Alternatively, use a dampened cloth to wipe all around the surface of the shoe. Just leave the shoes to dry completely before moving on to the next step. At this point, you may also want to remove the laces from your shoes. This will give you easier access to the tongue of the shoe and will prevent any polish from getting on the laces. You can also clean your shoes with saddle soap or baby shampoo mixed with a little bit of water. Don’t soak your shoes in the process, though![6] X Expert Source Penny SimmonsShoe Care Specialist Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.
The easiest way to use an old t-shirt is to wrap the material tightly around your index and middle fingers and use them to work the polish into the shoes. Use a toothbrush or q-tip to work the polish into the hard-to-reach places, such as the edge of the upper and the cracks in the tongue. You may also want to apply polish to the sole of each shoe, in the space between the toe and heel which doesn’t touch the ground. Try to apply the polish in a really thin layer. [8] X Expert Source Penny SimmonsShoe Care Specialist Expert Interview. 19 November 2020.
If you feel like your shoes require another layer of polish, apply this second layer using the same technique as above. Remember to use the minimum amount of polish necessary to cover the shoe. It is better to build-up multiple light layers than apply a single thick layer.
Most of the movement involved in these strokes should come from your wrist. Keep the rest of your arm stationary while your wrist quickly flicks the brush back and forth. Make sure to evenly brush the surface of both shoes. When you are done, the shoes should have an even finish with a slight shine. If super shiny shoes are not your thing, you can stop here.
Some people like to breath on the shoe (as if fogging a mirror) before buffing to increase shine. If you like, you can place the first shoe on a shoe butler (or on your foot) to make this process easier.
Keep repeating this process until you achieve the desired level of shine. Just make sure that you let each layer of polish dry fully before applying the next. Spit shining can be done using a soft cloth or a number of cotton balls.
Once you have applied several layers of the melted polish, you can take the fire play once step further by using your lighter to evenly heat the polish on the surface of the shoe, until it melts and achieves a wet look. Do not let the flame actually touch the shoe and move the lighter constantly, as if spray painting. Once the polish has evenly melted, allow it to dry. Apply one final layer of polish, then buff the shoes with a soft cloth to achieve a high-glass shine.
