The “Dry Spot” Problem when Mirror Shining. How to fix a common yet FRUSTRATING issue when shining.

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ย. 2024
  • Visit theelegantoxford.com for all of your shoe care needs.
    Products I recommend/used in this video:
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ความคิดเห็น • 574

  • @picdar16
    @picdar16 ปีที่แล้ว +327

    As a Serving member of the Armed forces, i thank you as you have just saved me from a "Rescrub" on my next inspection. I fought with one of my shoes for 3hrs before i saw this video, i've been polishing my shoes to a mirror shine for years but never had this issue until now. i tried waxing, leather treatments (softeners and moisturisers), stripped the polish back twice (ended up puting on over 70 layer's of polish overall!) and after all that i still had a large dry spot. You've earned a subscriber today and i will be instructing my lads to follow this video when they have issues with boots and shoes.

    • @sagarsolanki3107
      @sagarsolanki3107 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      uncleji cobbler ke pass jaiye aur unse boliye juute p toe lga de apka juuta bhi aise hi shine krega,
      dhanyawad

  • @loafheader
    @loafheader 3 ปีที่แล้ว +291

    Me, never planning on mirror shining: ah yes, the video ive been looking for.

    • @Dorcus45
      @Dorcus45 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      #facts

    • @DIYTech21
      @DIYTech21 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      so true :D

  • @mrwilson12345
    @mrwilson12345 ปีที่แล้ว +39

    This was a lifesaver. I fought 2 pair of boots for several days without being able to get rid of the 'dry spot'. Not understanding they needed to dry out. Drove me crazy until I found this vid. Put the heat gun on them for a few seconds and started over. Now they look fantastic. Thank you.

  • @chugwaterjack4458
    @chugwaterjack4458 ปีที่แล้ว +59

    For years I have used an old nylon stocking for final polish. As a stocking is used, it accumulates a bit of was, giving an even better shine. The trick is to hold the shoe between your knees, and RAPIDLY stoke back and forth with the stocking held in two hands. It will build some heat, and will polish that wax to a hard finish. I even carry one, along with a clean brush, in my car for quick touchups in the field.

  • @gianlucacivichino6104
    @gianlucacivichino6104 ปีที่แล้ว +72

    I’m a new cadet and was shining my boots when I came across the same problem. I appreciate the video.

    • @frostyvr9805
      @frostyvr9805 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Welcome to cadets! If you don’t mind me asking, which country are you a cadet in?

    • @PaitysWorld
      @PaitysWorld ปีที่แล้ว +2

      My son just got his boots today so I'm doing research.

  • @sp2181
    @sp2181 3 ปีที่แล้ว +220

    So a dry spot is actually a wet spot. Awesome content as usual mate.

    • @TheElegantOxford
      @TheElegantOxford  3 ปีที่แล้ว +35

      It seems so counterintuitive but yes you’re right

    • @byrondewhaus1750
      @byrondewhaus1750 3 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      British Army Veteran of 24 years Service, here. Know a little about bulling (mirror shining) shoes & boots! That’s exactly how we explained it to new recruits/the younger soldiers: “The dry spot is actually a wet spot”! Great video.

    • @jayadevjaydu4694
      @jayadevjaydu4694 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hgnn

    • @marcusali1783
      @marcusali1783 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Can I buff with a small towel instead? It's not as soft as a microfiber cloth, but not very rough.
      I don't want my fingers stained with wax

    • @brookeggleston9314
      @brookeggleston9314 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@marcusali1783 I apply both Saphir Medaille D'Or and Pate de Lux with my bare fingers. When I'm finished, I wash my hands with soap and water. Saphir products are not made with petroleum. Kiwi is not in the house!! Have no fear; you can use your fingers, as long as you're using Saphir! You might want to use a nail brush, depending on how long your nails are, but your fingers won't be stained. The stuff is amazing!!

