How To Waterproof Leather Boots (6 Amazing Tips)
Shrug Off Water With These Tips on How To Waterproof Leather Boots
Some of the most satisfying jobs are the most demanding on your wardrobe and your footwear.
Quality leather work boots are an expensive part of a work wear ensemble. To ensure the life and longevity of your footwear investment, it is necessary to learn how to waterproof leather boots.
The Following Information Will Explain The Use Of Simple BUT Effective Ingredients & Techniques When Looking For The Best Ways Of How To Waterproof Boots.
Oils
Many types of footwear will benefit from the use of oils to keep out unwanted moisture and increase the life of the boots.
When waterproofing leather boots with oils such as mink, mineral, or neatsfoot, it is essential that the oil not be applied too liberally to the leather.
Over saturation with these oils will cause the fibers in the leather to separate and discolor.
To apply these oils, use a soft cloth with a moderate amount of oil on it to cover the work boot evenly with the oil.
For oils that are available in a hardened block form, rub the block over the boot from side to side and from top to bottom.
Using a soft cloth, rub the oil into the leather evenly.
Boot owners who use this type of waterproofing method will need to re-apply a new coat of oil every 4 weeks or so and after each time that the boots get wet.
Silicone Polymer Spray
When people are searching for how to waterproof boots, they often choose to use a commercial silicone polymer spray to do the job.
These types of sprays can be purchased in many different places such as sporting goods retailers, large corporate retailers, and in many different places online.
These sprays are fast and easy to use.
To apply a polymer spray to a pair of leather work boots, it is important to first prepare the leather by cleaning it.
The shape of the boot can be held by inserting crumpled newsprint into the opening to hold the shaft upright while spraying and drying.
When the boots are adequately cleaned and dry, it is time to prepare an area to begin spraying.
Lay out newspaper to protect the surrounding area from over spray and read all instructions that come with the product.
Holding the can the suggested distance (usually 8-12 inches) from the boots, pointing the spray nozzle away from the face, depress the spray button on the top of the can to deliver a steady and clear spray of the product.
Apply a light coat of spray over the entire area of the boot and allow to dry.
Apply a second coat if necessary.
This type of waterproofing method will need a re-application every month or so and is recommended after each time that the boots are subject to large amounts of moisture.
Acrylic Co-Polymer Spray
This spray is the newest type of waterproofing boots and may be the best way to waterproof leather boots.
When sprayed on the surface of the boots, the spray forms a covering for the leather that is impenetrable to external moisture while retaining the ability of allowing the leather to breathe when using this method of leather waterproofing.
Applying this spray follows the same basic principals as the silicone polymer sprays.
Ensure that the surfaces to be treated are clean and free of dirt and debris.
Working in an adequately ventilated area covered in newspaper or some other kind of protective covering, spray an even coat of acrylic co polymer onto all of the surfaces of the work boots.
Re-apply this spray periodically as needed and after excessive exposure to moisture or for extended periods of time in wet conditions.
Creams
Many seasoned outdoors people who have long been boot waterproofing, their preferences for waterproofing methods come from traditional methods and natural materials.
One of these tried and true methods is to use the cream created from sheep’s wool oil called lanolin. This all natural substance has been used for centuries for many things including the waterproofing of leather.
Lanolin becomes a solid substance when it is cool, which is in turn used to treat the surfaces of many leather products including work boots.
This creamy material is spread on the leather and worked in with a soft cloth to make the leather pliable and waterproof.
Because this is an all natural oil derived cream, it is not recommended for man made materials such as plethora or suede.
Pastes
Leather waterproofing materials often come in a paste form from retailers and dealers online.
There is a wide range of different brands and application types from which to choose.
Once the brand is chosen, most of the instructions for applying a waterproofing cream to leather work boots are universal.
Assure that all of the surfaces to be treated are clean and dry.
Apply a liberal amount of paste to a clean cloth. Starting on the side of the boot, rub the paste in by using back and forth motions.
Continue this action around the boot, covering all areas that are exposed and need to be waterproofed.
Allow to dry before subjecting the boots to any external moisture.
Waxes
Using waxes for shoe waterproofing is another popular method of waterproofing work boots.
The most popular type of wax to use is natural bees wax, which can be found at many retail, farm and leather shops, and online stores.
To use this method when waterproofing work boots, warm the wax and boots slightly to make them more pliable.
Rub the wax across the boot in both directions while using fingers and tools to reach into cracks and crevices.
After application, heat the boots again slightly and smooth out any uneven areas with fingers.
Allow to cool and cure for at least one day in a warm and dry place.
Leather may become permanently darker and temporarily stiffer.
Taking care of your feet begins with waterproofing leather work boots.
To ensure that your boots will keep your feet dry and warm, it is important to know the best way to waterproof leather boots.
There are a number of different methods to waterproofing leather, and it is up to you to choose the method that is right for your boot waterproofing needs.
Regardless of how the boot waterproofing is done, it is an essential component to keeping your feet comfy, dry, and happy all day long.
Read our guide on waterproof work boots
