For brown shoes, always go with the next lighter (!) tone/color of shoe cream, if you want to keep the original color. Your shoe will never become lighter. If you use a darker color, it could slightly (!) tint you shoes; each time you use it.
Excellent question. That line from Saphir is still pretty good. However besides the huge range of colors, you can buy a color test chart with little holes in it to place on any shoe color and pick the perfect color match you need.
I've been trying to apply cognac creme on a very light brown pair of shoes, but it ended up having some patches here and there, even after 3 layers. Since I find it unacceptable to have even one small patch, I stripped away the layers of Saphir shoe creme and wax using a hairdryer and microfibre cloth, works fine all the time in restoring 95% of the original color (it's a wee bit darker than original). Is there any trick not to get patches ? I also tried to burnish the toes with dark brown cream, got a nice one with a good gradient then brushed it, but when it was time to apply the polish, the turpentine in the polish melts and moves the dark brown cream around, creating more patches, lol.
As leather is a natural product and be very definition, it will lack the continuity of manufacture of man made products, there will always be inconsistencies within any polishing process. No shoe, or any polishing process will offer 100% perfection of finish. If this causes you discomfort of thought around your footwear, you may be in for a tough time with your shoe polishing journey and you may never reach your intended goal. Learn to enjoy the nuances of the individuality of the polishing finish, this makes the shoes extremely individual and unique to you. But chasing perfection will sadly leave you unsatisfied in the long run.
@@TheChapsGuide Thank you very much, indeed, I will have to learn to enjoy the nuances. At this moment, I have just applied the renovateur to prepare everything again for another round :)
Kind of on the opposite side of this spectrum… Is there any way to lighten the factory finish? I have a pair of leather motorcycle boots ( ankle protectors, ultra-rigid metal shank down the length of the foot, a shank from side to side to prevent foot crushing, waterproof internal liner) that are a dark brown/mahogany. Id like to get them closer to some of the shoe colors you showed in this video, Hermes Red, if possible. How would I go about such a process? Is it possible? Thanks in advance!
The factory finish is most likely an alcohol-based dye that it permanent and will be very challenging to remove in any meaningful way. You may be able to reduce the finish of the leather by using a polish removing agent, such as Saphir Reno Mat. This may reduce that factory depth of colour to the shade that you seek.
Not tried it but an elegant oxford video where he strips the shoes completely of all colour using acetone. You can basically have them any colour you like after that.
I mix Saphir mahogany and Saphir black together in a pottle, to give me a darker mahogany/ blackish for my cap toes brogues.
For brown shoes, always go with the next lighter (!) tone/color of shoe cream, if you want to keep the original color. Your shoe will never become lighter. If you use a darker color, it could slightly (!) tint you shoes; each time you use it.
True. But to have a whole palette of browns will need one to dig deeper in his pocket.
I think Loakes in Bath were selling their own brand instead of Saphir last time I was buying. (Moderately uncool, man.)
Ash all excellent recommendations I would add using a neutral shoe cream as well if maintaining the original color is of concern thanks for the video
I support this opinion. Use neutral with new shoes 😎
Is cream surfine ok as well? They seem to have a way wider colour range
Not as good as pommadier, but good.
Excellent question. That line from Saphir is still pretty good. However besides the huge range of colors, you can buy a color test chart with little holes in it to place on any shoe color and pick the perfect color match you need.
Good advice!
Which shoe would you go for Ash! Barker or Loake?my budget is £250!
I would suggest that the Loake 1880 range will offer the best range of choice. Check them out and then seek the best possible deals .
Great question and important one too.
I've been trying to apply cognac creme on a very light brown pair of shoes, but it ended up having some patches here and there, even after 3 layers. Since I find it unacceptable to have even one small patch, I stripped away the layers of Saphir shoe creme and wax using a hairdryer and microfibre cloth, works fine all the time in restoring 95% of the original color (it's a wee bit darker than original). Is there any trick not to get patches ?
I also tried to burnish the toes with dark brown cream, got a nice one with a good gradient then brushed it, but when it was time to apply the polish, the turpentine in the polish melts and moves the dark brown cream around, creating more patches, lol.
As leather is a natural product and be very definition, it will lack the continuity of manufacture of man made products, there will always be inconsistencies within any polishing process. No shoe, or any polishing process will offer 100% perfection of finish. If this causes you discomfort of thought around your footwear, you may be in for a tough time with your shoe polishing journey and you may never reach your intended goal. Learn to enjoy the nuances of the individuality of the polishing finish, this makes the shoes extremely individual and unique to you. But chasing perfection will sadly leave you unsatisfied in the long run.
@@TheChapsGuide Thank you very much, indeed, I will have to learn to enjoy the nuances. At this moment, I have just applied the renovateur to prepare everything again for another round :)
Kind of on the opposite side of this spectrum…
Is there any way to lighten the factory finish?
I have a pair of leather motorcycle boots ( ankle protectors, ultra-rigid metal shank down the length of the foot, a shank from side to side to prevent foot crushing, waterproof internal liner) that are a dark brown/mahogany.
Id like to get them closer to some of the shoe colors you showed in this video, Hermes Red, if possible.
How would I go about such a process? Is it possible?
Thanks in advance!
The factory finish is most likely an alcohol-based dye that it permanent and will be very challenging to remove in any meaningful way. You may be able to reduce the finish of the leather by using a polish removing agent, such as Saphir Reno Mat. This may reduce that factory depth of colour to the shade that you seek.
@@TheChapsGuide Thanks for the help, Chap!
Not tried it but an elegant oxford video where he strips the shoes completely of all colour using acetone. You can basically have them any colour you like after that.
Good advice as I needed some you have basically answered my question thank you
Glad I could help