  • @Jastzu
    @Jastzu ปีที่แล้ว +18

    You’re the hero we need, Preston. I started watching your channel just a few weeks back. It’s been an addiction. I received my pair of Meermin copper 101440s in copper today. I immediately got to work with the brush, crème universelle, 1909, pate de luxe, and - ultimately - the neutral mirror gloss. A dark spot developed on the toe. It sure looked like I’d somehow distressed the calf. Instead of panic setting in, I recalled this video. Three rounds with the hairdryer with a little buffing in between and the blemish was nearly gone. 30 minutes later working the mirror gloss back in, I have a shine about 50% as good as that at the end of this vid (that’s a massive win for this absolute novice)with zero evidence the blemish was ever there. It’s all down to you and your excellent content. Bravo, Sir! The finger and palm trick worked wonders, too. I slowly rebuilt a couple dozen layers of gloss that way, the extra friction heat really helping, before finishing off the last few layers with the shirt scrap two finger wrap. I need some crème polish in light brown for these, some oiled leather crème for my Captains (see your CXL video), and -what the hell, I’ll take a welt brush too… order placed on EO.com. Thank you, Preston. This 48 year old novice is in your debt. Cheers.

  • @phantommenace5407
    @phantommenace5407 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I'm not sure how shoe shining and cobbling got into my rotation, but it's really sparked a irl interest.

    • @grinchyface
      @grinchyface 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I don't shine anymore, but it was one of my favorite things to do. Go grab some Lincoln shoe wax and a pair of leather shoes or boots from the local thrift store and go hard man

  • @johnfrymyer8346
    @johnfrymyer8346 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Where were you when I was in the military, without the internet, and trying to mirror shine my Combat boots? LOL, thank you. I have caused the spots on my shoes and was not sure how to get rid of them. I appreciate you and your skills.

  • @JustHANO
    @JustHANO 3 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    So I found breathing hot (not blowing) and a lot of brushing always got them out for me. Same with cracked mirror shines. When you said heat gun at 1000° I thought I was crazy, but you showing the friction method calmed me down.

  • @johannsebastianbach5223
    @johannsebastianbach5223 3 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    Recently, it took me 3 DAYS(my worst shining experience) to get rid of a dry spot, but it was probably due to my extreem impatience, constantly trying to fix it, and not letting the shoe dry properly.

  • @italianjob-vx6hp
    @italianjob-vx6hp 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Fabulous mirror shine been using my fingers for decades,and you are right you cannot do this if excess moisture is present in the leather.

  • @junea266
    @junea266 3 ปีที่แล้ว +76

    Mate, I must say I have learned a lot about mirror shining my shoes from you and Kirby, and I’m glad you keep helping us fans to achieve a better technique.
    P. S: I would really love it if you could make a review on Prada shoes (the Mexican-Spanish brand).

  • @matthewbrown6163
    @matthewbrown6163 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    When I learned to dance my dance shoes were patent leather. My dad was old school & taught me of taking care of your shoes. I have always polished my work shoes & I have seen people in Armani Suits but wearing scuffed up dirty shoes. You can always learn something new & today I have learned that something new. As a former Army Officer we were trained on how to polish our black leather boots. When our army went to the Brown boots we rejoiced as the spit & polish we once needed was a thing of the past. I still shine my shoes every week for work as I wear a suit.

  • @penelopelgoss2520
    @penelopelgoss2520 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I learned my mirror shine while in the USAF. I miss polishing my boots and dress shoes, so sometimes, I'll pull out a pair and do my polishing while watching TV or listening to music. Yes, I still have my second pair that I bought. I had them resoled. They look great. BTW, instead of a heat gun, we used lighters or matches. Got to be careful not to burn the boot toes with too much heat.

    • @amarg.247
      @amarg.247 ปีที่แล้ว

      what was serving in the USAF like?

  • @lassenielsen1927
    @lassenielsen1927 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Wow! had set my own pair aside for some weeks because of this. Didn't know what to do with this problem.. literally took me 5 minutes of this video and 5 minutes work on my shoe before the problem was solved!! thank you!!

  • @seekingtruth6822
    @seekingtruth6822 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    This is by far the best I have seen from you Preston. Great job brother.

