When waterproofing leather shoes at home, you start with cleaning the shoes. Test the wax in a small area to check for compatibility. When compatible, rub the wax and let it dry. Finally, test if the waterproofing took effect.
No matter how much you love your leather shoes, you can’t just always wear them in the rain. Unless, of course, you were able to waterproof your shoes.
Leather shoes (or any other shoes) are just not for wet weather.
But there is always a way.
With waterproofing, you can wear your leather shoes even in all that snow (or rain).
Here, we tell you how.
- Get Some Wax
- Clean
- Test the Wax
- Rub the Wax
- Dry
- Test
The most common waterproofing material is wax.
A hunk of beeswax would do. Also, you can use a colorless candle.
In this manner of waterproofing, the beeswax will always do the trick. You can get them from hardware stores.
But if there are none, you can settle for a clear and odorless wax candle.
Just make sure the candle is not dyed. Otherwise, you will stain the leather shoes.
Start by cleaning your leather shoes.
Clean using a cloth.
For the wax to settle properly, find a spotless surface on your shoe.
Remember that you have to clean your shoes well. When you start waxing without cleaning them first, you run the risk of trapping the dirt.
Cleaning them afterward would be harder.
Also, make sure the shoes are dry before you start.
The next step is to test the wax.
Make sure to do this on an inconspicuous part of your leather shoe. This should give you an idea of how it would look.
This is to test as well that the wax will not stain.
Make sure to use an off-white type of wax. This should blend smoothly with your shoe.
If you are using a colored wax, make sure that the wax matches the shade of your shoe.
This is now the step when you rub the wax on the outside of the shoe.
Do this vigorously back and forth. You need to do this until you form a thick layer on the part of the shoe you need to protect.
Make sure that the parts of the shoe you want to protect are also covered.
Before you stop the process, double-check. You have to ensure that you do not miss any spots. Otherwise, water will seep through these missed spots.
While you are rubbing, the wax may cause some discoloration. But this is no cause for worry. They will disappear on the latter part of the waterproofing process.
With this step, you can use a dryer.
Switch on the hairdryer. Point it on the shoe.
Direct all that heat to the shoe until the wax melts.
When drying, make sure to move over the shoe very slowly. Turn the shoe from one side to the other and make sure that all that wax melts.
During this time, you would notice that the wax is starting to fade from the shoes.
Once done with one shoe, do the same with the other.
All you need to do now is to test.
See how well you were able to waterproof the leather shoe.
To test, get a cup of water.
Pour the water on the toe section of your leather shoes. If you were successful with the waterproofing process, the water should bead up. This should roll right off your shoes.
Now, if the shoe absorbs the water, you may have to do the procedure again.
Apply a second coating of the wax. Make sure, however, that before you apply the second coating, the shoe is already dry.
How do you treat leather shoes with waterproofing spray?
In treating leather shoes with waterproofing spray, one has to spray it on the shoe. Once done, leave the shoe overnight in a well-ventilated area to dry.
Waterproofing sprays are great with any type of shoe. Whether it is leather or a shoe of absorbent fabric, you will always get the best results.
The sprayed wax settles nicely on the shoe.
This method of waterproofing is easier, too.
Purchase a Spray
The market can offer you different brands and styles of sprays. But no matter the brand, they all have the same purpose. And that is to waterproof your shoes.
When looking for the best waterproofing spray, there are ingredients to consider. These are silicone and acrylic polymers.
These ingredients are effective in blocking water. As such, it should also prevent the growth of mold and mildew.
Waterproofing sprays are usually sold in shoe stores.
Start Spraying
When spraying, hold the can about six to eight inches away from the shoe.
Spray lightly and evenly. Make sure that the waterproofing spray evenly covers the shoe. It should cover every part as necessary.
Make sure to spray on the seam.
While tempting, do not saturate. Once the spray starts to glisten and settle on the shoe’s surface, stop spraying.
One way to easily do this is to hang the shoe.
This way, you can be accurate in spraying the needed area. This also ensures you will not spray the chemical on your hand.
Another reminder is the location. Make sure to work in a well-ventilated area.
You can work outdoors. This is ideal. But if you cannot, make sure to turn on the overhead fan for ventilation.
Wipe
After spraying, there will always be excess chemicals.
Wipe them off using a microfiber cloth. You can also use a hand towel.
Wipe lightly. Do not put so much pressure when wiping. Perhaps a few gentle dabs would do the trick.
Take note that you should not use paper towels when wiping. Paper towels come with shedding fibers. The sticky spray can trap these fibers and will become part of your shoe.
