Any leather shoes will last longer and have an impeccable appearance if they are properly and promptly cared for. An excellent assistant in this matter is shoe wax, which will help protect boots or boots from the adverse effects of weather conditions, as well as from mechanical damage. Read further in our article about how to choose and use this tool.
Direct purpose of shoe wax
The wax contains natural ingredients, thanks to which it provides complete care for the surface of shoes, performing such functions as:
- softens the skin;
- removes dryness;
- provides elasticity;
- adds shine and smoothness;
- protects against damage and creases;
- refreshes the color.
The product is applied, after which a thin film is formed on the surface of the skin, which repels moisture, dirt and other road reagents, and also prevents the formation of microcracks or creases, which is especially important during the demi-season period.
Important! Any wax is intended only for leather products with a smooth surface. It is not suitable for suede or nubuck shoes.
When do you need colored and when do you need colorless?
Colored wax helps to renew the color of shoes, refresh the surface, giving it additional richness. That is why You need to choose a product that matches your skin tone. If used with a darker shade, the color of the shoes will become bright and deep, which means the shoes will take on a fresh look. When applying light-colored wax, the shoes will become dull and visually aged.
The colorless product is universal and therefore suitable for skin of various colors.. It can be applied either as a separate layer or with the addition of other shades. This wax evenly fills damage or microcracks on the surface, leveling it.
Important! It is not recommended to use a clear tone often, as the shoes may lose their primary color, becoming faded and aged.
How to understand whether wax is high quality or not?
There are two main criteria by which the quality of a product is determined:
When if the composition has a strong aroma, this indicates the presence of synthetic components in the composition of the substance, which are not able to properly protect shoes, as their natural-based counterparts do.
A viscous or liquid product, when applied to the surface of the skin, is absorbed for a long time and may leave streaks after drying, so it is better to choose wax with a thick consistency.
Important! One of the elements of any wax is a solvent, which can have a negative effect on the surface of the shoe material, ruining its appearance.This does not mean that the skin care product is of poor quality. In this case, the unstable coloring of the product is confirmed. To avoid this result, you must first test the wax on the inside of the shoe.
How to apply it correctly?
The final step in caring for leather products is waxing. This procedure should be carried out some time before exit, so that the product has time to be absorbed, soften the surface and form a protective film.
Important! The main thing you need to pay attention to before processing is the condition of the shoes. It must be well cleaned of dirt or dust and must be dry.
Apply the product in a thin layer using a special brush or cotton cloth that does not leave lint.. After the shoe polish has dried (about 10 minutes), you can polish the leather with a soft brush.
In places where the sole connects to the upper of the shoe, the product should be applied more thoroughly., since this is where boots, boots or shoes are exposed to moisture.