BOOTBLACKING

The Art Of The Shine

FANTASIES IN LEATHER Leather and toys For bad girls and boys Archer & elegant www.FantasiesInLeather.com FantasiesInLeather@Hotmail.com 770-649-0936 / 404-915-5202

Bootblacking is the art and knowledge of caring for leather, most commonly leather boots. Bootblacking is more than just polishing a pair of boots: it can involve the cleaning, conditioning, dyeing and polishing of all leather items.

Bootblacking is done by a myriad of people regardless of sexual orientation, gender or gender presentation, BDSM orientation, relationship status, race, age, etc.

Being able to shine a pair of boots does not make one a Bootblack. A Bootblack has often devoted many hours to training, product evaluation and practice. He is able to give knowledgeable suggestions about leathercare and often shares information to others who wish to learn about the art.

TYPES OF LEATHER

Leather is an organic material. At one time it was a living, breathing skin. Treat it like your own skin: keep it clean and conditioned and it will last. Leather, like human skin, is subject to wear and tear and deterioration.

Natural Grain Leathers
Leathers finished with their grain intact. Usually a smooth, slick surface. Boots of this leather can be polished with wax.

Buffed and Split Leathers
Buffed leathers, such as Nubuck and Suede, are typically finished to velvet like surface, called nap.

Special suede cleaners, a suede brush and a suede stone are needed to care for these.

Oil Finished/Oil Tanned
Special purpose oils are applied on the surface as a part of the tanning process. The oils provide protection as well as unique look to the surface. Condition and treat with Hubberd’s Boot Grease, Pecards, Aussie Leather Conditioner or similar high quality treatments. Wax is not used on these leathers and oiltan boots will not polish to a gloss.

STAGES IN BOOTBLACKING

1. Set-up
2. Initial introductions
3. Inspection
4. Cleaning
5. Repair work/dying
6. Conditioning
7. Polish application
8. Buffing
9. Saying good-bye
10. Clean-Up

RESOURCES

Bootblack Forum  - http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BootblackForum

Supplies

Angelus Shoe Polish http://www.angelusshoepolish.com

Lincoln Shoe Polish - http://www.lincolnshoepolish.com

Mission Manufacturing - http://www.missionmfg.com

Pecard Products - http://www.pecard.com

MacPherson Leather Products - http://www.macphersonleather.com/shoesupplies.htm 

Skills

Virginia Boot Boy http://www.virginiabootboy.com

Boot Dog http://www.bootdog.com