  • @DirgaDesuYo
    @DirgaDesuYo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    THANK YOU SO MUCH! I was frustrated why I got this spot that just won't shine. And now I know why and how to solve my problem. Amazing video!

  • @PINTO911
    @PINTO911 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I was literally about to click send on a new pair of shoes from Amazon. Thank goodness I went to TH-cam first. You just saved me money. Thanks .

  • @anthonyforster5298
    @anthonyforster5298 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for this I thought I had ruined my favorite Steve Madden shoes, the shine came back and is brilliant! Thank You!!!

  • @Barnekkid
    @Barnekkid 3 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    My father (he was a navy chief) would burn his brown uniform dress oxfords with his zippo lighter. It probably had the same affect as using a heat gun.

    • @AlanDike
      @AlanDike 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I used a butain lighter over my toes on my jump boots. Straight blk kiwi, then finish with lincoln wax (has a navey blue tint... was glad to see it mentioned here), and a very thin coat of clear kiwi on top. We could literally read our id cards in our boots

    • @marcushennings9513
      @marcushennings9513 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yep imagine the electrical blackout from an entire ship full of men using heat guns.

  • @seraphoem
    @seraphoem ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Learned this in a much more crude and highly-pressured manner (instead of a heat gun we exposed the shoes to open flame) 16 years ago. This definitely helped educate me on the why. Good stuff.
    The use of a mix of alcohol and water on the final buff is interesting, though. In my experience, using alcohol was a bit of a cheat which led to a shine that very very quickly dulled.

  • @andrewagredano9968
    @andrewagredano9968 2 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    The deeper property you are referring to when talking about when adding the navy to black is common.
    The same thing can be said with a true midnight blue suit or tuxedo.
    In some light, the midnight blue can look darker than a true black suit or tux.
    In some cases, you won't be able to tell its not black unless you have a side by side of the two.
    Buy yes, black with bits of navy does look darker and I do think that looks good.

  • @jackhsu8725
    @jackhsu8725 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for making this video, I've been watching your video for a year. And I just spent my entire afternoon trying to get rid of it then I think of your video that I watch two weeks ago.
    Then I solved it in 30 minute and that's your credit.

  • @markl2322
    @markl2322 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    DAY-UM! I wish you and You Tube had been around in 1976 when I joined the Marines! I would have not only passed inspection in Boot Camp, but would have made my Drill Instructors hold me in such high regard I would have been promoted to Sergeant upon recruit graduation.

  • @GG-eg6kn
    @GG-eg6kn ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You’re a hero.. my shine looked good but if you put a torch on it.. it was really patchy.. I followed these steps and now it’s all one deep shine ✨.. I used a hair dryer and a scotchbrite a few times now it’s looking sweet

  • @mikemcewen516
    @mikemcewen516 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    Great video! I’m sure someone already made a similar remark, but I learned that method under extreme duress in South Carolina in the summer of 1987 from a very loud, very muscular, vulgar man who punished me mercilessly if my shine was not perfect. In fact, my friends and I used to carry a nylon in our pockets for touch-ups throughout the day. The way you wear your polishing rag and your technique are perfect 👍🏾

    • @tthunts
      @tthunts 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      You talking about the ole Del?

    • @brookeggleston9314
      @brookeggleston9314 ปีที่แล้ว

      Sounds like you're also familiar with sand fleas!!

  • @ChrisEbbrsen
    @ChrisEbbrsen 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Im very impressed! Ive mixed olive oil, beeswax, turpentine, and a few drops oil of lavender to make a pattent polish and got quite good at boot polishing; but your method seems simpler and you dont have to have pattent le a ther to start with. You make it look so easy.Ive got the shoe shine bug again! Thank you! Most greatful!😅😅

  • @drzaius844
    @drzaius844 3 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Thank you for this! I’m going to start with 20 min in the sun, and then a day or so on the shelf. Didn’t know the source of this problem.

