tool you need to properly polish your shoes. It has longer, softer bristles than the polishing brush described above. It is used to brush excess polish from the shoes and to really work the remaining polish into the leather. | ||
#Find a soft, lint-free cloth. If you want to add a shiny finish to your polished shoes, you will need to get your hands on a chamois, which is a type of soft leather cloth. Alternatively, you can use any soft, lint-free cloth, such as an old cotton t-shirt. | #Find a soft, lint-free cloth. If you want to add a shiny finish to your polished shoes, you will need to get your hands on a chamois, which is a type of soft leather cloth. Alternatively, you can use any soft, lint-free cloth, such as an old cotton t-shirt. | ||
| − | #Cover your work space with newspaper. Polishing shoes is a messy job, so protect your floor and furniture by laying down some old newspaper on your work area. You could also use brown paper bags.<ref>http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_100/128_fashion_advice.html</ref> | + | #Cover your work space with newspaper. Polishing shoes is a messy job, so protect your floor and furniture by laying down some old newspaper on your work area. You could also use brown paper bags.<ref name="rf17425">http://www.askmen.com/fashion/fashiontip_100/128_fashion_advice.html</ref> |
=== Applying the Polish === | === Applying the Polish === | ||
| − | #Clean the shoes. Before you begin polishing, it is important that you first clean your shoes to remove any built up dirt, salt or dust. Otherwise the dirt could get trapped beneath the polish or scratch the surface of the shoes. Brush the shoe vigorously with your horsehair brush to remove any debris.<ref>http://www.kiwicare.com/us/shoecare/index.html</ref> | + | #Clean the shoes. Before you begin polishing, it is important that you first clean your shoes to remove any built up dirt, salt or dust. Otherwise the dirt could get trapped beneath the polish or scratch the surface of the shoes. Brush the shoe vigorously with your horsehair brush to remove any debris.<ref name="rf17426">http://www.kiwicare.com/us/shoecare/index.html</ref> |
#*Alternatively, use a dampened cloth to wipe all around the surface of the shoe. Just leave the shoes to dry completely before moving on to the next step. | #*Alternatively, use a dampened cloth to wipe all around the surface of the shoe. Just leave the shoes to dry completely before moving on to the next step. | ||
#*At this point, you may also want to remove the laces from your shoes. This will give you easier access to the tongue of the shoe and will prevent any polish from getting on the laces. | #*At this point, you may also want to remove the laces from your shoes. This will give you easier access to the tongue of the shoe and will prevent any polish from getting on the laces. | ||
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#*Some people like to breath on the shoe (as if fogging a mirror) before buffing to increase shine. | #*Some people like to breath on the shoe (as if fogging a mirror) before buffing to increase shine. | ||
#*If you like, you can place the first shoe on a shoe butler (or on your foot) to make this process easier. | #*If you like, you can place the first shoe on a shoe butler (or on your foot) to make this process easier. | ||
| − | #Use the spit-shine method. Spit shining is a method used in the military to achieve a hard shine. After you have applied the first layer of polish, spray a little water onto the shoes and work it into the surface of the shoe. Then dip the cloth in warm water and use it to apply a second layer of polish.<ref>http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/07/29/how-to-get-the-best-shoe-shine/</ref> | + | #Use the spit-shine method. Spit shining is a method used in the military to achieve a hard shine. After you have applied the first layer of polish, spray a little water onto the shoes and work it into the surface of the shoe. Then dip the cloth in warm water and use it to apply a second layer of polish.<ref name="rf17427">http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/07/29/how-to-get-the-best-shoe-shine/</ref> |
#*Keep repeating this process until you achieve the desired level of shine. Just make sure that you let each layer of polish dry fully before applying the next. | #*Keep repeating this process until you achieve the desired level of shine. Just make sure that you let each layer of polish dry fully before applying the next. | ||
#*Spit shining can be done using a soft cloth or a number of cotton balls. | #*Spit shining can be done using a soft cloth or a number of cotton balls. | ||
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#*Once you have applied several layers of the melted polish, you can take the fire play once step further by using your lighter to evenly heat the polish on the surface of the shoe, until it melts and achieves a wet look. | #*Once you have applied several layers of the melted polish, you can take the fire play once step further by using your lighter to evenly heat the polish on the surface of the shoe, until it melts and achieves a wet look. | ||
#*Do not let the flame actually touch the shoe and move the lighter constantly, as if spray painting. Once the polish has evenly melted, allow it to dry. | #*Do not let the flame actually touch the shoe and move the lighter constantly, as if spray painting. Once the polish has evenly melted, allow it to dry. | ||
| − | #*Apply one final layer of polish, then buff the shoes with a soft cloth to achieve a high-glass shine.<ref>http://voices.yahoo.com/how-fire-shine-shoes-4857162.html?cat=25</ref> | + | #*Apply one final layer of polish, then buff the shoes with a soft cloth to achieve a high-glass shine.<ref name="rf17428">http://voices.yahoo.com/how-fire-shine-shoes-4857162.html?cat=25</ref> |
== Video == | == Video == | ||
