Leather is a popular choice of material for shoes, boots, and a lot of other items as it is durable and looks good. However, leather can be prone to water damage if not treated properly. There are a few ways to protect leather shoes and boots from water but does shoe polish do a good job of protecting leather from water?
There are two types of shoe polish: wax-based and cream-based. Wax-based shoe polishes provide a waterproof barrier that can help protect leather against water damage. Cream-based shoe polishes do not provide this same level of protection and should be used for shine and color only. When applied properly, both types of shoe polish will help keep your leather shoes looking their best.
If you are concerned about water damage to your leather shoes, it is best to apply a wax-based shoe polish before wearing them in wet conditions. This will help create a barrier that will protect the leather from water.
Make sure to apply the polish evenly and allow it to dry completely before wearing your shoes. If you are caught in the rain or your shoes get wet, simply wipe them down with a dry cloth to remove any excess water.
To learn the details on the types of shoe polishes, why shoe polish is able to protect leather, and the best waterproofing shoe polishes on the market, read on.
Types Of Shoe Polish – Details
As mentioned earlier, there are two types of shoe polish: wax-based and cream-based. Let me take a few moments to go into more detail on each type.
Cream-Based Shoe Polish
Cream-based shoe polishes do not provide the same level of protection as wax-based polishes. However, they can still be used to add shine and color to the leather.
Cream-based shoe polishes are made with a mixture of water, moisturizing oils, and waxes. This combination helps to add shine and color to the leather without providing the most durable waterproofing barrier.
The waterproofing action you get with cream-based shoe polish is more like a water-repellent coating. This means that it will help to beads water off the surface of the leather but it will not provide the same level of protection as a wax-based shoe polish. The main uses for cream-based shoe polish are to:
- Provide shine
- Add color to the leather
Wax-Based Shoe Polish
Wax-based shoe polish is made with a mixture of waxes and oils. This combination helps to create a waterproof barrier that will protect your leather shoes from water damage. The main uses of the wax-based shoe polish are to:
- Provide Shine
- Protect leather against water damage
- Add color to the leather
Wax-based shoe polishes provide the best waterproofing barrier that can help protect leather against water damage. They are made with a mixture of natural waxes and oils that form a thick paste.
This paste is then applied to the leather shoes or boots in a thin, even layer. Once applied, the wax dries and creates a protective barrier against water and other elements.
To sum it up, wax-based shoe polishes provide a waterproof barrier that can help protect leather against water damage. Cream-based shoe polishes do not provide this same level of protection and should be used for shine and color only. When applied properly, both types of shoe polish will help keep your leather shoes and boots looking their best.
Why Does Shoe Polish Protect Leather From Water?
There are about 2 main reasons why shoe polish can help protect leather against water damage. Below are the reasons:
1. The Wax In The Shoes Polish
The main reason why shoe polish is able to protect leather from water damage is because of the wax that is used in the polish. As mentioned earlier, most shoe polishes contain a mixture of natural waxes.
Some of the common waxes used in shoe polish include Carnauba wax and/or beeswax, and paraffin wax. These waxes work together to create a water-resistant barrier on the surface of the leather.
This barrier is what prevents water from seeping into the leather and causing damage. While it is true that the waxes in shoe polish do offer some protection against water damage, it is important to note that this protection is not foolproof.
There are a lot more the waxes shoe polish do for leather shoes and boots.
- The waxes in the shoe polish add shine and luster to the leather.
- It also provides protection for your leather to prevent scuffing and scratching.
- Finally, waxes in shoe polish provide color stabilization for your leather goods. What this means is that it allows you to change or rejuvenate the color of a leather item as shoe polishes also contain dyes.
2. The Oils In The Shoe Polish
Another reason why shoe polish is able to protect leather from water damage is because of the oils that are used in the polish. Just like the waxes, most shoe polishes are suspended in a carrier oil.
Some of the common oils used in shoe polishes include neatsfoot oil, mink oil, etc. These oils work to condition the leather and keep it from drying out.
Dry leather is much more susceptible to water damage than properly conditioned leather. This is because dry leather does not have the same elasticity that conditioned leather does.
As a result, dry leather is much more likely to crack and break when it comes into contact with water. The oils in shoe polish help to prevent this by keeping the leather supple and pliable.
While the oils in shoe polish do offer some protection against water damage, it is important to note that this protection is also not foolproof.
How Does Shoe Polish Protect Leather From Water?
Now that we know the two main ingredients in shoe polish that help protects the leather from water damage, let’s take a look at how they work together to create this barrier.
- Shoe Polish Creates A Barrier On The Leather
Shoe polish works by creating a barrier on the leather. This barrier is created by the waxes and oils in the shoe polish. The waxes and oils form a thin layer on the leather that helps to repel water.
The main reason that shoe polish works so well at repelling water is because of the way it interacts with the water molecules.
Shoe polish is hydrophobic, which means that it repels water. The waxes and oils in shoe polish are not attracted to water molecules, so they form a barrier that prevents water from penetrating the leather.
Shoe polish is also able to help to protect the leather from dirt and stains. The waxes and oils in shoe polish create a barrier that dirt and stains cannot penetrate.
- Shoe Polish Swells The Leather Fibers
Another way the shoe polish can help to protect leather from water damage is by swelling the leather fibers.
When the leather gets wet, the fibers swell and expand. This expansion can cause the leather to crack and break.
Shoe polish works by swelling the fibers of the leather so that no water can penetrate them. This swelling helps to protect the leather from water damage.
It also ensures that they are less likely to expand when they get wet. This also helps to prevent the leather from cracking and breaking.
