Author Topic: Waxing/Greasing Boots.......wet or dry?  (Read 6880 times)

Alan Kilroy

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Waxing/Greasing Boots.......wet or dry?
« on: 14:48:49, 29/09/17 »
Or does it matter?
Discussing on the way home from a hike last Sunday with a friend (new), whether boots, after being cleaned, should be let dry out then waxed or waxed when cleaned and damp (not wet)?


She does it when boots dry out, I think I read on here, that, it's best to wax when leather is damp.
I'm in Meindl and use Sportwax  ;)


I'd imagine.........either way as long as they get treated after a hike really..........

jethro10

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Re: Waxing/Greasing Boots.......wet or dry?
« Reply #1 on: 15:03:57, 29/09/17 »
Long time since I've had Leather boots.


Do it when close to dry apparently. The pores are still open and absorb the wax deeper/better


J
« Last Edit: 18:48:23, 29/09/17 by jethro10 »

kinkyboots

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Re: Waxing/Greasing Boots.......wet or dry?
« Reply #2 on: 16:22:54, 29/09/17 »
The following advice came off the https://www.hillanddaleoutdoors.co.uk/ website quite some time ago but their website appears to be down at the moment.

Quote
For Smooth Leather Footwear
Use Meindl Sportwax each time you clean your boots, and Meindl Wetproof every third time for deeper penetration into the leather to help maintain the water resistance of the leather.
Applying Meindl Wetproof when the boots are still slightly damp allows the solution to penetrate more easily into the leather. Apply Meindl Sportwax when dry.

Like a pillock I also bought the Meindl Wetproof and ended up only using it once. Once I'd built up a few layers of wax I found that I never needed to use it again so for me it turned out to be a complete waste of money.

Applying the Meindl Sportwax when the boots are almost dry is probably best as the pores in the leather are still open allowing the oils contained within the wax to penetrate deeper into the leather. You just have to be careful not to over do it or it can end up softening the leather too much and the boot will lose it's shape and support.

Alan Kilroy

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Re: Waxing/Greasing Boots.......wet or dry?
« Reply #3 on: 16:27:05, 29/09/17 »
So.......almost dry then.
Cheers.




She was right I hate to admit........(and won't be telling her  ;) )

chip

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Re: Waxing/Greasing Boots.......wet or dry?
« Reply #4 on: 16:43:17, 29/09/17 »
With regard to the over waxing causing the boots to soften too much, I read somewhere either on altbergs site or their leaflets that accompany their products that leder Gris will not detrimentally  over soften their boots and you can not wax them too often.


This was I think stated due to the fact serving soldiers apparently wax their boots every day.
« Last Edit: 16:51:07, 29/09/17 by chip »

Dyffryn Ardudwy

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Re: Waxing/Greasing Boots.......wet or dry?
« Reply #5 on: 19:50:48, 29/09/17 »
Its best not to use excessive amounts of wax on leather boots, as it can eventually dry the leather out, resulting in premature wear.
However much wax or waterproofing products you apply to leather, with sufficient amounts of water, the leather will become wet, thats almost inevitable.
Leather is still a product that should be allowed to breathe naturally, and if any wax or similar item is used to repel water, its best to apply it when the boot is throughly clean and dry.

Each to their own, i know, but i just used a high quality boot polish, it was almost as long lasting as wax, and did not effect the leather.

The best all round solution, is to also invest in high quality gaiters, that cover most of the boot, and will keep most of the mud and dirt entering the boot.

Applying a wax product to leather boots, only keeps the weather at bay for a short duration.

NeilC

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Re: Waxing/Greasing Boots.......wet or dry?
« Reply #6 on: 23:45:37, 29/09/17 »
I'm skeptical about the pores thing. Even living skin pores don't open and close so can't see leather ones doing it. They're just little holes. Not even sure they go all the way through. They dont in your living  skin. If waxing damp boots is really better then I reckon it's for other reasons like slowing drying down.


I can't say I've noticed it making the slightest difference. What does is repetition. You need to do it several times before maximum protection is reached.


Matchbox

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Re: Waxing/Greasing Boots.......wet or dry?
« Reply #8 on: 16:50:44, 02/10/17 »
By the way you can use vaseline to waterproof your walking boots. Then when they are dry polish them. Apply a liberal amount of vaseline with a soft brush to the boots and then leave them for around 24 hours for it to soak into the leather. It will also condition and soften the leather as well making it more flexible and more comfortable to walk it. You can use specialist leather conditioning cream but it costs a lot more yet does the same job.

Alan Kilroy

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Re: Waxing/Greasing Boots.......wet or dry?
« Reply #9 on: 17:21:24, 02/10/17 »
Actually Matchbox, I used to and still do that with my Doc Martens........seemed to work OK aswell. Shiny at first but then soaks in.
Cheers.

Mel

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Re: Waxing/Greasing Boots.......wet or dry?
« Reply #10 on: 19:33:37, 02/10/17 »
I'm skeptical about the pores thing. Even living skin pores don't open and close so can't see leather ones doing it. They're just little holes. Not even sure they go all the way through. They dont in your living  skin. If waxing damp boots is really better then I reckon it's for other reasons like slowing drying down.



Good point.  Keeping on with the skin/leather connection, most girlies will know it's best to moisturise straight after a shower as the skin is more absorbent then.  I guess the same principle could be applied for leather  :)

bricam2096

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Re: Waxing/Greasing Boots.......wet or dry?
« Reply #11 on: 19:42:25, 02/10/17 »

Good point.  Keeping on with the skin/leather connection, most girlies will know it's best to moisturise straight after a shower as the skin is more absorbent then.  I guess the same principle could be applied for leather  :)

you have leather skin?  :D :D
LDWs done - 32 in total including 16 National Trails and 3 C2C

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Mel

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Re: Waxing/Greasing Boots.......wet or dry?
« Reply #12 on: 19:53:06, 02/10/17 »
You'll have a slapped [censored] if you're not careful miladdo  :knuppel2:

 

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