Leather Care and Supplies

Boots should shined at least once a month, more if you’re in a dryer climate – however, this is a case where more is better so if you want your sub to shine them every night .

Basic Supplies

Polish
Shoe polish (or boot polish), is a waxy paste, cream, or liquid used to polish, shine, and waterproof leather shoes or boots to extend the footwear's life, and restore, maintain and improve their appearance.1 The most common polihes are:

  • Angelus Polish still uses the original formula created in 1907 by our founders. Angelus Wax comes in a convenient 3 oz snap open can. A blend of pure carnauba wax, beeswax, and the finest grade of other waxes and oils. Angelus Wax does more than just polish. It cleans, preserves, water-proofs, and restores a richer color to faded footwear and leather gear. Carnauba wax, a well-established product for the auto and furniture polish industry, has been recognized for years as an excellent preserver for leather. 3oz snap open can. 12 ounce cans, and 2.2 pound (kilo) cans. Colors - Black, Brown, Lt.Brown, Dark Brown, Tan, Cordovan, Grey, Mahogany, Navy Blue, Midnight Green, Neutral, Oxblood, Red, and White2
  • Kiwi shoe polish contains a time-honored blend of quality waxes that protect and nourish leather and produce a long lasting glossy shine. Superior staining and scuff coverage. Colors Available - Black, Brown, Tan, Neutral3
  • Lincoln Stain Wax Shoe Polish is packaged in eleven colors, in the handy "snap open" can, 2 1/8 ounces net weight (60 grams), and produces an excellent military "spit shine." Lincoln Stain Wax Shoe Polish is made with imported Carnauba Wax, and a blend of other fine materials to stain, waterproof, nourish and shine all leathers. Available colors - Black, Brown, Marine Cordovan, Tan, Mahogany, Light Brown, Dark Brown, Neutral, Red, Blue, Midnight Green4
  • Kelly's Shoe Polish Available in Brown, Black, Neutral. Traditional hard wax shoe polish formulation that contains natural Carnauba Wax for that high gloss shine.5

Conditioners
Conditioning boots will help soften and protect your leather . Most conditioners are made from pine tar, beeswax, or silicone. * Mink oil not recommended because some of have silicone in the formula. Also being a animal based product can spoil over time. Some common conditioners are:

  • Huberds Shoe Grease This beeswax treatment is known for its superior ability to waterproof and preserve leather. It is specially formulated to condition and restore oil-tanned work boots and sports gear while retaining superior breathe-ability. This product contains no animal fats or solvents that can damage leather. Huberd's time-tested compound remains apart in its unique effectiveness to renew leather and extend the comfort and life of boots, shoes and all fine oil tanned leather. May darken certain leathers. It is recommended on oil tan boots and heavier weight leathers (jackets, chaps, etc).6
  • Obenauf's Heavy Duty Leather Preservative (LP) Originally developed for the severe conditions endured by wildland firefighters, LP protects, preserves, and restores boots, saddles, motorcycle leathers, tool pouches, gloves, baseball mitts, and more. It is especially useful for any leather that gets worked hard and is regularly exposed to harsh environments. Three natural oils are suspended in Beeswax and Propolis. In the leather these oils gradually seep out of the Beeswax/Propolis suspension formula. If exposed to heat or flexing the oils are released faster so leather gets oiled instead of parched and cracked. This Beeswax/Propolis* Suspension Formula provides a time release lubrication to inner fibers while the surface is reinforced against scuffing, and the leather still breathes.7
  • Aussie Developed for Australian horsemen, Aussie Leather Conditioner helps leather to withstand hot, dry climate conditions. Contains natural beeswax. A must for saddle owners in bitter cold, dry areas as well as those in hot, dry climates. Perfect for use on saddles, tack, boots, gun cases and handbags.8
  • Chelsea Leather Food Chelsea Leather Food has been used throughout Europe for over one hundred years. It's NATURAL formula of oils and waxes is specifically designed for the preservation, protection and weatherproofing of leather goods. It will not crack or stretch leather nor will it damage stitching. This product can be used in conjunction with polish. It is recommended for use on all fine leathers and is used by sportsman worldwide. It is very well known by soccer players, and is good for all outdoor sports, golfers, mountain climbers, horse riders and motor-cyclists. Great waterproofer for the leather on the. The black is especially good as it fills in chips and cracks on black leather and after it sets you can also polish it.9
  • Percard A neutral colored blended paste that keeps leather supple, strong and beautiful. Cleans, conditions, preserves and weatherproofs all smooth oil-tanned leathers. Allows the leather to breathe. Buffs to a soft shine. How to apply: First clean the leather article by wiping it down with a sponge and clean water. You don't need a cleaner unless there is obvious discolorations in the leather. We recommend using a pH neutral cleaner. While the leather is still damp use a soft lint-free cloth, apply a small amount of dressing to the leather. Use a circular motion to work the dressing into the fibers. Continue to do this to all the leather parts of the article. There should only be a sheen on the surface of the leather after working the dressing in. Buff vigorously all areas with a clean cloth to melt the surface waxes to a nice shine.10
  • Kelly's Dubbins Conditions and protects all smooth leather articles.11
  • Oakwood Leather Conditioner The leather conditioner and leather cleaner are designed as a cleaner for leather furniture and conditioner for leather sofas, saddles, bridles, leather car seats, leather jackets, motorcycle saddlebags, in fact, all leather goods. You'll love our all natural leather conditioner and both of our leather cleaners.12

Cleaners
Saddle soap (paste/liquid) tends to be the most common

  • Fiebing's Saddle Soap Paste Fiebing's signature product. Used all over the world on fine saddlery, boots, shoes and other smooth leather articles. Cleans leather and lubricates the fibers to prevent brittleness, all the while maintaining suppleness and strength. Formulated in yellow, white and black. Fiebing's Black Saddle Soap Paste works especially well on all black harness and tack.13
  • Kiwi Saddle Soap KIWI Saddle Soap is a traditional blend of ingredients which cleans, softens and preserves smooth leather. It contains a fine soap to thoroughly clean away dirt and grime, even salt stains. KIWI saddle soap is formulated with a quality wax for added protection.14
  • Glycerin Soap has been a popular trend as an alternative to Saddle Soap. Glycerin soap has a tendency to be a harder soap. It usually has less additives (keratin, oils, beeswax) than traditional saddle soap. This link is just a sample
  • Fiebing Liquid Glycerine Saddle Soap More convenient to use than bars. Just spray on and wipe off this ready to use mixture and see the results. Cleans and preserves smooth leather. Buffs to a rich, satin finish. Packaged in 4 ounce pump spray, 16 ounce w/ sprayer, 32 ounce w/ sprayer and gallon.15

Brushes
A variety of brushes are needed

Cloths
A variety of clothes and rags are necessary

  • 100 % cotton (old t-shirts work well)
  • Buffing cloths
  • Nylons or silk clothes
  • Cotton balls for spit shine
  • Water/small plastic container and a small mist spray bottle

Additional Supplies

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