- Shoe Polish Seal Any Scratches And Creases In The Leather
Shoe polish can also help to protect the leather by sealing any scratches, scuff marks, and creases on the surface of the leather.
When the leather is scratched, it creates a gap in the surface of the leather. This gap allows water to penetrate the leather and cause damage.
Shoe polish works by filling these gaps and sealing them so that no water can penetrate the leather. This helps to protect the leather from water damage and keep it looking new.
- Shoe Polish Seals The Welts Of The Leather Shoes Or Boots
Shoe polish can also help to protect the leather by sealing the welts of the leather shoes or boots.
The welt is the strip of leather that runs around the edge of the shoe or boot. It helps to attach the sole of the shoe to the upper.
When the welt is not sealed, water can seep into the shoe or boot and cause damage. Shoe polish works by sealing the welts so that no water can penetrate the leather.
This helps to protect the leather from water damage and keep your shoes or boots looking new.
- Shoe Polish Makes The Leather More Slick Or Slippery
Last but not least, shoe polish makes leather surfaces so slick that water droplets will simply bounce off the surface.
This is because water is attracted to itself and wants to stay in a liquid state. When water comes into contact with something that is very slick, it will not be able to adhere to the surface and will simply bounce or bead right off.
Shoe polish works by making the leather so slick that water droplets will simply bead right off the surface. This helps to protect the leather from water damage and keep it looking new.
Best Shoe Polishes That Protect Leather From Water
Now that we know how shoe polish works to protect leather from water damage, let’s take a look at some of the best shoe polishes that you can use to protect your leather goods. So in no particular order;
1. Premium Wax Shoe Polish
This shoe polish is made with a blend of natural waxes that help to create a durable, water-resistant barrier.
The waxes in this shoe polish work to seal the surface of the leather and prevent water from penetrating the leather. This shoe polish also helps to protect the leather from dirt and stains. It can be used on all types of leather. You can check it out over here on Amazon if you’re interested.
2. KIWI Shoe Polish
The KIWI Shoe Polish is the number one best-selling shoe polish on Amazon for a reason. It’s a great all-around shoe polish that works to protect the leather from water damage, dirt, and stains.
This shoe polish is made with a blend of natural waxes and oils that work together to create a durable, water-resistant barrier. The waxes in this shoe polish work to seal the surface of the leather and prevent water from penetrating the leather.
The oils in this shoe polish help to nourish and condition the leather. This helps to keep the leather looking new. You can check it out over here on Amazon if you’re interested.
3. Cadillac Select Premium Cream Shoe Polish
If you’re a fan of shoe cream polishes then you might greatly fancy the Cadillac Select Premium Cream Shoe Polish.
This shoe cream polish is made with a blend of natural pigments, waxes, and oils that work together to create a durable, water-resistant barrier and also help to nourish and condition the leather.
The pigments in this shoe cream polish help to hide scuffs, scratches, and stains. The waxes in this shoe cream polish work to seal the surface of the leather and prevent water from penetrating the leather. The oils in this shoe cream polish help to keep the leather looking new. You can check it out over here on Amazon if you’re interested.
How Else Can You Protect Leather From Water?
There are other ways that you can protect leather from water damage. In addition to using shoe polish, you can also waterproof your shoes with a waterproofing spray.
Waterproofing sprays help to create an invisible barrier that repels water and protects against stains. You can find waterproofing sprays online like this one from KIWI on Amazon which is suitable for all types of materials.
Doing all these things will help to extend the life of your leather goods and keep them looking new.
Tips On How To Properly Apply Shoe Polish
Now that we’ve taken a look at some of the best shoe polishes for protecting leather from water damage, let’s take a look at some tips on how to apply shoe polish.
- Always test the shoe polish on an inconspicuous area of the leather before applying it to the entire surface. This will help you to see how the shoe polish will react with the leather.
- When applying shoe polish to the leather, always use a soft, clean cloth. Rub the shoe polish into the leather in small circular motions.
- Make sure to evenly cover the entire surface of the leather. Let the shoe polish dry completely before wearing or using the item.
- Always choose the best quality shoe polish that you can afford. Cheap shoe polishes may not provide the same level of protection as premium shoe polishes.
- Make sure to buff the leather after the shoe polish has dried. This will help to create a shine and also help to spread the shoe polish evenly over the surface of the leather.
- Buffing also helps to give the leather surface a bit of extra protection.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it, everything that you need to know about shoe polish and how it can help to protect leather from water damage. Shoe polish can definitely help to extend protect leather from water.
Wax-based shoe polishes are going to be your best bet when it comes to protection against water damage.
If you’re looking for a great all-around shoe polish that will protect your leather from water damage, dirt, and stains then I highly recommend the KIWI Shoe Polish.
Thanks for reading! We hope that this article has been helpful. Until next time! cheers! 🙂
FAQs
Q: What is the best shoe polish for protecting leather from water damage?
A: The best shoe polishes for protecting leather from water damage are typically wax-based. Waxes work to create a barrier that prevents water from penetrating the surface of the leather.
Q: How do I apply shoe polish to my leather shoes?
A: When applying shoe polish to your leather shoes, always use a soft, clean cloth. Rub the shoe polish into the leather in small circular motions. Make sure to evenly cover the entire surface of the leather. Let the shoe polish dry completely before wearing or using the item.
Q: Should I buff my shoes after applying shoe polish?
A: Yes, you should definitely buff your shoes after applying shoe polish. Buffing helps to create a shine and also helps to spread the shoe polish evenly over the surface of the leather. Buffing also helps to give the leather surface a bit of extra protection.
