4 replies to this topic

[Toddi]

I've got a new pair of boots, which appears to have some old boot polish on them still (and when I say old, these boots are WW2 era), but because I'm wanting to recolour them, I'm after some advice.

Is it ok to just use water and a cloth to clean them off?? Or is there a product out there I can use?

Next question: Once I recolour them, does anyone know of a sealer so the recolour doesn't come off too easily??

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[Merrick]

Hmm, I personally wouldn't use water on old leather. Having done so in the past, it appears that it takes away any natural moisture that is left, because once it's dried, it is very dry. Like crunchy dry (is crunchy a suitable term to describe leather? - you get the picture). Car parts shops, leather stores, shoe shops, usually sell leather cleaner. This cleans off a lot of stuff (although may take a couple applications) and has moisturising stuff in it too.

After recolouring, the leather sealer that you get from leather shops should suffice to avoid colour seeping onto clothes etc.

[Reactor drone]

You could try waproo stripper,it's specifically for removing old polish before redying.I haven't used it myself but it looks the go.The leather place on Sturt street will have it and the horse stores will probably stock it too.


http://www.waproo.com.au/products/stripper.htm

[Toddi]

Thanks very much for the tips, Merrick and RD!

I'll go looking tomorrow!

[Chastangela]

Once you strip and redye the leather, make sure you get a leather conditioner and some matching color boot polish. If you actually use leather dye to change the color, you won't have to worry much about the color coming out but you will want to really work the leather conditioner into them afterwards to keep them supple and from drying out. This can be a particular problem with older leather. If you get a matching boot polish and use that on them as well, you will find it will help prevent any color fading, hide scuff marks and also help to keep the leather in good condition. Also will help to make the boots look newer if you take the time to give them a good buff to bring up any shine.