    • @TheElegantOxford
      @TheElegantOxford  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Glad it helped! The sun will help, especially during the summer

  • @toobalkain
    @toobalkain 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    unreal, that mirror shine, it's patent leather like, this guy's on that Japanese guy's level, masterfully done. I've learned one valuable lesson, I'm not getting a good mirror shine because it takes a lot more buffing than what I've been doing.

  • @kaloyantsilev
    @kaloyantsilev 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you for explaining the cause of the problem. I now know how to take care of it! Thanks! Your videos are fantastic

  • @tokyo-ham
    @tokyo-ham 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Fantastic video - a pleasant surprise when I opened TH-cam just now. Thanks for the great tutorials! I'm about 75% of the way there, with my mirror shine - I thought it was fine, but the shoes in this video are truly a step above/beyond. Thanks again!

  • @Bakachu7
    @Bakachu7 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ha, I had this happen! Never knew WHY not what to do to fix it. So glad you're my personal coach.

    • @TheElegantOxford
      @TheElegantOxford  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey Jed! Glad it helped! Hope you and the family are well

  • @jimb4957
    @jimb4957 ปีที่แล้ว

    I know this is an older post but I wanted to thank you for this tip! While I wasn't shining a pair of Bruno Magli's or Carmina's, I was struggling with my new Danner boots for work. A few passes with the hair dryer and boom! The one grainy, dull boot takes a shine!

    • @TheElegantOxford
      @TheElegantOxford  ปีที่แล้ว

      Glad the video helped. It’s a common issue many people run in to so I knew a video was a good idea.

  • @GunsAndGloves
    @GunsAndGloves 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thanks for all the helpful tips. I recently followed your guide to mirror shine and it came out pretty well for a first time.

  • @traveler8696
    @traveler8696 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Very much appreciated for this video. Just started wanting to get a mirror shine on my shoes and made the dry spot.

  • @noble_wolf
    @noble_wolf ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for this - I usually have no problem attaining a very good to mirror shine - except yesterday when one (!) of a new pair of oxblood brogues gave me this problem. I can confirm it really stands out. Now I know the issue, I'll let it dry then build up the layers dry.

  • @jaye909
    @jaye909 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Congratulations on the 200k Preston! I always love watching your stuff and have learned a lot

  • @ProdYatchi
    @ProdYatchi 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I honestly don't even know why I'm watching this but this is some wholesome content👌🏽

  • @mindeloman
    @mindeloman 3 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    This reminded me: If you are in an older school system, you might notice student dress code say, "no patent leather shoes." The reason: back in the 50's and 60's when girls wore skirts to school, a guy could hold his foot and angle it in such a way to see up a girl's skirt. You see it in older school districts/systems that don't update dress codes and just keep it in there.

    • @TheElegantOxford
      @TheElegantOxford  3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Now that is a cool bit of history 😂

    • @max2grant
      @max2grant 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      The Elegant Oxford yes, they made it into a Broadway musical comedy called “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up?”

  • @austinvidz591
    @austinvidz591 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are literally the best shoe shiner on the planet

  • @danemoore1576
    @danemoore1576 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Us Navy sailor here, thank you for your service, sir.

  • @bigalsgarage576
    @bigalsgarage576 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just wanted to say thank you this video saved me a lot of heart ache... I have went through the law enforcement academy and have to be going through again... I started shining my duty boots and ended up with that dry spot... Did what you said even bought the wax you use and they are the shiniest I have ever gotten my boots... Thank you...

    • @bigalsgarage576
      @bigalsgarage576 ปีที่แล้ว

      I wish I could post a picture

    • @TheElegantOxford
      @TheElegantOxford  ปีที่แล้ว

      My pleasure Big Al. Thank you for your service as a LEO. My cousin is a detective in NM and I always worry for his safety.

    • @bigalsgarage576
      @bigalsgarage576 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheElegantOxford that's awesome where's he from Im also from New Mexico

    • @TheElegantOxford
      @TheElegantOxford  ปีที่แล้ว

      Big Al's Garage he’s in Hobbs NM. It’s funny because I have actually run into his coworkers on here as fans and they didn’t know he was my cousin.