This would be hard to clean up later on.
Dry
Most waterproofing sprays dry up within 20 to 30 minutes.
But to guarantee absolute waterproofing, it is best to dry your shoes within 24 to 48 hours. It is only after this period that you can put your shoes to the test.
Hairdryers are not advisable tools to dry. When drying, do not use an external heat source. The same is true if you are planning to put this near the fire. That should be a bad decision.
An external heat source can distract the chemical process during waterproofing. It can interfere with the bonding. This will damage the shoe in time.
Also, these chemicals may create a fire hazard.
Reapply
Waterproofing sprays are not as resilient as the previous option.
Beeswax are better options.
But if you prefer spraying because it is easier, make sure to do the process again after about 7 to 8 usage. This should be ideal, especially if you are in a wet or snowy area.
But in dry and tropical areas, you can spray your leather shoes whenever necessary.
What household items can you use to waterproof leather shoes?
Candles and beeswax are household items you can use to waterproof leather shoes. You would also need a hairdryer. Finally, get a piece of cloth for cleaning.
Before we start, we just have to clarify something.
Waterproofing can make your leather shoes resistant to water on some levels. But it cannot 100% shoo away water.
When your shoes have a special lining, that would be a different story.
Waterproofing your leather shoes will make them resistant. They can be highly resistant to water at all times. This is true, especially if the waterproofing was just recently finished.
Now, how do you make your shoe water-resistant?
There are a few things at home that you can use.
You don’t always have to go to a shoe store and ask.
Even familiar items at home can help. If you don’t have them at home, a hardware store can help you out.
After this, we can assure you that your shoes will no longer soak wet in the rain.
But one word of caution.
Before you start waterproofing your shoes, make sure that you are aware of the material.
From what material are your shoes made?
This is something you need to know. The reason is that different shoes require different ways of waterproofing.
Also, when you choose the wrong product, you may damage your shoes instead of protecting them.
Let’s start.
As you can see, there are three simple ways that you can make your shoes resistant to water.
Here they are.
Wax-based Polish
These are those that you use on your shoes to make them shine.
By doing this, you also apply a thin layer of protection on the surface of your shoe. This should make your shoe resistant to water as well as salt.
Your aim is just to make the shoeshine. But in the process, you also apply protection to your shoes.
To ensure you get maximum protection, apply the shoe polish every two wears.
Waterproof Compounds
You can buy these compounds in stores. And if there is one purpose this brings, it is protection.
When you can apply these correctly, these compounds can do a great job at protecting your shoes.
They stick longer to the shoe’s surface. At least they do when compared to shoe polish.
You need to be aware, though, that these compounds do not create a shine. These are just applied to make sure to seal out water and moisture.
If you want your shoes to shine, apply the polish after the compound has dried and set.
Sprays
As discussed earlier, these are those that provide your shoe with a layer of protection.
The method is simple.
But if there is one common issue with this method, it is breathability. According to most, sprays do not allow the leather material to breathe.
In the long run, the silicone contained in the spray can also dry out your shoes.
Reapplication is also needed every after a few wears.
Now, these products are those you can apply to leather shoes for protection from moisture.
One can easily buy them online or from a local store.
But other items can also make your shoes resistant to water. And what makes these better options is because they are cheaper. Most times, they also just lie around the house.
Read on and learn.
Candles/Beeswax
This is the most common of all items.
All you need is a candle and a hairdryer.
As you already know, you clean your shoes first. Then, you apply the wax. And finally, you dry with a hairdryer.
Aside from this method, there are a few more that you have to remember.
These extra tips should ensure your shoes are well-protected from moisture 100%.
– Make sure to apply waterproofing products on or before you first wear it. This should be when the shoes are new.
– When using a waterproofing compound, make sure to apply them evenly.
– The cloth that you use in cleaning should be soft. Make sure to clean your shoes all the time before the waterproofing process.
– Some shoes have laces. When you have these, take them out first before applying the waterproofing product.
– Shoes that are not black tend to stain. Make sure to do a patch test before rubbing all that wax. Do this in a part of a shoe that is hard to notice. Also, read the instructions before anything else.
These types are mostly for women.- Some shoes have extras like jewels. When you have these, ensure that they are first covered. Cover them before applying the waterproofing product.
– The reapplication of waterproofing products should be regular. This would be able to preserve your shoes and make them last longer.
– Expensive shoes should get most of your care. Otherwise, they will meet their end sooner than later.
– Water and salt can create stains on your shoes.
– Waterproofing also provides the wearer with comfort. You cannot just walk around with wet and sloshy feet!