    • @bigalsgarage576
      @bigalsgarage576 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TheElegantOxford that's awesome I'm from a small town called silver city it's about 8 hours from hobbs

  • @larrys5904
    @larrys5904 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just used my wife’s hair dryer and it worked perfect! Thanks for the tip!

  • @jlborish
    @jlborish ปีที่แล้ว

    Excellent video and channel to an almost lost art if it weren't for gentlemen like you, thank YOU.

  • @sifisoncube3814
    @sifisoncube3814 7 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    So do you mix water and rubbing alcohol together to make a solution and if yes what scale do you use to mix the two for effective results?

  • @observantpolymath
    @observantpolymath 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    I love this video but it left me confused. It would’ve been helpful if you had put a time stamp for each product and told us how long we’re supposed to massage/gloss the polish and the mirror shine top coat. If you could kindly enlighten me that’d be great. Thanks! 😎

  • @americanpatriot8402
    @americanpatriot8402 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow. I needed this class in boot camp in 1985!

  • @raymonlarge1559
    @raymonlarge1559 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Amazing, thank you for your videos. They are so inspiring. Just put a mirrorshine on my shoes and it worked out brilliant. Keep on, I love watching.

  • @TaylorShawn
    @TaylorShawn 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Gonna try this again, wish me luck

  • @1guitarlover
    @1guitarlover 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I have been using navy blue for years and gives a deep profound black shining ❤❤❤❤

  • @freemolimo
    @freemolimo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This literally happened to me today. Thank you!

  • @gritsteel4559
    @gritsteel4559 ปีที่แล้ว

    The 'Dry Spot' finally happened to me, thanks a lot for this video !

  • @GregoryGuerrier
    @GregoryGuerrier 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Such an amazing mirror shine! Great work!

  • @gijsbo2000
    @gijsbo2000 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have been doing this kind of work for years now and still am learning something new from your videos each time! Many thanks.

  • @MrSkullkid60
    @MrSkullkid60 3 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Hello Preston, very useful video, I just have a few questions :
    - What kind of alcohol do you use for your water-alcohol mix ? I know it is rubbing alcohol, but I don't know how to translate and find this in my language
    - For some of your patinas, what kind of acetone would you use ?
    - What kind of brushes/rags should I use for patina jobs (any brand name ?)
    Sorry for all these questions, I recently started to make my own patinas, and I'm trying to step up a little bit ! Have a nice day and keep on the great stuff !

    • @alexd.3048
      @alexd.3048 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'd also like to know what alcohol/ alcohol mix

    • @bobbaby6170
      @bobbaby6170 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Not entirely sure but in another one of the videos he mentioned using isopropyl alcohol.

    • @MrSkullkid60
      @MrSkullkid60 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bobbaby6170 ok so I guess 99.9% alcohol for cleaning should be what I'm looking for

    • @TheElegantOxford
      @TheElegantOxford  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I use rubbing alcohol from Walmart so isopropyl works fine!
      Acetone I buy in bulk from Home Depot or Lowe’s. 100% Pure acetone
      Brushes I buy at Michael’s. 50 brushes for $9. You can really use anything

  • @kriengsakwangdulyakiti8349
    @kriengsakwangdulyakiti8349 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks, you help me solve the problem. I was going to buy shoe cream to fix stripped off finish. Luckily I click you clip by chance.

  • @BuzzBurst2907
    @BuzzBurst2907 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you my polish on my boots started cracking around the toecap area after a long parade haven’t come across this till now thanks

  • @Retzii_
    @Retzii_ 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Honestly a lifesaver, thanks, worked a charm.

  • @Major_Pipps
    @Major_Pipps 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Beautiful shine bro, I miss getting mine like that back in the military days.

  • @garciasautomotivedetail5196
    @garciasautomotivedetail5196 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Bling!Bling! Love the Shine! Good content

  • @max2grant
    @max2grant 3 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I’ve always been afraid of scorching the leather, so believe it or not I always just dry my shoe out from the inside, by putting the hairdryer on the inside. The heat will trap inside and draw the moisture through and through and the wet spot dries out the same, but takes probably a little bit longer, maybe like 20 to 30 minutes

  • @qazmko22
    @qazmko22 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love that mirror shine... My TRG cream polish from my cobbler has blue undertones.. and now I know why!

  • @thetruthspeaker5101
    @thetruthspeaker5101 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    All I can say is “WOW” awesome work

  • @darrylhayes9826
    @darrylhayes9826 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great topic Preston. Very helpful...Congrats on achieving 200K subscribers!

  • @Pietervdv
    @Pietervdv 3 วันที่ผ่านมา

    I just got some Saphir mirror shine, but I'm not going to take it this far on my shoes, as it doesn't suit them. I just want to elevate the shine I get from a normal polish. But for a different type of shoe, and the proper occasion, this is a freat tutorial.

  • @charlestatem3099
    @charlestatem3099 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Happy belated birthday Preston. Beautiful shine !

  • @colinball7502
    @colinball7502 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What a big help many thanks for all your help

  • @IDoofy
    @IDoofy 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I’ve been watching you on and off for about 2~3 years and I just found out we’re birth day twins

  • @cheukan
    @cheukan 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I always have dry spots on my carlos santos shoes. After watching your video, problem solved!

  • @craigpiercer79
    @craigpiercer79 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'll start by saying that I learned how to mirror shine from you. Not to brag but I've gotten good at it... Like really good! That said, I've never been close to having a shoe look this good. Maybe that navy blue is were it's at.

  • @adrianwalker2833
    @adrianwalker2833 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks, as the other day I was having the same problem and it drove me nuts.

  • @scubajim5975
    @scubajim5975 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    This happened to me a while back and I thought I had ruined my brand new shoes! I managed to build up a shine regardless, just very carefully and making sure I didn't overdo it. Now I know what the problem was and can address it in the future. Thanks!

  • @ayyyyp
    @ayyyyp 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    now imagine getting this done in bootcamp, with only water, cotton balls, and shoe shine lol! oh the memories

    • @sparkybish
      @sparkybish 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      That’s what I was thinking.

  • @darriendastar3941
    @darriendastar3941 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    That was a really good, informative and useful video. Thank you.

  • @yapolloable
    @yapolloable 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I also had similar experience and i managed to solve it using hair dryer too (I watched older vids). I think my problem was using neutral coloured hard wax for mirror shine, after applying multiple layers, it left small little off coloured spots which resemble discolouration. Its the light reflecting in different angles that caused the "discolouration". I now use the same colour cream polish to create multiple layers and then the last couple layer with the neutral coloured hard wax. Works really well.

  • @davidholt8074
    @davidholt8074 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Really great video. I've always wondered what this was and this explained it perfectly, gave a solution, and some other helpful tips. Thanks so much

  • @keithbarber5859
    @keithbarber5859 9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I just inherited a beautiful pair of Dress Pradas. Very little wear on them but have been sitting unprotected on a rack for quite some time. Because of the lack of care they have cracked some what in the area directly behind the toe box. I saddle soaped and conditioned them as my initial step and then laid down a base of Saphir's shoe cream. The shoes began to look much better and many of the cracks disappeared. Once I began to work on the toe box I I quickly began to get results before hitting that dreaded "dry spot" problem that you addressed in your video. I tried a number of thing to remedy the problem with unsatisfactory results and began to freak out a bit. Watching your video has calmed me down a bit, and I look forward to retackling the issue. If you have any tips on dealing with those cracks I mentioned earlier, I would be much appreciative. Thanks.

  • @ThorOdinson-s8m
    @ThorOdinson-s8m 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I always used my lighter when shining my boots. Never had dry spots. My grand pappy taught me how to shine my boots n shoes. They were so well done everyone thought they were patent leather until they rubbed them.

  • @MattKodatt
    @MattKodatt 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hi Preston, I was doing my first mirror shine using Saphir Mirror Gloss and the Kirby Allison Wellington High-Shine Cotton Chamois. The first shoe shined up beautifully and the second show was coming along, but then the wax started to clump up on the shoe which completely ruined the shine. I left that shoe and moved on to a different pair and the wax started clumping on those shoes almost immediately. I was using a pretty damp cloth. Should I use a heat gun and then start shining with only my hands for a while as you show in this video?

  • @ukresellerdave2542
    @ukresellerdave2542 ปีที่แล้ว

    Wow that's amazing thank you for taking the time to show your technique

  • @JJ-rf7dg
    @JJ-rf7dg 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I was in the military and didn't have the patience to get it to shine.. My chiefs didn't care about the shine but it was presentable.

  • @les-chouans
    @les-chouans 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    great video - to own a heat gun is essential when you love quality shoes.

  • @pauldwalker
    @pauldwalker 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    and youtube makes another surprise recommendation that has me hooked.

  • @lanzarlaluna
    @lanzarlaluna 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Excellent video, Preston! Do you have videos on repairing scuffs in the mirror shine? Sometimes I don't have time to redo the mirror shine completely and just need it to look presentable.

    • @TheElegantOxford
      @TheElegantOxford  3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      For scuffs, a little water and rubbing alcohol solution will help melt down surface lines and abrasions only. For cracks, use a gentle hair dryer and melt them down and brush for a quick fix.

  • @scottbrandon6244
    @scottbrandon6244 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    In the military it was common to use a lighter to get that mirror finish on the shoe.

  • @jonmichael02302
    @jonmichael02302 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    THANK GOD FOR THIS CHANNEL!! IT WORKED! THANK YOU! 🙏

  • @Santo-one1
    @Santo-one1 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Great job. Thank you for sharing. Watching from Southern California

  • @stewartlane691
    @stewartlane691 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I had a “dry” spot on the toe cap of a shoe where the leather had been worn by contact with a pedal when driving.
    Assuming that the leather was damaged beyond repair, it actually turned out the spot became damp when mirror polishing too much with a damp cloth.
    Brushed the spot hard as advised and then used the finger buff technique with black mirror gloss and the spot indeed went away.

  • @CD-lw6fl
    @CD-lw6fl ปีที่แล้ว

    Great tip for those of us who love our shoes 😎👊

  • @AB-xh4vr
    @AB-xh4vr 3 หลายเดือนก่อน

    That came out beautifully

  • @ninjadudeofficial
    @ninjadudeofficial 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm not sure but might've hit this issue on a new pair, and funnily enough I did wonder if it was a moisture issue. So great video, much appreciated

  • @trulycinematic.2005
    @trulycinematic.2005 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    So satisfying to watch.

  • @dalumai
    @dalumai 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Gotta save this in case I encounter it again. Thanks for the tips.

  • @max2grant
    @max2grant 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Also, I have stopped using my little water dispenser, or the ice cube in the little tin of water with alcohol, and instead, I get a wet washcloth which I’ve put a little bit of rubbing alcohol on, and then I ring it out until it’s just slightly damp. And then I just barely touch that with my shammy to get the moisture. A damp sponge would do the same I imagine
    I found whenever I did anything else, I was using too much water

    • @TheElegantOxford
      @TheElegantOxford  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Awesome! Finding the right method that works for you is always the best

  • @kingssing
    @kingssing 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just blows me away! I wish you would have shown it developing into the mirror and say how long it took. I am a beginner.

  • @22busy43
    @22busy43 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for this video. I have this problem with a pair of Alan edmonds and didn’t know what it was or how to fix it.

  • @robusttj
    @robusttj ปีที่แล้ว

    Great video with practical learning for us!. Thanks

  • @_iErik
    @_iErik ปีที่แล้ว

    10:09 - would love to see you doing a video shining black shoes with burgundy and dark green wax to see what the difference is compared to navy and black!

  • @John-oz1do
    @John-oz1do หลายเดือนก่อน

    Thank you. Really useful . Appreciate this .